Director of Finance

This is an exciting opportunity for a highly motivated, dynamic and commercially minded individual to join the Senior Management Team of one of the UK's leading public art galleries. Working alongside the Director and Board of Trustees, the Director of Finance oversees the strategic, business and financial management of the organisation. The successful candidate will be a qualified Accountant with a proven track record of operating at a senior level and with the ability to offer insight and challenge for future development whilst ensuring the financial sustainability and growth of Whitechapel Gallery.

The Director of Finance is responsible for the efficient and effective leadership and management of the Gallery's finance, governance and commercial activities. With scrupulously high standards, they will drive the quality and transparency of financial management and reporting, ensuring
robust financial controls and the smooth running and management of the Gallery's finances. A key member of the senior leadership team, the Director of Finance contributes to shaping and implementing the Gallery's strategic development.

Candidates will be able to demonstrate a proven ability in leadership and financial control within a complex organisation, managing people and limited resources effectively, delivering results, thinking strategically and inspiring and motivating others. They will need to demonstrate a high degree of energy and agility, with the ability to build highly effective, collaborative working
relationships at all levels of the organisation. The new Director of Finance will demonstrate a high level of financial and business acumen and strategic insight and will possess strong analytical and project management skills.

With experience at Board level, they must be comfortable with presenting to Boards and with the ability to develop strategy and present business plans.

Previous experience of the gallery and museum sector would be desirable but is not essential, and applications are welcomed from candidates with commercial, charitable and private sector backgrounds. Candidates must be able to demonstrate empathy with the mission and vision of Whitechapel Gallery and act with a high degree of personal integrity in a diverse cultural
environment.

Key Responsibilities

Strategy

• In conjunction with the Board of Trustees and Director, develop the long-term strategy to support the mission and vision of the Whitechapel Gallery.
• Work closely with the Director and Senior Management Team to implement the Gallery's strategic plan, particularly in relation to finance and governance.
• Lead on business and commercial planning, maximising opportunities for self-generated income.
• Provide the Board of Trustees with the information required to enable them to analyse plans and proposals and monitor performance against agreed financial plans and strategic targets.

Finance

• Provide financial oversight of and direction on all financial matters, taking responsibility for the overall financial performance of Whitechapel Gallery.
• Advise the Director and Board of Trustees on all matters relating to financial strategy to ensure the long-term sustainability of the Gallery.
• Provide the Director and Board of Trustees with appropriate, regular, accurate and timely information about the Gallery's finances, including management accounts and cash flow forecasts, budget, and variance reports.
• Advise the Director and Board of Trustees on financial and business policy, including investment management, tax and VAT.
• Lead on financial management and business planning, ensuring that the Gallery manages its resources effectively and efficiently, ensuring its financial sustainability.
• Ensure the statutory accounts and audit are completed in an effective and timely manner.
• Ensure a robust system of internal controls is in place and operates effectively including fraud prevention, debtor management and internal auditing.
• Keep critical processes and controls under regular review, recognising the interdependencies with other parts of the Gallery for accurate and complete financial processing and reporting.
• Optimise the use of the Gallery's finance system in the generation and analysis of financial information.
• Work closely with the Director of Development, providing advice and information to support the Gallery's fundraising.
• Manage effective procurement arrangements and review and negotiate tenders and contracts to ensure best value and performance criteria are met.

Governance, Compliance and Risk Management

• Act as Company Secretary for Whitechapel Gallery (charity), Whitechapel Gallery Ventures Limited (trading subsidiary) and Whitechapel Gallery Estates Trust Ltd, ensuring that Whitechapel Gallery and associated charities/trading subsidiaries comply with all company and charity laws.
• Manage the Gallery's relationship with Arts Council England across all areas including recurrent revenue, capital and project funding.
• Work with the Senior Management Team to ensure that the Gallery has the IT infrastructure, data and services to support the organisation in the delivery of our mission.
• Maintain the Whitechapel Gallery's Risk Register and ensure that risk assessment, management and mitigation are firmly embedded across the organisation.
• Identify, assess and manage risk, including management of the risk assessment process and Risk register.
• Ensure that the Gallery has appropriate insurance cover for all key insurable risks.
• Lead on critical incident planning and lead on business continuity and financial planning to ensure that the Gallery is well prepared for any crisis.

Commercial Activities

• Maximise income from commercial activities, including sale of editions and publications, venue hire and catering and bookshop franchises.
• Ensure effective and appropriate management and operation of the commercial activities.
• Ensure that the catering and bookshop franchises provide consistent quality services for visitors and the maximum commercial return for the Gallery.