Cambridge Literary Festival

Arts Council; Cambridge; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Part time

Job summary

A leading arts organization in Cambridge seeks an experienced freelance Finance Manager to oversee day-to-day financial operations and provide strong financial management. Responsibilities include bookkeeping, management accounts preparation, and payroll. The ideal candidate will have proven experience in financial management within small organizations, particularly in arts or charity sectors, and strong knowledge of accounting software like Sage. This role supports the Cambridge Literary Festival, ensuring effective financial tracking and reporting.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in bookkeeping and financial management in a small organisation or charity.
• Experience preparing management accounts and financial reports.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities.

Responsibilities

• Maintain accurate financial records using accounting software.
• Prepare quarterly management accounts and cashflow forecasts.
• Process monthly payroll for staff and freelancers.

Skills

Bookkeeping and financial management

Knowledge of Sage

Preparation of management accounts

Managing payroll

Numerical accuracy and attention to detail

Strong communication skills

Tools

Sage

Job description

Job Summary

We’re looking for an experienced freelance Finance Manager to take responsibility for the Festival’s day-to-day financial running and to provide strong financial management. The role covers all aspects of bookkeeping, banking, management accounts, payroll, and financial reporting.

Job Description

Contract: Freelance, 8 hours per week.
Financial Management and Bookkeeping

• Maintain accurate financial records using the Festival's accounting software (Sage).
• Manage all income and expenditure, including invoicing, bank reconciliations, and supplier payments.
• Ensure correct coding and classification of transactions.
• Manage and reconcile petty cash and staff expenses.
• Provide advice and support to the staff team on financial matters, as required. Identify and make recommendations on key finance issues as they arise to ensure effective financial management and procedures are in place.

Management Accounts and Reporting

• Prepare quarterly management accounts and cashflow forecasts.
• Assist in the preparation of annual accounts and year-end audit materials.
• Provide timely financial insight to support budgeting and decision-making.
• Contribute to the development of financial policies and procedures to support the Festival's growth and compliance.

Budgeting

• Prepare draft budgets in collaboration with the Finance Trustee, Chair of Trustees, Artistic Director and Head of Operations.

Payroll and HR Administration

• Process monthly payroll for staff and freelancers, including pension and HMRC submissions.
• Maintain up-to-date payroll records and ensure compliance with employment legislation.
• Support the CLF team with financial aspects of staff contracts and freelance agreements.

Festival Support

• Provide on-site or remote assistance during the two main Festival periods (Spring and Winter) as part of the CLF team.
• Support financial tracking of ticket sales, artist fees, and event-related expenditure.

Finance Committee Support

• Prepare finance-related board papers for the Finance committee once per quarter.
• Support the Finance Trustee in the management of the committee with agendas and preparation of minutes. Attend the Finance committee meetings and take an active part in all the discussions.
• Attend occasional Trustee board meetings as required.

Job Requirements

Essential skills and experience

• Proven experience in bookkeeping and financial management in a small organisation, charity, or arts organisation.
• Strong working knowledge of Sage (or an equivalent accounting software).
• Experience preparing management accounts and financial reports.
• Experience managing payroll, including tax and pension contributions.
• Excellent numerical accuracy, attention to detail, and organisational skills.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities.
• Strong communication skills and a collaborative approach.

Desirable skills and experience

• Experience in the arts, charity, or festival sector.
• Understanding of charity accounting and restricted/unrestricted funds.

Please send your CV and a short cover letter outlining how you match the role and person specification to <emailprotected> by 12pm on Monday 5 January.

Cambridge Literary Festival (CLF) is one of the UK’s leading literary festivals, hosting world class writers, thinkers, and artists in the heart of Cambridge each spring and winter. The Festival celebrates ideas, debate and creativity, welcoming thousands of visitors each year. The Festival is run by a small, passionate team dedicated to bringing the best in literature and thought to our audiences.