Download Finance Director

Northern Stage
Applicant Information Pack
Finance Director
Thank you for your interest in the post of Finance Director at Northern Stage.
The contents of this pack include:
 An introduction to Northern Stage
 Job description & person specification
 Summary of Terms
 Application form
How to apply
Please complete the application form and equal opportunities monitoring form; CV’s cannot be
accepted. Please use the application form to outline your interest in this role and what skills and
experience you would bring to Northern Stage. Please refer directly to the job description and
person specification.
Your application should be addressed to:
Kate Denby, Executive Director
Please submit your application by email to:
Philippa Leith, Executive Assistant
[email protected]
Or you can submit your application by post to: Philippa Leith
Executive Assistant
Northern Stage
Barras Bridge
Newcastle upon Tyne
NE1 7RH
Please mark your email / envelope:
Application – Finance Director
The closing date for applications is:
Wednesday 10 August 2016, 12 noon
Receipt of your application will be confirmed by email
Interviews are likely to be held:
Thursday 25 August 2016
Please note you may be called to interview at short notice
About Northern Stage
Northern Stage creates and presents stylish, imaginative and accessible theatrical experiences of
international quality and ambition. From our home in Newcastle upon Tyne we present a
performance programme of classic and contemporary drama, dance and comedy on three stages:
Stage 1, a 449 seat main house; Stage 2, a 160-seat studio; and Stage 3, a 90-seat fringe space. Each
year we produce 7-8 in-house productions, co-productions and tours, and present the best in local,
national and international touring theatre on the small- and mid-scale. We see producing and coproducing as fundamental to the future health of the theatre and intend to keep growing our
capacity and ambition over coming years.
Over the last four years we have developed an innovative artist development programme,
supporting a diverse range of artists to create ambitious and adventurous theatre. We are
increasingly working in co-production or in association with these artists to produce, present and
promote their work in Newcastle and beyond. Each summer we run a venue at the Edinburgh
Festival, supporting artists from across the region to present and promote their work at the largest
arts festival in the world.
Northern Stage strives to be at the forefront of re-imagining the possibilities of what a 21st century
regional producing theatre can be. We take a considerable strategic and developmental
responsibility for artists and companies from within our region and seek an ambitious effective
original thinker to help us on this mission.
The operational structure
Northern Stage has a turnover of £3 million, of which 50% comes from Arts Council England, 30%
from Box Office and artistic activity, 10% from fundraising and 10% from commercial activity. The
café bar facilities are operated under a franchise. The company has unrestricted reserves of £300k,
and has achieved a balanced or surplus budget in each of the last 10 years. This summer we are
undertaking a £350k capital redevelopment of our fringe space, Stage 3, which is due to complete in
autumn 2016. We are currently developing a new business plan and have ambitions to grow our
turnover significantly over the next 5 years.
Northern Stage currently comprises of two companies: Northern Stage Ltd is a company limited by
guarantee and registered charity, and oversees the whole operations of the organisation; Northern
Stage Enterprises Ltd is a subsidiary company and special purpose vehicle through which Northern
Stage productions and co-productions can run, enabling the theatre to take advantage of the
government’s new theatre tax relief scheme through a corporate tax claim. Northern Stage is VAT
registered, and VAT on income and expenditure is fully recoverable.
The companies are managed by a joint-Chief Executive: Artistic Director Lorne Campbell and
Executive Director Kate Denby. They report to a Board of 12 Directors, led by Chair Simon Elliott.
The Board meets 4-5 times a year, and receives reports from a number of sub-committees: Finance,
Development, Capital and Catering. The role of Company Secretary is held by the Finance Director.
Northern Stage has a permanent staff of 36, of whom 10 are members of Senior Team, including the
Finance Director, and a large number of casual and freelance staff employed as needed.
Job Title:
Responsible to:
Responsible for:
Finance Director
Executive Director
Finance Manager, Finance Assistant
Main purpose of the post:
The Finance Director will play a vital role in achieving the creative transformation of our business
and operating model, working closely with the Executive Director to formulate and implement the
business and financial strategy to ensure our long-term sustainability. The Finance Director has both
a strategic and operational role: s/he will keep a close eye on developments in the charity, tax and
funding sectors and will work with the auditors to ensure that Northern Stage financial practices are
accurate, transparent and competitive; and will work closely throughout the year with Heads of
Departments and budget holders to manage and review day to day finances. The Finance Director
will offer inspirational leadership and management of the Finance department, comprising of a
Finance Manager and Finance Assistant. The Finance Director is a member of Senior Team and
reports to the Executive Director and the Board.
