Head of Finance and Operations
HOFESH SHECHTER COMPANY LTD
50,000 per year
Somerset House, Strand, London
Full-time
6th March 2026
Listed 1 week ago
Head of Finance and OperationsJob Application packwww.hofesh.co.uk Hello and thank you for your interest in the position of Head of Finance and Operations withHofesh Shechter Company.This job pack is designed to provide you with a comprehensive overview of our company and upcomingprojects, alongside the job description and person specification. We hope it offers an insight into ourvalues, our future ambitions and what it is like to be part of our team.We are an Equal Opportunities employer, committed to building a diverse and inclusive organisation.We actively welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, particularly those from groupscurrently underrepresented within the cultural workforce - including Black, Asian and Global Majoritybackgrounds and D/deaf and disabled candidates. We are happy to discuss any reasonableadjustments you may require during the recruitment process.As a London Living Wage employer and a Parents and Carers in Performing Arts (PiPA) Charter Partner,we are dedicated to supporting our staff through flexible working practices.We look forward to receiving your application. For a confidential, informal discussion about the role orquestions about the terms of employment contact us at info@hofesh.co.uk. Best wishes Emma Baker-Griffin, General Manager WELCOMEHofesh Shechter Company, Somerset House, West Wing, Strand, London, WC2R 1LA Registered Company no. 6737326 VAT no. 946132427 Charity no.1130255 2Hofesh Shechter Company is a boundary-breaking dance company producing exceptional work byaward-winning Hofesh Shechter OBE - recognised as a ‘true original’, ‘one-of-a-kind choreographer’(The Guardian). Founded in 2008, we drive forward new ways of collaborating, making, and producingculture that celebrate Shechter’s artistic excellence alongside an exceptional company of internationaldancers, collaborators, staff and freelancers. Our values are Creativity – Diversity – Dynamism: Creativity – ambitious for our work and for each other, we develop high quality projects and supportpeople to be the best that they can be. Diversity – internationalist and boundary-breaking at heart, we celebrate diversity through ourcreative collaborations, our artists, dancers and teams, and aim to share our passion for what we dowith diverse audiences, communities and participants from across cultures and the world,especially those who are new to dance. Dynamism – in a changing world, we push ourselves to find new ways to make, experience andpresent dance, ensuring that we remain relevant, respectful to the environment in which we operate,generous in sharing what we learn, and sustainable for the future. Under the direction of choreographer, composerand filmmaker Hofesh Shechter, we producegroundbreaking, Olivier nominated works,captivating global audiences from New York toTokyo and championing diverse, visionary talent.We present on world stages, in cinemas, at filmfestivals and online reaching an average 150,000+ live audiences worldwide and 1.4 million filmand digital audiences. Interwoven throughout our work is ShechterMoves, our learning and developmentprogramme designed to inspire the nextgeneration of dance artists. We createopportunities for young people aged 14+ andearly-career professionals to connect throughclasses, workshops, intensives and Shechter II,our industry-leading development programme foremerging dancers aged 18–25. Through international partnerships with danceschools and conservatoires, we are committed tobuilding inclusive pathways into the arts -providing a springboard for professional careers. Looking ahead, Hofesh Shechter Companycontinues to be a dynamic force in dance; recenthighlights include Oedipus at The Old Vic andTheatre of Dreams which continues touringinternationally. In March 2026, we launch the tourof our newest Shechter II cohort.Hofesh Shechter Company is a registered charityand a company limited by guarantee. We areoverseen by a non-executive Board of Trustees. Our work is funded through National PortfolioOrganisation (NPO) investment from Arts CouncilEngland, UK and international partnerships, boxoffice and fundraising. Other income is fromTheatre Tax Relief (TTR). Our 2025–26 turnover isforecast to be between £2.5–3 million.Our workforce comprises 20 employees and apool of 20-30 musicians, dance artists andtechnical personnel who support our globaltouring and participation programmes.3Moving ourselves and our audiences beyond reasonJoin us, move yourself and inspire others INTRODUCTION TO THE ROLE The Head of Finance and Operations (HoFO) is a senior role responsible for leading, administering andco-ordinating the financial and operational activities of Hofesh Shechter Company (HSC).Working within a small, passionate leadership team and reporting directly to the Executive Producer(equivalent to CEO), you will bring energy, integrity and a deep commitment to the artistic vision andmission of HSC, inspiring and empowering colleagues to realise the organisation’s creative and strategicambitions. The Head of Finance and Operations