Background.
Union Chapel, is a unique multi award-winning performing arts venue, with a global reputation for international cultural events engaging diverse audiences. For 30+ years events have been our lifeblood and income, annually engaging 100,000+ visitors through 250 events.
Union Chapel is more than a venue. A Grade I listed Gothic architectural jewel, it is also home to charities tackling homelessness, social justice, empowering local communities with creative groups, training and employability programmes for local communities. Profits from events substantially support our vital charitable work with local communities and we are a model of good practice for community engagement.
This role joins Union Chapel Project (UCP, the charity) and the Union Chapel family at a pivotal time as we begin to reshape our strategy to reposition ourselves as a leading ethical venue and centre for all, where culture, community, heritage and social justice come together in union.
About the role.
The Interim Head of Finance will be a key member of UCP’s Leadership Team and have responsibility for the overall financial management of the charity and its subsidiaries. The three entities within the Union Chapel Project group are:
Union Chapel Project (UCP) Company no. 02583801, Charity no. 1010166
Union Chapel Directions (UCD) Company no. 03047257
The Margins Project (UCM/Margins) CIO no. 1153070
UCP is primarily responsible for the building, its conservation and repairs, supported by UCD which operates the venue on a commercial basis. Margins leads the community and social justice aspects of our work. The Union Chapel Church (Charity no. 1172808) is a separate entity that does not form part of the UC ‘group’ although there is a day to day working relationship with this entity.
It is anticipated that the role will be for an initial six-month period, with any extension to be subject to agreement with the UCP Board. The primary place of work will be the Union Chapel offices, with any remote working being subject to agreement. During a period of review and resetting of the business strategy and plan, the UCP Board is keen to appoint a person that can undertake a thorough review of the internal finance function to ensure the function is robust and fit for purpose, and delivers effectively to key stakeholders both internally and externally in line with its mission, aims and values. The post holder will make recommendations for approval and subsequent implementation. In addition, the role includes oversight of the finance function where day to day activities are managed by a full-time Finance Manager.
The key stakeholders are the UCP/UCD/The Margins Project boards, the Finance and Remuneration Committee, external funders/suppliers/promoters and internal organisational budget holders. The review will encompass the development and implementation of management reports for budget holders, board reporting packs and a review and strengthening of financial procedures and controls.
The successful candidate.
You will be an exceptional finance leader with proven experience of all the main elements of running and developing a finance function, including management and statutory accounts production, budget setting, forecasting, cashflow management, fund accounting and reserves monitoring. In addition, the candidate will have experience of reporting to multiple boards, managing competing priorities and strategic leadership on the financial elements of the business plan.
How to apply.
Please apply with your CV and a covering letter, of no more than two pages, outlining your skills and experience to meet the requirements of the role, why you want to work for Union Chapel Project and your availability to start. The role will commence in February, and include a handover with the existing incumbent.
Email gordon@renownedresearch.com with “Interim Head of Finance” in the subject line.
Closing date: 31 January 2024
Interviews: Early February with a panel
Equality and Diversity
We are working to become an organisation that is representative of our local community, and want to recruit people from a range of backgrounds who reflect this diversity. We particularly encourage applicants who are currently under represented in our board, workforce and wider sector. This includes but is not limited to candidates who identify as being from Black, Asian and other ethnic backgrounds from the global majority, and candidates who identify as being disabled. We also particularly welcome applicants with their own lived experiences of the challenges we aim to address.