The Royal Society of Arts is the home of creativity for the common good. Since 1754 it has championed ingenuity and innovation and turned possibility into progress. From pioneering invention and design to shaping social change, we are a place for action and connection, where the brilliance of people drives change. And today, this organisation is more vital than ever.
The Opportunity
We’re looking for a Head of Finance to lead a small, high-performing finance team while helping shape the future direction of the organisation. You’ll help shape decisions across finance, fundraising, fellowship, hospitality, governance and organisational investment.
This role is based at RSA House in London for at least three days per week, with hybrid flexibility for the remaining days.
What you’ll do
Strategic Finance & Commercial Partnering
- Act as a trusted adviser to the Executive Team, providing financial insight that supports strategic decision making.
- Partner leaders across the organisation to improve financial performance and support delivery of organisational priorities.
- Develop robust financial plans, budgets and forecasts that enable informed investment decisions.
- Build business cases, financial models and investment appraisals to support new initiatives and income generation.
- Partner leads to identify opportunities to improve financial performance and maximise sustainable income across both charitable and commercial activities.
- Build a culture where finance is seen as an enabling, collaborative business partner.
Financial Reporting
- Lead all aspects of the organisation's financial management, reporting and statutory accounting for the charity and it’s trading subsidiaries.
- Deliver timely, accurate and insightful management information that supports decision making.
- Ensure effective cashflow management, treasury management and long-term financial sustainability.
- Lead the annual budgeting, forecasting and year-end processes.
Financial Control, Governance & Risk
- Maintain robust financial controls and ensure compliance with all relevant accounting, charity and company legislation.
- Provide trusted financial advice and insight to the Board, Audit & Risk Committee and Executive Team.
- Ensure effective management of financial risk and appropriate internal controls.
- Oversee statutory reporting, tax compliance and external audit processes.
Systems & Continuous Improvement
- Continue modernising the finance function, identifying opportunities to improve systems, reporting and ways of working.
- Use technology and automation to improve efficiency and insight.
- Develop reporting that enables leaders to understand performance quickly and make informed decisions.
- Promote a culture of continuous improvement across the finance team.
Leadership
- Lead, develop and inspire a high-performing finance team.
- Create an environment where people feel supported, challenged and able to develop their careers.
- Build strong relationships across the organisation by becoming a trusted and approachable business partner.
Who you are
- Balance strategic thinking with hands-on delivery.
- Bring strong commercial awareness alongside excellent technical finance skills.
- Are naturally curious and enjoy solving problems.
- Have excellent communication skills and can explain financial information clearly to non-finance audiences.
- Build strong relationships and influence with confidence and credibility.
- Thrive in a changing environment and enjoy improving processes and ways of working.
- Share a commitment to using strong financial stewardship to maximise charitable impact.
Your key experience
- Fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent).
- Experience leading or significantly influencing a finance function.
- Experience partnering with senior stakeholders and influencing decision making.
Apply
In order to apply, please click ‘quick apply’ on our recruitment page and submit your CV. You will also be required to answer a series of questions. You do not need to submit a cover letter.
The closing date for receipt of applications is 02 September 2026. However, screening and interviews will be ongoing, so we may close the vacancy early if sufficient exceptional candidates apply. Please get your application in as soon as possible.
Please note that we cannot accept late, incomplete applications, and we can only consider candidates who apply through the online application process.
Inclusion Statement
As a social change organisation, we believe everyone, regardless of visible or invisible difference should feel welcomed and able to contribute to creating a better future. You can read our full inclusion statement on our website.
Please let us know if you require any reasonable adjustments or accommodations.
