Chief Finance Officer

The Old Vic

. Develop The Old Vic’s financial strategy and financial risk management .

Posted 10/16/2026full-timeLondon • United KingdomLead💰 £100,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in financial strategy development, risk management, and compliance within the charity sector, alongside strong leadership capabilities in managing finance teams and stakeholder relationships.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Qualified Accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA)Financial Leadership ExperienceCharity Finance KnowledgeFinancial Controls DevelopmentStakeholder Management Skills

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

BudgetingForecastingStatutory ReportingTreasury ManagementCashflow ManagementFinancial AnalysisRisk Management FrameworksFinancial Systems ImplementationCompliance ProcessesAudit Management

Soft Skills

LeadershipCommunicationAnalytical SkillsAttention to DetailOrganisational Development

Tools & Technologies

Financial SystemsData-Driven Decision-MakingTechnology Improvement

Certifications & Qualifications

ACAACCACIMA

Industry Keywords

Charity LawGovernanceRegulatory RequirementsGDPR ComplianceFundraisingGrant FundingCultural Organisations

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Develop The Old Vic’s financial strategy and financial risk management
Oversee the organisation’s overall financial management and day-to-day finance operation
Advise the Chief Executive, Board of Trustees and Board Committees on governance, compliance and organisational risk
Lead budgeting, forecasting, management accounting, statutory reporting, treasury, cashflow, investment, debt and insurance management
Prepare annual budgets, reforecasts, statutory accounts, management accounts and financial reporting
Provide strategic financial analysis, business partnering and commercial insight for productions and operations
Lead financial risk management and ensure appropriate mitigations
Oversee relationships with auditors, banks, funders, advisers and other external stakeholders
Manage The Old Vic’s Endowment portfolio and Endowment Board meetings
Improve financial systems, reporting, processes and ways of working using technology
Lead, develop and inspire the Finance team of approximately eight people
Lead insurance, procurement and purchasing
Lead systems and data transformation initiatives with IT and Operations
Manage annual capital expenditure commitments of approximately £500,000
Serve as lead officer for governance and act as Company Secretary or oversee the company secretariat function
Support Trustees and committees through agendas, papers, minutes, governance calendars and annual work plans
Maintain statutory registers and oversee filings with Companies House, the Charity Commission and other regulators
Lead legal risk management and coordinate external legal advisers
Oversee significant contracts, agreements, intellectual property, licensing, data protection and contractual compliance
Develop and maintain the organisation-wide compliance framework
Act as principal Data Protection Officer and ensure GDPR compliance and training
Maintain the corporate risk register and lead the risk management framework
Oversee internal controls, assurance processes, business continuity, crisis management and organisational resilience

Requirements

What you’ll need

Fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent)
Significant senior financial leadership experience
Proven experience leading high-performing finance functions, including team leadership, staff development and business partnering
Strong understanding of charity finance, charity law, governance and regulatory requirements
Experience preparing statutory accounts and managing audits
Significant experience supporting Boards, Trustees and Committees with strategic financial, governance and risk advice
Experience developing and implementing financial controls, risk management frameworks, compliance processes and organisational assurance arrangements
Experience overseeing legal, contractual and regulatory matters, including managing external advisers
Experience leading finance transformation, process improvement and systems implementation initiatives
Knowledge of fundraising, grant funding, VAT, Gift Aid, GDPR and other regulatory requirements relevant to charities and cultural organisations
Experience working at a senior level within the charity, arts, cultural or similarly regulated sector
Excellent strategic, analytical and commercial skills
Strong financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, treasury and cashflow management expertise
Outstanding communication and stakeholder management skills, with ability to influence and present at Board and Executive level
Strong leadership, people management and organisational development skills
High levels of integrity, judgement, attention to detail and commitment to continuous improvement
Strong understanding of financial systems, technology and data-driven decision-making
Proof of eligibility to work in the UK
Satisfactory references

Benefits

Comp & perks

Hybrid working: mix of home working and work from The Old Vic, with a minimum of 3 office days
Flexible working under the Hybrid Working policy
Reasonable travel costs may be reimbursed for candidates attending the theatre for a conversation if they are struggling financially
Applicants with disabilities who meet the essential criteria will be invited to interview
Two-stage recruitment process with virtual or in-person conversations
Option to apply via video, audio, application form, CV and covering letter