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. - - 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. 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 - 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. - - - - 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 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 - Strong organisational and communication skills Desirable Criteria - - - - - 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. 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 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. 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
CANTERBURY THEATRE AND FESTIVAL TRUST
24,000 - 25,000 per year
Canterbury Festival Office
Full-time
2nd February 2026
Festival Assistant Job Title: Festival Assistant Reports to: Festival Director & Chief Executive Location: Canterbury Festival Office (CT1 2JA) (flexible/hybrid working arrangements are available by mutual agreement) Contract: Permanent, full-time with additional hours during the pre-/post-October Festival period Salary: £24,000–£25,000 per annum, dependent on experience Application deadline: Monday 2nd February 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 The Festival Assistant provides all-round support across Canterbury Festival’s operations. Combining administrative, programming, production, marketing, public engagement and front-of-house responsibilities, the Festival Assistant plays an essential role supporting the planning and delivery of the Festival and associated year-round activity. With responsibilities ranging from programming administration, artist liaison, event management, box office and marketing support to general office administration and volunteer co-ordination, the Festival Assistant provides practical, organised and reliable assistance to ensure the smooth curation and co-ordination of events and the Festival office. The role is varied, hands-on and well suited to someone with a passion for the arts looking to build experience in arts administration and festival planning and delivery within a busy, close-knit cultural organisation. 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 Key Responsibilities Programming & Artist Administration - Provide administrative support to the programming team, maintaining accurate records, schedules and artist information. - Act as a point of contact for artists, speakers, companies and agents, assisting with - communication, coordination and information gathering. Support contracting processes, including issuing paperwork, tracking returns and maintaining databases. - Assist with artist logistics such as travel, accommodation, schedules, riders and hospitality requirements. Production & Event Support - Support the planning and delivery of Festival events and year‑round activities across multiple venues (including Public Engagement programmes and projects). - Assist with event logistics including schedules, stewarding requirements, artist arrivals and - technical coordination. Provide on‑the‑ground support during events, including front‑of‑house duties, steward briefing, ticket checking/sales and venue set-ups and clear‑downs. Liaise with venue staff, technicians, artists and volunteers both before and during events. - - Assist with arranging sound checks, artist transport, refreshments and introducing events where required. Marketing & Communications Support - Assist with gathering copy and images for marketing materials, newsletters and website updates. - Support brochure and newsletter distribution, including volunteer coordination and mailing preparation. Support the Marketing Manager in the promotion of and preparation for Festival events as required e.g. drafting social media posts, designing digital assets & on-site signage. - - Build and set-up events in the Box Office system as part of the on-sale process. Staff the reception and box office, responding to in‑person, telephone and email enquiries. Process ticket sales, exchanges and refunds using the Festival’s ticketing system. Box Office & Customer Service - - - Assist with box office operations at Festival events and third‑party events. - Monitor voicemail messages and info emails, ensure timely responses. - Support Festival Friend management including acting as a point of contact, updating members’ records, claiming Gift Aid, managing subscription enquiries, supporting campaigns to drive new subscribers and organising Friends exclusive events. 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 Volunteers - Assist with volunteer recruitment, communication and scheduling. - Create and coordinate steward rotas and respond to availability or staffing gaps. - - Act as a point of contact for volunteer enquiries and help maintain positive relationships with the Support training arrangements (e.g. first aid) and year‑round volunteer involvement. volunteer team. Office & General Administration - Support day‑to‑day office administration including e.g. stationery supplies, basic housekeeping, petty cash and record‑keeping. - Assist with GDPR‑compliant data management and filing. - - Help with meeting administration, including preparing papers, taking notes, hospitality and Liaise with utilities and other suppliers regarding servicing and maintenance. minute-taking. - Carry out ad‑hoc tasks to support the smooth running of Festival House and Festival activity. - Any other reasonable duties as required by the Festival Director and Board. Person Specification Essential Criteria - Highly organised, reliable and able to manage multiple tasks simultaneously. - - - - - Willingness to undertake a wide variety of tasks, including practical and administrative work. - Confident IT skills, including Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel) with an appetite to embrace Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with a professional and friendly manner. Excellent attention to detail. Experience of working in an office environment in an administrative capacity. Experience of co-ordinating live events. and train to use new technologies as relevant. - Calm, adaptable and proactive, particularly during busy event periods. - Availability to work evenings and weekends during the Festival and key events. Desirable Criteria - - - - - Driving licence and access to a car. Some experience in arts administration, events, festivals and/or customer service. Interest in the arts and live events. Familiarity with Canterbury and its venues. Experience working with volunteers or the public, or of managing teams of people. 