Finance Officer

CANTERBURY THEATRE AND FESTIVAL TRUST

28,000 - 30,000 per year (pro rata)

Canterbury Festival Office

Part-time

26th January 2026

Finance Officer

Job Title: Finance Officer (Part-time)

Reports to: Festival Director & Chief Executive

Location: Canterbury Festival Office (CT1 2JA) (flexible/hybrid working arrangements are available by

mutual agreement)

Contract: Permanent, part-time 2-3 days/week with additional hours during the pre-/post-October

Festival period

Salary: £28,000–£30,000 per annum (pro rata), dependent on experience

Application deadline: Monday 26th January 2026 at 9am

About Canterbury Festival
Canterbury Festival is Kent’s leading arts festival, presenting a diverse programme of 120+ events
every October featuring music, theatre, literature, talks, comedy and community events, as well as
several weekenders and one-off events throughout the year.

We also run an active year-round Public Engagement programme of workshops, interactive artworks,
school projects, choirs, youth music and community showcases, giving over 12,000 people
opportunities to discover and engage with the arts in 2025.

Role Overview
As a charity, we are committed to cultural excellence, financial transparency, and responsible
stewardship of our resources and we are now seeking a part-time Finance Officer to play a vital role in
the financial management of the Festival. This role works closely with the Festival Director & Chief
Executive and the wider team to manage the Festival’s day-to-day financial operations and support
strategic financial planning within a busy arts organisation, ensuring accurate financial administration,
reporting, compliance, and informed decision-making.

In addition to core bookkeeping responsibilities, the postholder supports the Festival’s artistic
programme by supporting on artist contracts, Box Office settlements, and VAT management. This is a

Festival House, 8 Orange Street, Canterbury, Kent, CT1 2JA
General Enquiries 01227 452853
Website: www.canterburyfestival.co.uk E-mail: info@canterburyfestival.co.uk
Registered on England No. 1480595. Registered Charity No. 279714.
Canterbury Festival it the trading name of Canterbury Theatre and Festival Trust, a company limited by guarantee.
Registered Office: Festival House, 8 Orange Street, Canterbury, Kent, CT1 2JA. VAT No. GB 397 8105 11

hands-on role suited to someone who enjoys combining technical expertise with practical problem-
solving in a creative environment and relishes working as part of a small, collaborative team.

The role covers all core bookkeeping functions including SAGE (and/or similar package), purchase and
sales ledger management, online banking management, payroll, management accounts, P&L
reporting, and preparation of accounts for independent examination. The postholder will also manage
Box Office settlements, advise on arts-sector VAT, ensure compliance with Companies House and the
Charity Commission requirements, and work closely with the team to support artist contracts, deals,
PRS submissions and support financial planning.

Essential requirements include a minimum Level 3 bookkeeping/accounting qualification, experience
using an accountancy package (knowledge of SAGE is desirable), payroll and HMRC compliance
experience, and an understanding of culture-sector VAT.

Key Responsibilities
Financial Operations & Reporting
- Process day-to-day financial operations, ensuring accurate and timely recording of transactions

and management of petty cash (as required).

- Administer the sales ledgers to raise timely invoices and credit notes.
- Administer the purchase ledgers, ensuring accurate accounting of invoices/other expenses.
- Maintain strong working relationships with key suppliers.
- Maintain regulatory and professional compliance providing advice and assistance in financial

matters, highlighting any legal or advisory issues.

- Maintain robust internal controls, policies, and procedures.
- Generate month and year end accounts.
-

Support an audit or independent examination process by supplying documentation and
answering administrative queries.

- Produce monthly and annual cashflow forecasts.
- Help with the preparation of reports for the Board of Trustees and any relevant sub-committees

e.g. Finance & Audit Committee.

Submit PRS returns.

- Manage and submit annual Gift Aid declaration.
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- Respond to requests for information from the ONS (incl. monthly business surveys).
- Assist the Director with ad hoc reporting requirements as they arise.

