The Finance Department plays a critical role in maintaining the organisation's financial stability, regulatory compliance, and overall financial awareness. It is responsible for managing income and expenditure, enabling the organisation to operate efficiently and make informed decisions.
The Director of Finance will lead on all aspects of the Museum's financial management, including producing monthly accounts and strengthening internal controls and processes. They will oversee treasury functions, including the management of the Museum's cash holdings and endowments. Serve as Company Secretary, ensuring full compliance with Charity Commission requirements and the Companies Act.
As part of the Leadership Team, they work closely with our board of trustees to manage the Museum's finances in line with the forward plan and wider Museum strategies.
Key Accountabilities
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Prepare annual budgets, working with managers to achieve realistic targets and review figures throughout the year.
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Prepare monthly management accounts including cash-flow forecasts for presentation to the Director and Trustees.
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Prepare monthly management accounts to report and analyse any significant variance between actual and budget result.
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Prepare year-end draft accounts ready for audit and assist the audit team with any queries.
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Manage the Finance Team.
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Organise and oversee the daily and monthly accounting procedures in respect of banking, cash handling, data entry, bill payments etc.
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General financial and business management as well as co-ordination of Museum affairs including Investments, Banking, Legal, and Insurance, Contracts, Licence Agreements and other associated matters.
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Provide the accounting function for fundraising projects including Heritage Lottery, Arts Council, other grants and any other fund providers.
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Provide financial and textual information in support of major capital expenditure projects being an active and crucial team member.
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Preparing Month Gift Aid returns and Quarterly VAT returns and providing advice on VAT and Gift Aid or any other tax matters.
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Oversee the preparation of monthly Pension contributions to Scottish Widows.
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Provide statistical information and returns to various local and national bodies.
What you'll bring
Experience:
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Proven experience of leading a finance function at a senior level is essential, along with extensive experience shaping and delivering financial strategy, including budgeting, forecasting and long-term financial planning.
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Experience of managing partial exemption VAT calculations and compliance is vital, along with a track record of establishing and maintaining strong relationships with auditors, regulators, trustees and external stakeholders.
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We would particularly welcome candidates with experience of working within the charity, not-for-profit, or a similarly regulated sector.
Knowledge & Skills
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You will be an excellent people manager, who has exceptional attention to detail and a robust understanding of accounting principles and practices.
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Able to demonstrate strong initiative and accountability in delivering work to a high standard.
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Knowledge of restricted/unrestricted fund accounting and Gift Aid.
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You will have comprehensive knowledge of the full MS Suite, but will excel at Excel.
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Knowledge and experience of using Iplicit and Sage accounting and payroll is preferred.
Qualifications
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A fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, CIPFA or equivalent).
The successful candidate will be required to work from our offices at The Tank Museum, Bovington, BH20 6JG.
Advert closes - 14th August 2026.
Interviews:
First stage interviews will be held on 24th & 25th August 2026.
Second stage interviews (if successful in the first round) will be held on 1st & 2nd September 2026.
For more information about what it's like to work at The Tank Museum, including the range of benefits on offer please download our Candidate Information Pack which can be found on the recruitment page of our website.
