Finance Director

The V&A is a family of museums dedicated to the power of creativity. Its mission is to champion design and creativity in all its forms, advance cultural knowledge, and inspire makers, creators and innovators everywhere.

As Finance Director, you will join the V&A at a time of strategic transformation and change, as it continues to develop its ambitious programme of exhibitions and activities following the recent openings of V&A East Museum and V&A East Storehouse. As the V&A's senior finance professional, you will be accountable for the financial health, financial control and financial reporting of the museum group. You will lead the Finance and Procurement teams and the development of the V&A's financial strategy, providing the Executive Board and Board of Trustees with clear insight and advice to inform major decisions and support long-term financial resilience.

Key duties are as follows:

• Lead and develop the Finance and Procurement teams, sustaining a highly motivated and collaborative culture, and act as a visible member of the V&A's senior leadership team, contributing to corporate decisions beyond the finance remit
• Lead the provision of financial performance reporting to the Executive Board and Board of Trustees, presenting a clear and forward-looking account of the V&A's financial position
• Act as the principal executive lead for the Audit and Risk Committee, working with the Chair to shape the forward programme of business and ensuring the Committee receives timely, high-quality papers
• Own the development and management of the V&A's multi-year strategic financial model
• Advise the Executive Board and Board of Trustees on the financial implications of strategic choices, including major capital projects and commercial initiatives
• Develop and maintain the V&A's reserves, investment and treasury policies, and oversee management of the investment portfolio in line with them
• Lead the annual budgeting cycle, ensuring alignment with the V&A’s business plans and strategic priorities
• Lead the V&A's statutory and external financial reporting and act as a senior adviser on government accounting, maintaining a strong financial relationship with DCMS
• Maintain a strong and proportionate financial control environment and provide leadership of the procurement function, driving value for money across the V&A

This role is a maternity cover and will be offered on a 12-month fixed-term contract basis.

Why work at the V&A?

• Hybrid working at the V&A South Kensington offices (minimum three days per week in the office)
• 5.5% employer pension contribution (10% post probation)
• 29 days’ annual leave + bank holidays
• Tickets to V&A exhibitions for you, your friends or family plus discounts in V&A shops and cafes
• Free entrance to many major museums and exhibitions

You will:

• Be a qualified accountant and an experienced senior finance leader with the credibility and experience to operate effectively at Director level, including a track record of leading finance teams in a large and complex organisation
• Have relevant senior finance leadership experience within a charity, not-for-profit or public sector organisation
• Bring strong technical and strategic finance experience, including statutory reporting and multi-year financial planning and forecasting
• Be a confident and credible adviser, able to communicate complex financial issues clearly to non-finance colleagues, Executive Board members and trustees
• Bring sound judgement, a collaborative leadership style and a strong track record of developing high-performing teams

Key information:

The role is being managed on behalf of the V&A by Ivy Rock Partners. For a confidential conversation please reach out to Holly Arrowsmith for further information.

The application deadline is Monday 26th October.

Interviews will take place on 3rd and 13th November as part of a two-stage process. Candidates unable to attend in person on these dates are encouraged to apply and contact Holly at Ivy Rock Partners to discuss alternative arrangements.

The ideal candidate will be available to start the role in early-mid December 2026, though candidates with availability to start later are advised to get in touch to discuss further.

Salary information will be disclosed to candidates at initial application stage.