WATFORD PALACE THEATRE
RECRUITMENT PACK
FINANCE OFFICER
FINANCE OFFICER
JOB DESCRIPTION AND PERSON SPECIFICATION
Thank you for your interest in becoming a part of the brilliant finance team at Watford Palace Theatre.
In this pack you will find background information on Watford Palace Theatre, the job description and personal specification. Below is the information on the recruitment process and what you need to do to apply.
HOW TO APPLY:
Send an up to date CV and covering letter via email to samantha@watfordpalacetheatre.co.uk with the subject line FINANCE OFFICER. If you have any questions, please email Samantha Ford with your contact number and a convenient time to call.
CLOSING DATE: midnight 31 August 2026 st FIRST INTERVIEWS: w/c 7 September 2026 th SECOND INTERVIEWS : tbc
ABOUT WATFORD PALACE THEATRE
Watford Palace Theatre (WPT) is Watford’s ‘Palace of Entertainment’ – providing a great night out, the best shows and something for everyone.
WPT is a successful, inclusive, and ambitious awardwinning professional theatre and local charity.
The organisation receives core funding from Arts Council England as one of their key National Portfolio Organisations within the ‘Three Counties’ region of Hertfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Bedfordshire, and has strong partnership support with Watford Borough Council. Our ambition for excellence is supported by our skilled and respected Technical Production department, housed within our beautiful heritage Edwardian 600- seat auditorium and well- resourced technical facilities. As well as producing theatre inside the building, we also make productions and events in Watford that go beyond our borders and extensively co-produce and tour our shows ‘Made in Watford’ across the UK.
FINANCE OFFICER
Reporting to: Director of Finance / Finance Supervisor
Salary: £31,627 per annum and 3% pension contribution.
Hours: 40 hours per week when averaged out over the calendar month. For hours worked over the contractual hours Watford Palace Theatre operates a TOIL system.
Contract: Permanent
Holiday: 21 days per annum, plus UK Public Holidays rising to 25 days after 5 years of continuous employment
Notice period: 2 months following a probationary period of 4 months
Benefits:
Flexible working arrangements
Complimentary Tickets
Staff Discounts on bars/café and free tea/coffee during working hours
Training and development.
THE FINANCE DEPARTMENT
TThe Finance team is responsible for managing the organisation's day-to-day financial activities and supporting wider financial planning and reporting. The team processes payroll, payments, income and banking transactions, while helping to ensure compliance with statutory requirements and providing financial information to support decision-making. As part of a forward-looking approach, we are increasingly adopting automation and AI-enabled technologies to improve efficiency, enhance accuracy and create more time for value-added support across the organisation.
The Finance Department also upholds an inclusive and collaborative culture, committed to our values.
PURPOSE AND SCOPE OF THE ROLE
Watford Palace Theatre is committed to inclusivity and diversity. We actively encourage people from a variety of backgrounds with different experiences, skills and stories to join our organisation. We are particularly keen to support people to apply who have previously been underrepresented within the Creative Industries.
PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES :
Weekly Payroll - Processing digital timesheets and submitting to payroll company, prepare journals for posting for both casual staff and entertainers
Purchase Ledger - Processing invoices and prepare weekly BACS
Sales Ledger - Processing sales invoices and contras
Spektrix/Box Office Sales Processing - downloading and drafting monthly sales invoices, reconcile bank and cash receipts
Lightspeed / Bar Sales Processing - drafting monthly bar sales
General Banking - Processing weekly banking
Petty Cash - Support and assist the Finance Supervisor on issuing petty cash to budget holders
Company Credit Cards - Process monthly invoices and issue to budget holders
Maintain the Financial System
Miscellaneous - General finance and accounting tasks
Inputting - Assist with generation and inputting of new project codes, as required by the Finance Team and at the request of other departments
PERSON SPECIFICATION
ESSENTIAL
Experience of Microsoft Dynamics D365 Business Central (formerly Dynamics Navision) or similar accounting software/package
Strong Excel and Microsoft 365 skills
Experience of implementing or improving finance processes through the use of technology, automation or AI tools
Committed to high standards and always ready to lend a hand
Good with people and passionate about your work
Good organisational, multi-tasking and prioritisation skills
Being flexible and proactive in your approach, and able to work both independently and as part of a team
Ability to maintain confidentiality
Basic payroll knowledge
Accounts payable/receivable experience
Experience in cash handling
DESIRABLE
Relevant experience within a finance office
Experience of the charitable sector, including partial VAT exemption
Passionate about the arts
This job description is subject to review and is a guide to the nature of the work required of this position.
WE FULLY RECOGNISE THAT YOU MIGHT NOT MEET ALL THE PERSONAL SPECIFICATION, THIS IS AN INDICATIVE LIST AND WE ENCOURAGE PEOPLE WITH AN EQUIVALENT LEVEL OF EXPERIENCE TO APPLY