Duties:
Senior & Departmental Management
 To take senior management responsibility for all aspects of the company’s financial
management in accordance with the Charity Commissions SORP and the Companies Act
 To act as a member of Senior Team, contributing appropriately to Northern Stage’s strategic
planning processes and supporting the Executive Director in the preparation of long-term
financial plans and modelling
 To prepare and present financial and other related reports as and when required by the
Executive Director and Board, and to attend meetings of the Board of Directors
 To prepare and present proposed updates to financial policy for approval by the Executive
Director and Board of Directors
 To act as Company Secretary and ensure legal and charitable compliance in the governance of
Northern Stage, and manage all returns to statutory authorities
 To keep abreast of financial practices including legislation, VAT, Theatre Tax Relief, Gift Aid,
pensions, banking developments, audit requirements, and ensure that the company’s finances
are managed to the best advantage at all times
 To advise non-financial staff and budget holders on the appropriate treatment of VAT, Gift Aid
and tax issues etc. as they relate to operational activity
 To provide support to the Executive Director in personnel matters including contracts, pay
benchmarking, employment compliance procedures, and to provide administrative support in
the event of HR disputes
 To be a key contact for the company with external parties including the accountant, auditor,
bank relationship manager and HMRC, and to represent Northern Stage at relevant local,
regional and national meetings or bodies
 To support initiatives and measures that will exploit resources with particular regards to
increasing Northern Stage’s earned income
 To ensure compliance with and actively promote the theatre’s Equal Opportunity,
Environmental and Health & Safety policies in every aspect of the work of Northern Stage’s
finance team

To provide inspirational and active leadership and be responsible for the line management of
the Finance team
Financial Strategy, Budgeting and Controls
 To prepare the annual budget, working closely with the Executive Director
 To oversee and ensure the accurate production of regular (monthly or quarterly) management
accounts, balance sheets and cashflows for the Executive Director and Board, working closely
with the Executive Director on reforecasting and financial analysis
 To oversee and ensure the accurate production of year-end accounts for all Northern Stage
companies, and to lead on liaison with the auditors
 To lead on cashflow planning and manage overall cashflow, ensuring adequate funds are
available to settle liabilities as they fall due and that funds are invested in accordance with
agreed policy
 To make claims for Theatre Tax Relief in a timely fashion and to advise on and implement
systems to maximise the relief
 To ensure that the Executive Director is accurately informed about the company’s financial
position at all times
 To prepare financial systems and procedures for approval by the Executive Director and the
Board of Directors and ensure that these systems are adhered to across the organisation
 To support the Executive Director and budget holders with timely and accurate financial
information, and assist in developing effective systems for monitoring, reviewing and forecasting
box office, trading and other income streams
 To prepare financial information for funding applications and monitoring, and other strategic
financial matters as required
 To coordinate and report on risk management and the risk register
 To act as an authorised signatory and process BACS transfers as required
 Any other duties as reasonably requested by the Artistic or Executive Directors, consummate
with the post for which the post holder has the necessary experience and/or training
Person specification
Essential
 A recognised professional financial qualification and substantial finance experience
 A proven track record as a successful finance professional taking responsibility for the day-to-day
financial functions of an organisation with a turnover of at least £1 million
 Demonstrable knowledge and experience of management accounts, charities SORP, cash flow
and year-end accounting
 Sound grasp of business planning and management, including demonstrable skills in risk
analysis, forecasting and problem solving
 Proven commercial experience in setting and meeting profit targets
 The ability to interpret and communicate financial information to non-finance people
 A proven understanding of VAT
 A forensic eye for detail and transparent reporting systems
 Full IT competence, in particular Microsoft Excel, Sage 200 and Sage Payroll
 Excellent verbal and written communications
 Credibility and absolute discretion
 A commitment to diversity and equality of opportunity
Desirable
 Experience of financial management of an arts building
 Knowledge of the political and funding environment in which the arts currently operate
 An interest in theatre and sympathy with the organisations charitable aims
 Experience in managing staff
 Some experience of employment law
Terms & conditions of service
Salary:
Hours:
Holiday:
Commensurate with experience
3 days per week (24 hours), plus occasional evenings and weekends
No overtime payments are available. Northern Stage operates a time off in lieu
system.
28 days per year including Bank Holidays (pro rata)
This post is subject to a three month probationary period.
Benefits:
Complimentary or discounted tickets to selected shows (non transferable and subject to availability)
Discounted tickets to Newcastle/Gateshead Cultural Venues subject to T&Cs
Northern Stage offers professional development opportunities to all its employees