Head of Finance West-End Theatre Group London/Hybrid

Head of Finance | Renowned West-End Theatre Group | London/Hybrid

Harmonic is excited to be working with a world-famous theatre group based in London's West End on a retained basis on their search for a Head of Finance.

The Client

Our client is a well-recognized, world-renowned theatre group based on London's famous West End. This theatre group has operated for over 100 years and held residencies for some of history's most prolific performers such as Judy Garland, David Bowie, and Van Morrison, as well as hosting the premieres for culture-defining films throughout the 70's and 80's. Since then, the venue has been home to iconic plays and musicals that have delighted Londoners for years.

This Theatre Group has ownership of two venues on London's West End, as well as sister theatres across the city and overseas in America, hosting several iconic Broadway shows. Despite this group structure, these two London theatres operate autonomously.

The Role

As #1 in finance, this Head of Finance will hold significant strategic and commercial oversight of the venues. Reporting directly to and working closely with the CEO, they will also have a seat on the Senior Management team for the business, contributing to major projects for the theatre as a whole.

Your largest responsibilities will include forecasting and budgeting for the two venue sites, responding appropriately to risk and opportunity for the business, supporting with system implementations and efficiencies, consulting with the Board and CEO to advise strategic decision making. In addition to those projects and commercial responsibilities, you'll also be coordinating with an external audit and tax firm to support the required filings and support with top-level month end and year end approvals.

With a team of 3 direct reports, this role will be involved in ensuring that financial operations are running smoothly but have a main focus on larger, strategic and commercial projects. This is a very dynamic and project-based role, with some exposure to IT management as well.

This role is best suited for candidates who are inquisitive, comfortable in a dynamic and ever-changing role, and keen to dig into some exciting projects. There are plenty of opportunities for business partnering, so this is a great opportunity for someone to communicate across the business and further develop the confidence to share insights and proposals with fellow managers.

This is a hybrid position, with 3 days in-office and 2 days work from home. You have the option of working from one of the two major theatres the group operates, which is an exciting opportunity to gain exposure to the bustling environments within these historic, gorgeous venues.

Responsibilities:

• Full ownership of the financial and accounting operations of the business, management of 3 direct reports
• Contribute to strategic planning and commercial decision making to heighten group's financial performance
• Ad hoc financial modelling, as well as data analysis, to support with negotiations
• Maintain and understanding of strengths, risks, and weaknesses for the business to support senior stakeholders
• Prepare forecasts and adjust for monthly reforecasts, as well as cashflow management
• Assist with system implementation and process efficiencies
• Create budget for two venues, collaborating with heads of departments
• Collaborate with external accountants to prepare yearly financial statements and oversee two audits
• Ad hoc tasks to support the greater business

What we need to see (essential):

• Fully Qualified Accountant (ACA, CIMA, ACCA or QBE)
• Previous experience in industry/a commercial business
• A passion for theatre or the arts!

What we'd like to see (bonus):

• Previous experience working within a hospitality/entertainment/arts business (flexible)
• Comfortable with technology/systems

Salary: £85,000 - £100,000 plus discretionary bonus and generous benefits

Working Pattern: 3 days in-office, 2 days WFH

Ideal Start: ASAP

If this role is of interest, please apply online or email me at

Due to the high volume of applications we are receiving, if you have not heard back from us, please assume your application was unfortunately unsuccessful on this occasion.

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At Harmonic, we are dedicated to fostering an inclusive and equitable workplace. We actively welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds and assure you that every candidate will be thoughtfully considered for the roles we represent, without regard to race, religion, gender expression, disability, or sexual orientation.

At Harmonic, we are dedicated to fostering an inclusive and equitable workplace. We actively welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds and assure you that every candidate will be thoughtfully considered for the roles we represent, without regard to race, religion, gender expression, disability, or sexual orientation.