Senior Officer, Music Hubs , Finance and Risk; COO

Senior Officer, Music Hubs Performance, Finance and Risk (COO
20)

Contract:
Permanent, working 35 hours per week (Arts Council also recognises the benefit of flexible working as a valued part of the way we work, and welcome applications from individuals who require flexibility)

Salary: £38,689 per annum Grade C plus benefits including a final salary pension scheme, generous annual leave, and flexible and hybrid working.

Location:
Cambridge, Brighton, Bristol, Birmingham, Nottingham, Manchester, Leeds or Newcastle (The role will be based in any of the locations listed; however, we are operating a hybrid way of working and support our staff to make use of remote working options when combined with regular on-site contact days with other members of the team, normally 1-2 days a week)

Arts Council England manages the national Music Hub programme on behalf of the Department for Education (DfE), investing over £100 million to ensure that every child and young person in England can access high-quality music education and opportunities both in and out of school.

We are looking for a Senior Officer, Performance, Finance and Risk to join our Music Hubs team who can use data, insight and sound judgement to help monitor performance, manage risk and support investment decisions across a major national programme. This is an exciting opportunity for a someone who combines strong financial and analytical skills with excellent communication and relationship management abilities.

You will work closely with colleagues across the Music Hubs team, providing expert advice and analysis on finance, risk and organisational performance. Your work will help ensure that public investment is managed effectively and that Music Hubs are well supported to deliver positive outcomes for children and young people.

Join us and play a key role in helping to ensure that every child and young person in England has access to excellent music education opportunities.

At Arts Council England, we believe that culture enriches lives and communities. We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone feels respected, valued and able to thrive. We recognise the benefits of flexible working and welcome applications from candidates who may require flexibility in how they work.

• Analyse and report on the financial performance, governance and risk profile of individual Music Hubs and the wider programme.
• Produce high-quality reports and insights for Arts Council England and the Department for Education to support programme management and policy development.
• Support Relationship & Development Managers in assessing financial performance, governance arrangements and organisational risk.
• Contribute financial and performance analysis to investment decisions, business cases and Spending Review submissions.
• Manage key grant administration processes, including financial decision recording, budget profiling, grant adjustments and reconciliations.
• Review financial reports, budgets, cashflow forecasts and management accounts submitted by Hub Lead Organisations.
• Quality assure risk assessments and performance ratings, identifying where additional support or intervention may be required.
• Monitor compliance with funding agreements and reporting requirements, supporting assurance processes and programme oversight.
• Develop and deliver training, guidance and briefings on financial management, risk assessment and monitoring requirements.
• Work closely with colleagues to improve processes, systems and ways of working, including supporting development of our grant management systems.

• Experience of monitoring organisational or programme performance and risk, identifying emerging issues and recommending appropriate support or interventions.
• Experience of financial reconciliation, reporting and issue resolution.
• A strong understanding of business models and financial governance within charities, not-for-profit organisations and/or local authorities.
• Experience of interpreting management accounts and analysing financial information.
• Knowledge of risk management frameworks and monitoring systems.
• Experience providing financial advice, guidance and support to a range of stakeholders.
• Strong analytical and data interpretation skills.
• Excellent organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver to deadlines.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the confidence to engage effectively with people at all levels.
• A…