Full job description

Financial Controller - Watershed
Are you looking to step into a high-impact Finance leadership role within one of Bristol’s most iconic cultural organisations?
Robert Half are proud to be partnering with Watershed in their search for an outstanding Financial Controller to play a key role in shaping the financial sustainability and strategic direction of the organisation.
About Watershed
Watershed is a leading arts, film and cultural organisation based in the heart of Bristol’s harbourside. A registered charity with an international reputation, Watershed champions creativity, innovation, and inclusion, bringing people together through film, digital media and creative technology.
With a unique model spanning both a charitable trust and trading company, Watershed delivers a diverse programme of cinema, events, festivals and talent development initiatives, while working closely with partners such as the British Film Institute and Arts Council England.
The Role
As Financial Controller, you will take ownership of the organisation’s financial operations, ensuring accuracy, compliance and strategic insight across both the Trust and Trading Company.
Reporting directly to the CEO and forming part of the Extended Leadership Team, this is a highly visible role where you will support senior decision-making while leading and developing a high-performing finance function.
Key Responsibilities
*Lead all aspects of financial control, ensuring robust processes across both entities
*Oversee monthly management accounts, reporting to CEO, SMT, Board and Finance Committee
*Deliver statutory accounts and lead the annual audit process
*Ensure compliance with Charity Commission, HMRC and company law requirements
*Manage relationships and reporting requirements for key funders (e.g. Arts Council, BFI)
*Lead budgeting, forecasting and long-term financial planning
*Maintain rolling cashflow forecasts and provide clear financial insight and analysis
*Develop and implement financial policies, controls and risk management frameworks
*Line manage and develop the finance team, fostering a collaborative culture
*Business partner with budget holders across the organisation to drive informed decision-making
About You
You are an experienced, technically strong finance leader with a passion for adding value beyond the numbers.
Key attributes include:
*Commercially and strategically minded with strong analytical capability
*Confident communicator, able to influence and support senior stakeholders and Trustees
*Detail-oriented with a focus on accuracy, control and compliance
*Collaborative approach, comfortable working across a creative organisation
*Passion for purpose-driven organisations, ideally within charity, arts or public sector environments
Qualifications & Experience
*Fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent)
*Proven experience in a Financial Controller or senior finance leadership role
*Experience working in a multi-entity or group structure
*Strong understanding of charity accounting and regulatory requirements
*Experience leading and developing finance teams
*Familiarity with cloud-based finance systems (Xledger or similar advantageous)
Salary & Benefits
*£60,000 - £70,000 per annum
*Hybrid working (minimum 3 days onsite in Bristol)
*Opportunity to play a key leadership role within a highly respected cultural organisation
*Engaging, purpose-driven environment with strong values and community impact
How to Apply
For further information or to apply, please contact
Andy Troup on or email your CV to
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