worldheartbeat.org
Application Pack Senior Finance Officer
As Senior Finance Officer, you will play a vital role at World Heart Beat, ensuring the effective day-to-day management of finances, financial administration, and bookkeeping, as well as informing future business planning. You will work with key personnel across the team, providing guidance and leadership in relation to budget management and financial information to support funding applications and stewardship. You will also provide excellent reporting to support the Executive and Board.
It is an exciting time for the charity, following the opening of World Heart Beat Embassy Gardens in 2023, our second site for music teaching, which includes a café, concert hall and recording studio. The operation of two sites has increased our activities and overheads, making the Senior Finance Officer role even more crucial. We have also established a CIC through which new earned income streams are channelled. The Senior Finance Officer will have the opportunity to develop and shape financial processes and contribute to forward planning.
The Role
World Heart Beat is a registered music charity. Its programmes enrich the lives of children and young people, and its communities. We place social justice
at our heart, providing equality of access through the removal of financial barriers to all, and giving a voice
to those who are underrepresented.
About Us
Join our small, dedicated team that lives and breathes music! At World Heart Beat, we are passionate about empowering young people through music education, performance, and opportunities that change lives. We are a warm, welcoming, and dynamic organisation that thrives on collaboration, creativity, and community. With us, you’ll be more than just a Senior Finance Officer—you’ll be part of an organisation that brings music and joy to young people and beyond. Plus, we offer great perks like free concert tickets, generous discounts in our café, and a fantastic team that values both hard work and fun. If you love numbers as much as we love music, we’d love to hear from you!
Why Work With Us?
Role Description Financial Planning
Lead on the annual budget preparation process, including creating regular reports for the Board of Trustees, senior management team, and project managers. Contribute financial information required for funding applications as needed by the Fundraising team. Maintain and regularly update cash flow forecasts.
Financial Management & Bookkeeping Prepare regular management accounts and associated reports for budget holders, senior management, and the Board of Trustees, providing analysis to inform decision-making and organisational planning. Maintain oversight of finance systems, processes, and procedures, ensuring they are fit for purpose. Oversee, manage and assist with bookkeeping tasks, ensuring accurate and timely financial record-keeping, including:
Purchase/sales ledger management Batch/individual payments Bank reconciliations Petty cash management Credit card management International payments Processing invoices and receipts Maintaining financial records in accounting software (Xero preferred)
Role Description
Financial Management & Bookkeeping (continued) Ensure payments are made in a timely and controlled manner. Ensure that student payments are diligently followed up on and accurately accounted for, maintaining clear records and addressing any outstanding balances in a timely manner. Manage monthly payroll submissions, working with World Heart Beat’s accountants, and reviewing reports to ensure payroll accuracy. Support bookkeeper with various tasks as and when needed including payroll Respond to queries related to pension and payroll matters. Ensure HMRC reporting and payments are carried out on time, including Income Tax/NICs and Foreign Entertainer withholding tax. Oversee Gift Aid claims and submission Prepare monthly VAT submissions, coordinating with World Heart Beat’s accountants. Provide financial information for funder reports as required, including Arts Council England (ACE) NPO reporting.
Role Description Financial Accounting
Ensure compliance with financial policies, governance, legislation, and data regulations. Manage relationships with external accountants, ensuring timely preparation of annual accounts for both the charity and its commercial subsidiary. Work closely with the bookkeeper to ensure robust and effective financial data capture. Maintain and report on restricted and unrestricted funds, ensuring compliance. Record and manage Fixed Assets registers and depreciation schedules. Reconcile monthly financial processes, including commercial activities, ticket sales, café transactions, performance settlements, and intercompany transactions.
Business Administration Oversee key business contracts, including pre-paid credit cards (Equals) and batch payment systems (Telleroo). Ensure all operational finance tasks are completed accurately and on time. Ensure financial compliance across the organisation. Undertake other duties or specific projects as required.
Person Specification Skills and Experience
Qualified by experience (essential), minimum three years. Previous experience working in a small finance team. Demonstrable experience in bookkeeping, financial planning, budget management, and reporting at a senior level. Ability to interpret and communicate financial information effectively to non-financial staff. Knowledge of charity finance regulations, including SORP and relevant compliance frameworks. Proficiency in accounting software (Xero preferred) and Microsoft Office, particularly Excel. Strong attention to detail and commitment to professional standards. Organised, methodical, and able to meet deadlines. Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to maintain positive working relationships. Willingness to adapt in a fast-paced environment.
Personal Attributes Positive and forward-thinking. Ability to work independently and take initiative. Highly organised and detail oriented. Passionate about music and/or the arts and their impact on society. A strong team player and active contributor.
HEALTH AND SAFETY All employees must undergo a DBS check and adhere to WHB’s Health and Safety policies. Safeguarding children and young people is a core responsibility, and all staff must comply with WHB’s Child Protection Policy.
TERMS & CONDITIONS World Heart Beat is committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and supportive workplace. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and ensure equal opportunities regardless of race, religion, gender, age, or disability status. Flexible working arrangements are supported where possible.
Further Role Details
Role: Senior Finance Officer Reporting to: James Gero, CEO Company: World Heart Beat Music Academy/CIC Line Manager For: Bookkeeper (Freelance) Contract/ Hours: 0.8 FTE, equivalent to 32 hours per week (with 1 hour for lunch included) Salary: £35,000 - £37,000 per annum, pro rata, dependent on experience. Benefits: Contributory pension scheme, discounts at our café, free concert tickets Location: Office based, WHB at Embassy Gardens, Ponton Road, SW11 7BD (adjacent to the US Embassy) Holiday: 28 days including public and bank holidays (Pro Rata)
Please provide a copy of your current CV together with a covering letter explaining why you are interested in the position and how your skills and experience aligns with the person specification.
Please include the names of two referees, one of which must be your most recent employer. References won’t be taken up without your consent.
Your letter, CV and EO monitoring form should be emailed to General Manager, at: recruitment@worldheartbeat.org
Application Deadline: By 9am, Monday 19th May 2025.
Interviews: Will be undertaken shortly thereafter.
Application Process