Budgeting & Strategic Support
-

Support with the preparation of annual budgeting and reforecasting processes, and the
development of longer-term business plans.

- Provide financial insight and advice to the management team to inform decision-making.

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Support funding applications and grant reporting with accurate financial data.
- Work with the Director to deliver the financial objectives of the organisation.

Payroll & People Support
- Manage relationship with external payroll provider.
- Prepare monthly payroll, pensions, and staff expenses, ensuring compliance with employment
legislation. (Staff team of 6 at present, with significant use of freelance staff in festival periods.)

- Process PAYE, NI, and pension for timely submissions.

Systems & Process Development
- Operate finance systems (e.g., accounting software, payroll systems) and implement

improvements.
Ensure financial data is accurate, up-to-date, and secure, and develop and maintain well-
organised administration and electronic filing systems.
Streamline processes to improve efficiency and transparency.
Support Governance & Compliance.
Ensure adherence to charity finance regulations, SORP, and best practice.

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- Act as the first point of contact for external auditors, bankers, and other stakeholders.

Person Specification
Essential Criteria

Qualifications
- Minimum Level 3 bookkeeping or accounting qualification (e.g. AAT Level 3 or equivalent)

Experience
- Proven experience in a bookkeeping or finance role, ideally in a charity setting
- Hands-on experience with SAGE or similar accounting package and HR software
-
- Payroll processing, PAYE, pensions, and HMRC submissions
- Preparation of management accounts including Profit & Loss reporting
- Preparation of financial records for annual audit or independent examination

Experience of SAGE or similar accounting package

Excellent knowledge of Excel
Strong understanding of culture-sector VAT, including exemptions and reduced rates

Knowledge & Skills
-
-
- Ability to manage Box Office settlement processes for ticketed events
- Confidence advising colleagues on artist contracts, deals, and financial implications through

effective forecasting/modelling tools

- High level of numerical accuracy and attention to detail

Strong organisational and communication skills

Desirable Criteria
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-
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Experience working in an arts, cultural or charity organisation
Familiarity with Box Office systems and live event cash-handling
Experience working with small teams and Boards
Knowledge of charity finance governance and reporting
Experience of working with SAGE

Personal Attributes
- Able to work independently and collaboratively
- Able to balance and prioritise a busy workload and work to agreed deadlines
- Calm and reliable under pressure, particularly during Festival periods
-
Trustworthy and discreet with a strong respect for confidentiality
-
Empathy with the mission, vision and values of Canterbury Festival
- Commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion and access

Terms of Appointment
Probation period

Six months with one month’s notice period

Notice period

2 months for both parties

Holiday entitlement

Annual leave for full-time employees is 25 days per year plus UK bank
holidays (pro-rata-ed for part-time employees). The office closes for
approximately two weeks over Christmas and New Year which is an
obligatory leave period for all staff.

Pension

The Festival is part of a Standard life (SLAC) stakeholder pension scheme to
which the employer contributes 4% of salary and the employee 5% (or more
if they wish).

Equal Opportunities
Canterbury Festival is an equal opportunities organisation. We welcome applications from people of
all backgrounds and identities, particularly those underrepresented in the arts. We are committed to
creating an inclusive and respectful working environment for all.

Accessibility
We are committed to making our recruitment process and working practices as accessible as possible.
If you require this information in an alternative format or have any access needs for the application or
interview process, please let us know by contacting info@canterburyfestival.co.uk.

How to Apply
To apply, please send the following to info@canterburyfestival.co.uk by Monday 26th January 2026 at
9am.

- A cover letter outlining how you meet the job description and outlining your suitability for the

role;
Your CV;

-
- A completed Equal Opportunities form. The form will be separated from your application on

receipt. You can download it here.

Late applications will not be considered.

Shortlisting will take place w/c 26th January with interviews held w/c 2nd February 2026.

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Finance Officer