Chief finance officer

Closing date: 5pm Weds 22nd April 2026

Salary: £65,000–£75,000 FTE (depending on experience)

Hours: 28 hours (4 days) per week (flexible working patterns considered)  

Location: Hybrid, with regular attendance across Creative Access sites in London (White City/Camden), plus flexibility for UK-wide working

Start date: May 2026

First interviews: 28 & 29 April 2026 

A rare and pivotal leadership opportunity to shape the financial sustainability and operational strength of a leading social enterprise in the creative industries.

About Creative Access

Creative Access is the leading organisation working to create equity, diversity and inclusion in the UK creative industries.

We are a Community Interest Company (CIC), providing career-long access, opportunities, support and training to make the creative industries better reflect society. Our mission is to break down the barriers faced by those from historically under-represented groups to accessing and building sustainable careers.

Working with almost 2,000 employer partners and a community of more than 167,000 individuals across the UK, we deliver impactful programmes, recruitment services and training that drive systemic change across the sector.

The role

We are seeking an experienced and strategic CFO to join our senior leadership team at a critical stage of organisational growth.

This is a high-impact role combining strategic financial leadership with hands-on oversight of finance, governance and organisational operations. You will play a key role in shaping Creative Access’s long-term sustainability, supporting the delivery of large-scale programmes and ensuring robust financial management across a complex income model that includes commercial revenue, partnerships and grant funding.

You will be a trusted advisor to the CEO and Board, bringing clarity, rigour and forward-thinking insight to decision-making, while also ensuring strong financial controls and operational effectiveness across the organisation.

This role would suit a commercially minded, purpose-driven finance leader who is comfortable operating in a fast-paced, evolving environment and motivated by driving social impact.

Key responsibilities

Strategic financial leadership

• Act as a strategic partner to the CEO and senior leadership team, shaping organisational strategy, financial sustainability and growth
• Lead long-term financial planning, scenario modelling and development of sustainable business models
• Provide clear insight into financial performance, risks and opportunities to support decision-making
• Support the organisation in scaling programmes and services in line with strategic objectives

Financial management & control

• Oversee all financial operations, ensuring robust systems, controls and processes are in place
• Lead budgeting, forecasting and reforecasting cycles across the organisation
• Closely monitor and manage cash flow, reserves and financial risk
• Oversee production of monthly management accounts and reporting to SLT and Board
• Ensure accuracy and integrity of financial data and continuous improvement of financial systems

Grant funding, programme finance & compliance

• Lead financial oversight of grant-funded programmes, including management of restricted and unrestricted funds
• Develop and manage programme budgets, ensuring alignment with funding agreements and delivery plans
• Oversee preparation of funder reports, claims and audit documentation
• Ensure compliance with public funding requirements and grant conditions
• Support internal teams to embed strong financial management across programme delivery

Bid development, procurement & commercial finance

• Support the development of new income streams through financial modelling and pricing of bids, partnerships and programmes
• Lead or support financial elements of procurement processes, ensuring compliance with public sector and partner requirements
• Ensure full cost recovery and sustainable margins across all activity
• Provide financial input into contract negotiations and partnership agreements

Governance, compliance & reporting

• Ensure compliance with UK financial regulations, CIC governance requirements and statutory obligations
• Lead audit processes and statutory reporting, liaising with external accountants and auditors
• Support the Board and relevant committees with clear, timely reporting
• Maintain strong internal controls, risk management frameworks and financial governance

People, operations & organisational effectiveness

• Provide oversight of finance team members and external providers (e.g. payroll, accountants, insurance brokers)
• Support organisational operations and infrastructure, ensuring effective systems and processes are in place
• Work in partnership with external HR advisors and internal leads to support people operations, policy and compliance
• Contribute to organisational culture, leadership and ways of working as a member of the senior leadership team

Knowledge, skills and experience

Essential

• Fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent experience)
• Significant experience in a senior finance leadership role (FD, Head of Finance or equivalent)
• Strong experience in financial planning, budgeting, forecasting and cash flow management
• Experience working with complex income models, including grant funding and/or public sector funding
• Proven experience supporting bids, tenders and/or procurement processes
• Strong understanding of financial governance, controls and regulatory requirements
• Experience working with Boards or senior stakeholders
• Ability to operate both strategically and hands-on in a growing organisation
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to translate financial information for non-finance audiences

Desirable

• Experience in a not-for-profit, social enterprise or purpose-driven organisation
• Experience in the creative and cultural industries, education, skills or workforce development sectors
• Experience of overseeing operational or people functions
• Familiarity with Salesforce or similar CRM systems
• Experience with Xero or similar accounting software

Benefits

• 23 days annual leave (pro rata, increasing with service), plus the working days between Christmas and New Year (increasing with service)
• Flexible and hybrid working
• Participation in the annual staff profit-share scheme
• A full day leave for birthday
• Access to wellbeing support and employee assistance programmes
• Opportunity to work at the forefront of equity, inclusion and innovation in the creative industries
• Professional development and training opportunities

How to apply

We welcome applications from individuals from all backgrounds, particularly those from groups currently under-represented in the creative industries.

Please apply via the Creative Access website, including:

• A CV
• A cover letter (maximum two pages) outlining your suitability for the role and your interest in joining the leadership team at Creative Access

For any questions or to organise a short, informal conversation about the role, please contact: mel@creativeaccess.org.uk