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 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 1 month for both parties Holiday entitlement Annual leave for full-time employees is 25 days per year plus UK bank holidays. 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. 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 How to Apply To apply, please send the following to info@canterburyfestival.co.uk by Monday 2nd February 2026 at 9am. - A cover letter outlining how you meet the job description and outlining your suitability for the role; - A copy of 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 2nd February with interviews held w/c 9th February 2026. 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
CANTERBURY THEATRE AND FESTIVAL TRUST
28,000 - 30,000 per year (pro rata)
Canterbury Festival Office (CT1 2JA)
Part-time
26th January 2026
Vacancies
You can keep up to date with future opportunities by joining our mailing list and following us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
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Finance Officer (Part-time)
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
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.
To apply, please download and read the full job description, then 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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Festival Assistant
Reports to: Festival Director & Chief Executive
Location: Canterbury Festival Office (CT1 2JA) (flexible/hybrid working arrangements are available by mutual agreement)
Contract: Permanent, full-time with additional hours during the pre-/post-October Festival period
Salary: £24,000–£25,000 per annum, dependent on experience
Application deadline: Monday 2nd February 2026 at 9am
With responsibilities ranging from programming administration, artist liaison, event management, box office and marketing support to general office administration and volunteer co-ordination, the Festival Assistant provides practical, organised and reliable assistance to ensure the smooth curation and co-ordination of events and the Festival office. The role is varied, hands-on and well suited to someone with a passion for the arts looking to build experience in arts administration and festival planning and delivery within a busy, close-knit cultural organisation.
To apply, please download and read the full job description, then send the following to info@canterburyfestival.co.uk by Monday 2 nd February 2026 at 9am.
- A cover letter outlining how you meet the job description and outlining your suitability for the role;
- A copy of 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 2nd February with interviews held w/c 9th February 2026.
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Work Experience
Canterbury Festival aims to deliver training and development opportunities for young people, providing hands-on experience of arts management. These opportunities are arranged in advance through discussion with the team.
The Festival offers a wide range of placements with activities including project support, event delivery, supporting the learning and participation programme, marketing placements, graphic design and arts administration.
Priority will be given to applicants who have previously volunteered for the Festival or who are students with an educational provider who is strategically linked. If you would like to register an interest, please email amandaseftonhogg@canterburyfestival.co.uk
Volunteering with Canterbury Festival is a great opportunity to try out new skills, gain experience, make friends, enjoy being part of a team and most of all, have fun helping to make a great festival happen.
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Become a Volunteer
Volunteers will:
- Gain experience of customer care and events management.
- Meet new people and be part of a friendly team.
- Feel a sense of achievement.
- Be supporting the arts in Canterbury.
- Enjoy high quality performances.
You will be working alongside a tight knit and friendly family of festival staff, some of whom are permanent and others who come together each year to make the festival happen.
What we are looking for
We are looking for team players with good common sense; volunteers who are reliable, enthusiastic, flexible, able to listen and share. You should also be able to recognise your own limitations, take responsibility for yourself and adhere to any health and safety instructions which are given to you by the team. But most importantly of all we ask that you ensure you commit to any shifts you agree to, as last minute changes can be very difficult to resolve and staff shortages could reflect badly on the festival.
Click here to download the volunteer application form
Click here to download the volunteer info pack
Click here to download the volunteer terms and conditions
For more info, please contact Tina at tina@canterburyfestival.co.uk