is accountable for developing and implementing sustainable 3-yearbudget plans, managing robust financial systems and leading and managing the organisation’s coresupport functions: Finance, HR, IT and Governance. The Head of Finance and Operations ensures the efficient and effective implementation of our StrategicPlan, established by the senior leadership team and the Board of Trustees. Working closely with theExecutive Producer, senior leadership colleagues, and the Board of Trustees, the HoFO providesessential financial and operational oversight to help achieve our ambitious future goals.Reporting LinesReports to: Executive ProducerLine Manages: General Manager (1.0 FTE) Executive Assistant & Senior Administrator (1.0 FTE) Bookkeeper (0.2 FTE) “It’s astonishingly beautiful, constantly inventive” The Observer****41.Strategy Lead the development of the financial strategy Monitor strategic performance and provide recommendations to the Executive Producerbased on financial analysis, including scenario modellingLead on Finance Lead on HR and IT strategiesActively drive an entrepreneurial culture by adding your voice and ideas to the exploration ofnew income streams, and by providing financial analysis and insight to strengthen fundraisinginitiatives2.Financial Management & Reporting Prepare annual and 3-year budgets in collaboration with the Executive Producer and budgetholders Prepare annual statements and file returns e.g Charity Commission Produce monthly management accounts and cash flow forecasting, reporting quarterly to theFinance CommitteePrepare and present Finance Committee papers and attend quarterly Board meetings toreport on operational and financial mattersProactively manage and monitor company cashflow and the investment of company fundsEnsure financial records are maintained and comply with standard accounting practice andproceduresLead budget holder meetings to support the effective management of budgets, forecasts andcashflowSupport financial reporting to funders3.Financial Systems, Payments, Audit and Compliance Lead on audit activities to ensure the delivery of timely and accurate accounts Coordinate the annual Trustees’ Report and prepare the Finance Review, ensuring statutorycompliance Maintain up to date knowledge of accounting and legal requirements for charity sectorreportingEnsure timely submission of Theatre Tax Relief (TTR) Claims, Gift aid and VAT Liaise with the bookkeeper on PAYE/payroll, pension scheme and other employee benefits.Ensure tax compliance for the company (working with specialist advisors where required)KEY AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY 54.HR Responsible for all HR matters, including policy adherence, recruitment, appraisal, trainingand employment contractsProvide support and advice to line managers on personnel issuesWork with the Executive Producer to ensure the company is resourced with the skills and jobroles to deliver the strategy5.Operations & Governance Identify opportunities to streamline processes and achieve efficiencies Overall leadership of the CRM, IT, cyber security and data managementOversee the General Manager’s responsibilities in ensuring smooth office running, includinginsurances, rental negotiations and policies and proceduresMaintain the risk register for review at Board and Finance Committee meetings6.Organisational growth and advocacy Attend occasional company events and performances Uphold Equal Opportunities, diversity and dignity at work policies and support efforts toreduce environmental impactsIdentify and undertake personal development and trainingUndertake any other duties as reasonably required by managementKEY AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY 6PERSON SPECIFICATION Skills, Knowledge & Expertise required for the role:Essential Demonstrable experience of a complex finance role, including responsibility for financial andmanagement accounts, budgeting, business planning, strategic financial management, annualaccounts, year-end processes, audits and external reportingAccountancy qualification – full or part-qualified Proficiency with accounting software, preferably Xero, and excellent knowledge of Excel and otherMicrosoft Office applications Experience of preparing and presenting financial reports Experience in line managing, leading and motivating teams, with a supportive management stylethat brings out the best in individuals and in the team as a wholeExperience of liaising and advising non-financial managers and staffExperience of leading on HR mattersExcellent written and oral communication skills Self-motivated, with the ability to work independently, using own initiative and without directsupervisionTarget-focused and results-driven, with effective time management, prioritisation and planningskillsStrong analytical and problem-solving skillsStrong organisational and administrative skills, with demonstrable accuracy, attention to detail,and respect for legal/regulatory guidance DesirableExperience of working within the charity and/or cultural sectorExperience of working for an Arts Council of England funded organisation, e.g. National PortfolioOrganisation Experience of driving income generation