Finance Manager
3 days ago
London
Summary The Craft Potters Association (CPA) is looking for a hands-on Finance Manager to join our small, dynamic team in the craft sector. This is a senior, part-time role that blends operational financial management with strategic insight, supporting the CPA and its subsidiaries. You will lead the preparation of our quarterly management accounts, oversee budgets and forecasting, establish robust financial controls and ensure the CPA meets its statutory compliance obligations. The role offers flexible hybrid working, with an expectation of one day each fortnight in our central London office. If you’re a finance professional who enjoys variety, autonomy and being part of a small, values-driven team in the arts, we’d love to hear from you. Key Duties & Responsibilities: Management Accounts and Financial Reporting • Prepare quarterly management accounts for the CPA Council, including Income & Expenditure (by entity and consolidated), Balance Sheet, Cash Flow Summary, and Variance Analysis with narrative commentary., • Develop and maintain financial performance dashboards, tracking key metrics such as membership trends, cash forecasts, gallery sales, fair profitability and magazine revenue., • Prepare and present timely management accounts to the CPA Council on a quarterly basis. This includes the P&L, Balance Sheet, and Cash Flow statements, along with insightful variance analysis and narrative commentary to aid strategic decision-making Budgeting and Forecasting • Lead the annual budget preparation in collaboration with the Director and budget holders, implementing clear monthly phasing for better cost control and accountability., • Conduct mid-year reforecasting based on current performance and future projections., • Manage cash flow forecasting (monthly rolling 12-month view) to support planning and risk management. Annual Statutory Accounts and Audit • Liaise with an external accounting firm to support the preparation of annual statutory accounts for all three entities., • Act as the primary contact for external auditors on matters relevant to the annual audit process., • Ensure timely submission of the CPA accounts to the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and file company accounts for subsidiaries with Companies House., • Prepare and submit Corporation Tax returns for subsidiaries as required. VAT Management • Take responsibility for the preparation and submission of quarterly VAT returns for all CPA entities, ensuring the correct VAT treatment is applied across complex and mixed income streams (including gallery sales, membership income, fairs, and advertising). Maintain accurate VAT records, reconcile VAT control accounts, and act as the primary point of contact for any VAT queries from HMRC or auditors. Financial Controls and Process Improvement • Implement and maintain robust internal financial controls, including segregation of duties, payment approval processes, and regular monthly reconciliation routines., • Document key finance processes for continuity and transparency., • Identify and support system improvements, such as exploring advanced Xero functions and automated payment approval methods to pursue operational and cost efficiencies. Strategic Financial Support (as needed) • Provide expert advice on the financial viability of plans, proposals, and feasibility studies., • Conduct scenario modelling for significant investments or large projects., • Perform unit cost analysis (e.g., for magazine production, gallery exhibitions, fair stand costs) to inform decision-making., • Offer advice on the CPA's reserves policy and long-term sustainability planning. Qualifications • Advanced degree in Finance, Accounting, or a related field, with professional certifications (ACA, ACCA, CIMA)., • Extensive experience in financial management, compliance, and hands-on accounting, preferably within a non-profit or arts environment., • Strong analytical skills, attention to detail and a proactive, problem-solving approach., • Proficiency with financial software (e.g. Xero) and advanced data manipulation skills (e.g. Microsoft Excel)., • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to present complex financial information clearly to both financial and non-financial stakeholders How to Apply If you are passionate about supporting the arts through sound financial stewardship, we invite you to bring your expertise to our vibrant community. Join us in shaping the future of CPA—To apply, please upload your CV and short covering letter. Job Types: Part-time, Permanent Pay: £18,000.00-£24,000.00 per year Expected hours: 14 per week Benefits: Casual dress Company pension Employee discount Work from home Education: Bachelor's (required) Experience: Financial management: 5 years (required) Company Overview The Craft Potters Association (CPA) is the UK's leading organisation representing studio potters and ceramic artists. With a mission to promote excellence in contemporary ceramics, the CPA supports a vibrant community through its gallery, Contemporary Ceramics, and its award-winning publication, Ceramics Review magazine. It also organises major UK ceramics fairs, including Ceramic Art London. Operating with a skilled and collaborative team of 15, the CPA is dedicated to championing handmade ceramics through exhibitions, publishing, membership and events.