Finance Director at West Highland Museum Trust Closing date: 30 November, 2026 Salary: N/A Contract type: Part Time

November 4, 2026
Urgent

Job Description

Finance Director at West Highland Museum Trust About the Role Commitment

4 Board meetings (including preparation time) and annual AGM attendance (ideally in person). Circa 2-4 days a month hand on additional support activity for our Museum & Collections Manager and Finance Manager throughout the year (which can be remote/hybrid working)

Role Purpose

The Finance Director maintains a strategic overview of the museum’s financial health, safeguards its assets, and ensures robust financial governance. The role acts as an active critical guide and advisor to the Museum & Collections manager and provides the wider Board clear, objective assurances regarding financial compliance, risk management, and the long-term sustainability of the museum.

Key Responsibilities Financial Governance & Compliance

  • Regulatory Compliance: Ensure the Trust complies with its governing documents, OSCR and HMRC regulations regarding Gift Aid, VAT, and payroll tax.
  • Annual Accounts: Oversee the timely preparation of annual statutory accounts in accordance with the SORP
  • Independent Audit: Act as the primary Board liaison for the external independent auditor during the year-end financial review (as required)
  • Financial Strategy: Lead the Board’s long-term financial strategy and vision that aligns with the charity’s goals, including forecasting and evaluation.
  • Budget Management: Overseeing budget creation, monitoring, and evaluation to maximize resource efficiency.
  • Investment Oversight: Managing investment activities to grow the charity’s financial portfolio responsibly.

Strategic Oversight & Board Assurance

  • Financial Reporting: Review and present quarterly management accounts, cash flow statements, and budget variances to the Board in a clear, accessible manner.
  • Budget Scrutiny: Advise and challenge the Museum & Collections Manager on the creation of the annual operating budget and rolling multi-year financial forecasts.
  • Investment & Reserves Policy: Formulate, monitor, and periodically review the museum’s reserves policy and investment strategies to safeguard the trust’s long-term capital.
  • Fundraising Support: Collaborating with our Fundraiser and the Fundraising team to ensure both capital and revenue funding in secured for the Museums continued longevity.
  • Capital Project Scrutiny: Provide financial oversight on major upcoming capital redevelopment and historic building renovation projects, monitoring restricted vs. unrestricted funding allocations.
  • Risk Management: Ensure appropriate internal financial controls, fraud prevention measures, and risk registers are maintained and reviewed regularly.
  • Risk Assessment: Identifying and mitigating financial risks to protect the organization’s assets; liaising with the Audit Committee to support risk management.

For more information please visit the West Highland Museum website

Location