Deputy Finance Director

As a newly created role this position can be offered on a part or full time basis – please see see details below, or apply and enquire for further details.

About Garsington Opera

Located in the Chiltern Hills, commutable from Oxford and London, Garsington Opera is an internationally renowned performing arts venue. Garsington Opera provides a wonderful programme of opera as part of its summer festival, promoting artistic excellence in partnership with world-renowned orchestras such as the Philharmonia Orchestra and The English Concert. Garsington Opera is proud of its Young Artists’ programme, supporting emerging professional singers and creatives in training, mental wellbeing, and practical support.  

Following a period of growth and the completion of their new £14.5m Garsington Studios, Garsington Opera are seeking a talented Chief Financial Officer to join them to drive strategic and commercial goals for this internationally renowned and well-loved performing arts organisation.

About The Role

The newly created Chief Financial Officer role will support Garsington Opera in driving longer-term commercial and strategic growth. Working closely with the Executive Director and as part of the senior management team, you will optimise new revenue streams and ensure business and financial systems are fit for purpose in supporting new revenue growth.  Areas of responsibility will include:

Financial strategy and planning

• Collaborate with the SMT to plan, manage and advise on financial performance, maintaining a robust model to meet organisational needs including annual budgeting and long-term planning.
• Develop and maintain robust business and financial models to meet the evolving needs of the organisation.
• Steer and develop commercial revenue streams. 
• Provide financial vision, strategic planning and discipline across the organisation.

Financial accounting and management

• Oversee, maintain and develop good financial reporting and statutory compliance, in collaboration with the Finance Director
• Oversee the preparation of accounts for external audit work.
• Provide information to SMT budget holders, challenging plans where appropriate and always seeking opportunities to optimise financial performance.

Leadership

• Provide reports on financial information and trends to the Board and its committees.
• Provide excellent team leadership as a member of SMT, engaging with all direct and indirect reports.
•  Develop and lead effective and robust procurement policies for the organisation, ensuring that needs are understood and resourced appropriately.
• Staff management of finance team

About You

• You will be a fully qualified accountant with senior financial leadership experience.
• You will have proven experience in engaging with Board members and Executive or Senior Management Teams.
• Applicants from all sectors are encouraged to apply, though an interest and passion for the arts is a must.

What’s in it for you?

• Salary of £80,000 - £90,000 per annum dependent on experience
• Annual leave: 24 days + Bank Holidays (incremental increases up to 28 days thereafter dependent on years of  service)
• This role can be offered on a full time or part-time basis. Applicants who are able to work either full time or 0.8 FTE  are strongly encouraged to apply.
• Hybrid working of 3 days in office and remainder up to you (please note that we are happy to discuss alternative patterns of working within reason).
• 4 x Dress rehearsal tickets for each opera performed each year.

How to Apply

Please apply below or contact Holly Arrowsmith at Ivy Rock Partners to discuss your candidacy.

Key Dates
Application deadline by 17th May.
First stage interviews will be held 28th and 29th May.
Second stage interviews are anticipated to be scheduled w/c 3rd June.
In addition to the above, there will also be a meet and greet with other senior management team members.