opportunities and achieving targets Experience of preparing and submitting VAT returns and TTR claims Experience of analysing multiple data sources to improve business decision makingKnowledge and interest in AI and its application in a business environment7TERMS Salary: £50,000 Contract: Full time permanent contract Hours and location: Standard working hours at Hofesh Shechter Company are 10am-6pm, Monday toFriday. This includes a one-hour lunch break. The company currently operates hybrid working, with upto 2 days per week remotely. Due to the nature of HSC and the performing arts sector, occasional evening and weekend work willbe required. This will be planned well in advance with time off in lieu provided. Holiday: 20 days holiday (plus 8 days public holidays) each year with one week taken over theDecember holiday season After one year’s service this increases to 25 days holiday (plus 8 days publicholidays) each year. Employee benefits Workplace pension 3% employer contribution Flexible working and reasonable adjustment will be considered Access to an external Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) for access to 24/7 mental healthand wellbeing supportFree eye tests Benefits to working at Hofesh Shechter Company A culture of creativity, diversity and dynamism that offers you the tools, space and opportunity tolearn, innovate and grow A dynamic and committed small team with a passion for dance and strong management skills A landmark office location at Somerset House in central London, by the river We are London Living Wage employers and members of Parents & Carers in the Performing Arts A commitment to staff development and training Access to free or discounted tickets for performances where possible 8Send your CV and a statement (no more than two pages) telling us: About the skills, experience and qualities you would bring to the role and how these meet theperson specification Using specific examples of relevant achievements in recent posts or freelance contracts todemonstrate your ability to match the criteria Include any relevant education and professional qualifications appropriate to the postWhy you want to work at Hofesh Shechter Company Include the names of two referees (please note: referees will only be contacted after seeking yourpermission) Details of your current notice period (if applicable) Applications should be sent by email to info@hofesh.co.uk with the subject line FINANCE ANDOPERATIONS and YOUR NAME.Please also complete our equal opportunities monitoring form which will be kept separate from yourapplication and will be kept anonymous. Deadline: 10am, Friday 6 March 2026 For a confidential, informal discussion about the role or questions about the terms of employmentplease contact us at info@hofesh.co.uk INTERVIEWS AND OFFERSShortlisted candidates will be notified by Friday 13 March. Interviews will be held in person on Tuesday24 March at Somerset House, Strand, London WC2R 1LA.Candidates may be required to attend a second interview on 30 or 31 March 2026. An offer of employment is subject to receipt of satisfactory references. Please note that references willnot be requested until a formal job offer has been made. Appointment is subject to confirmation of the right to work in the UK. Candidates must be able toevidence an existing right to work for a minimum of three years (e.g., through settled status or a long-term visa). Hofesh Shechter Company is currently unable to offer visa sponsorships. HOW TO APPLY910NOTE ON ACCESS Hofesh Shechter Company is committed tomaking reasonable adjustments and ensuringno applicant is disadvantaged based ondisability or access needs. If you would likefurther information or wish to have a detaileddiscussion about your requirements, pleasecontact info@hofesh.co.uk Physical access at Somerset House:The Hofesh Shechter Company office islocated in the mid-basement of SomersetHouse, which is reached by either lift or a spiralstaircase. Please note that the groundimmediately outside Somerset Houseis cobblestone. Parking is not available on site. Gender neutral and accessible facilities:The mid-basement office area has twogendered bathrooms and one accessiblefacility. Further accessible facilities areavailable throughout the public areas ofSomerset House, which include a mix ofgendered and all-gender facilities. STANCE ON AI At Hofesh Shechter Company we understandthat AI can be used as an access tool to aidwriting job applications. For those using AI fortheir application, we ask that you make sureyour answers reflect you and your experienceand don’t simply mirror the job description orspecification back to us. @hofeshco Hofesh Shechter CompanySomerset House, StrandLondon, WC2R 1LA Registered Company no. 6737326VAT no. 946132427Charity no.1130255Hofesh Shechter Company is supported usingpublic funding through Arts Council England andbenefits from the support of BNP ParibasFoundation for the development of its projects.www.hofesh.co.uk ImagesFront: Theatre of Dreams © Tom VisserPage 2: Hofesh Shechter in rehearsalPage 4: Grand Finale © Rahi RezvaniPage 6: Theatre of Dreams © Tom VisserPage 10: Grand Finale © Rahi RezvaniBack: Contemporary Dance 2.0 © Stephanie Claire