Creative United: Director of Finance
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About Us
Creative United is a social enterprise (Community Interest Company) dedicated to supporting creative livelihoods across the UK. Our mission is to build a sustainable, resilient and inclusive creative economy for all. By focussing on the smallest parts of the creative ecosystem our innovations seek to preserve talent and diversity in the sector, stimulating growth and building skills.
Our Work
For more than a decade, Creative United has championed innovation, inclusivity and creativity across the UK’s cultural landscape. We work with public funders, Higher Education Institutions and commercial partners to test, develop and deliver research and innovations across the sector.
Through our finance and business support programmes we make a tangible difference to creatives UK-wide and have a bold ambition for the future. Our programmes help working creatives understand their business models and the market, reduce economic barriers to participation in creative industries, expand and diversify their customer base, grow revenues, and increase their social impact.
About the role
Director of Finance
Location: West End, London
practice area: Charity and Public Sector
salary: £55000.00 - £65000.00 per annum FTE
contact: Leanne McCullough
contact email: leanne.mccullough@altumconsulting.com
job start date: 2025-12-12
expiry date: 2026-01-09
Director of Finance
Location: Hybrid - minimum two days per week in Central London
Hours: 0.8 FTE
Salary: £55,000-£65,000 FTE (Depending on Experience)
The Director of Finance will provide strategic and operational leadership across all financial aspects of the business. Working closely with the Chief Executive and Senior Management Team, you will play a key role in strengthening financial systems, guiding business planning, and supporting the organisation's continued growth and sustainability.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the financial planning, forecasting, and reporting to support strategic decision-making
- Prepare and present clear, insightful management information for the Board and SMT
- Oversee day-to-day finance operations including cashflow, payroll, VAT, and statutory filings
- Manage the annual audit process and ensure full compliance with regulatory and tax requirements
- Develop robust systems and processes for accurate and accessible financial reporting
- Support the design and financial modelling of new business initiatives
- Lead and develop a small finance team (Bookkeeper 0.6 FTE)
- Act as Data Protection Officer, ensuring compliance with GDPR and related policies
About You
You'll be qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, or CIMA) or have the equivalent experience, with a track record of senior financial leadership - ideally within a small business or not-for-profit organisation. You combine technical expertise with strategic insight, bringing an entrepreneurial mindset to financial management.
You'll also bring:
- Proven experience at senior management level, including board reporting and team leadership
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with meticulous attention to detail
- Proficiency in finance systems (ideally Xero) and confidence with wider business systems
- The ability to communicate complex financial information clearly and persuasively
- A collaborative, solutions-focused approach that fits our culture of creativity and innovation
Experience within the arts, cultural, or creative industries is highly desirable.
Why Join?
At Creative United, you'll be part of a values-led organisation where creativity, integrity, inclusivity, and entrepreneurial thinking are at the heart of everything we do. You'll have the chance to influence the strategic direction of a respected social enterprise, working in a supportive environment that values your ideas and expertise.
Creative United is an inclusive employer and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds. If you have any accessibility needs during the recruitment process, please make Leanne at Altum aware.
How to Apply
Please send your CV using the "apply" button by our application closing date of Monday 5th January.
If you have any questions, contact Leanne at Altum (details in contact section).
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.
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Our Teams
Creative United's Values
Integrity
We act with openness, honesty and transparency in all our work and interactions.
Creativity
We encourage new ideas and creative thinking to solve challenges and drive progress.
Entrepreneurial Thinking
We combine not-for-profit purpose with commercial drive, developing products and services that deliver social and financial impact.
Inclusivity
We ensure everyone can engage with arts and creativity, treating all people with respect and understanding.
Innovation
We are always seeking new ways to improve, grow and make our work more effective.
Accountability
We take ownership of our work, learn from experience and celebrate each other’s successes.