Finance Director

FINANCE DIRECTOR

JOB DESCRIPTION

Salary: £78,000-£85,000 per annum

Terms: Permanent position, full time

Holiday: 20 days plus bank holidays per annum pro rata

Reports to: CEO

Works with: CEO, Executive Chair, Senior Management

Location: Lightroom, 12 Lewis Cubitt Square

Probation: 3 months

Notice: 4 weeks during probationary period; 3 months thereafter

Deadline: 31 May 2023 12pm

BACKGROUND

Lightroom is a new home for spectacular artist-led shows. Launching our programme with a collaboration with David Hockney, in February 2023, we invite the world’s leading creative minds to use our vast space and revolutionary technology to create something new.

Lightroom is located in King’s Cross on Lewis Cubitt Square, adjacent to Coal Drops Yard and Central St Martin’s. The innovative showspace was designed by 59 productions in close collaboration with Haworth Tompkins, who have designed the venue as a sister space to the award winning Bridge Theatre. Along with generous foyer and gift shop, the space also contains a bar and seating area in collaboration with St John.

Lightroom is a collaboration between 59 productions and London Theatre Company backed by a senior group of VC investors.

The chief aim of the enterprise is to create a repertoire of work using cutting-edge projection and audio technology to produce high-intensity cultural experiences affordably at high standards of customer care. The shows will be scheduled in a revolving repertoire throughout the day, seven days a week.

PURPOSE OF THE ROLE

We are looking for a Finance Director to lead Lightroom’s finance function during a dynamic early stage of growth, as we create the next generation of spectacular artist-led shows and cultural venues.

Reporting to the CEO and serving on the executive team, you will oversee the financial strategy, operations and compliance during a time of exciting growth and international expansion, leading on forecasting, reporting, financial analysis, accounting and budgeting. You will advise and partner with the teams across the company and work with London Theatre Company’s Director of Finance and Administration (who has been fulfilling the function to date) to develop budgeting and financial planning abilities by providing financial expertise, establishing strong systems, refining processes and developing strong financial literacy to ensure accountability and ownership across the company.

You will ensure the highest standards of financial management and guide how the company manages income, expenses, and cash flow in a fast-flowing and evolving sector, marrying an understanding of diverse business operations with an appreciation for creative excellence and exemplary visitor experiences.

The finance function is currently provided as an external service by London Theatre Company, one of the joint venture partners and shareholders in Lightroom. It currently consists of a Head of Finance, a Company Accountant, a Payroll and HR Generalist and an Apprentice.

We expect you to be an experienced and efficient leader, and someone with exceptional people skills, business acumen and a passion for creativity and culture. If that sounds like you, we’d love to meet you.

KEY DELIVERABLES/AREAS OF FOCUS

Strategy and Organisational Leadership

● Collaborate with the executive team and London Theatre Company’s Director of Finance and Administration to manage Lightroom’s financial plan, including the development and implementation of financial and business planning models for international replications of Lightroom’s shows

● Advise the CEA and executive team on Lightroom’s financial performance and long-term financial planning

● Report financial information and trends to the board

● Partner with the CEO and executive team in scenario modelling and risk assessments to support strategic issues and decisions

● Shape a company-wide culture of financial accountability

Financial Management

● Manage all financial and accounting functions for Lightroom, including day-to-day and monthly financial reporting, working capital/cash management, financial controls, and risk management

● Develop and manage financial and business planning models and performance metrics that feed into the development of monthly and quarterly reports and annual budgeting

● Ensure effect and compliant business operations, where risk is evaluated and mitigated on an ongoing basis

● Recognise and anticipate opportunities and challenges related to financial systems and processes

● Establish strong external relationships and negotiate with creditors, service providers and other financial entities

● Ensure all financial audits and related filings are completed on time and in good standing

Team Management

● Manage the services relationship with London Theatre Company’s finance team, including supporting a high standard of excellence, accountability, and adaptability in a rapidly changing environment

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Skills

Ideally the candidate will possess the following qualifications:

● Proven financial leadership experience for a rapidly growing organisation

● Exceptional strategic and analytical skills, including financial planning, forecasting, modelling and data analysis

● Experience of providing business wide financial planning and analysis to support decision making, budget development and budget management

● Proven ability to build relationships with and engage board members and senior leaders

● Demonstrated ability to translate big picture strategy into workable financial processes and systems

● Record of success in leading and mentoring high performing teams

● Ability to lead during periods of change, with a sense of calm, optimism and pragmatism

● Capacity to thrive in a fast-paced, complex organisation, withing with teams that have competing priorities and changing schedules and agendas

● Strong communication skills; confidently and clearly conveys information and the rationale for decisions

● Ability to translate complex information and empower other to utilise financial information when making decisions

HOW TO APPLY

To apply, use the following link to upload your CV and covering letter. Your covering letter should detail how you meet the criteria within the person specification and why you would like to be considered for the role.

DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS

Applications for this opportunity will close on 31 May 2023, 12pm with first round interviews taking place w/c 05 June.

We look forward to receiving your application.

We are an equal opportunities employer and value diversity. We encourage applicants from different backgrounds and different experiences.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Salary: £78,000.00-£85,000.00 per year

Ability to commute/relocate:

• King's Cross, Greater London: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (preferred)

Application question(s):

• Do you have previous experience as a financial manager on an arts venue or a creative environment?

Experience:

• Financial management: 3 years (preferred)

Work authorisation:

• United Kingdom (required)

Work Location: In person

Application deadline: 31/05/2023
Reference ID: 1387