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Overview

The V&A is seeking a strategic, collaborative, and inspiring Deputy Finance Director to play a pivotal role in safeguarding the museum’s financial resilience and supporting its mission to champion creativity in all its forms. The postholder will contribute to an organisation with a global reputation, a national collection of over 2.8 million objects, and a 5,000-year-old story of creativity told through exhibitions, education programmes, research, and digital experiences.

Location: South Kensington, London (with hybrid working)

Contact: Rosemary Pini - Allen Lane vam@allenlane.co.uk

An opportunity to help shape the future of the world’s leading museum of art, design and performance.

The V&A is seeking a strategic, collaborative, and inspiring Deputy Finance Director to play a pivotal role in safeguarding the museum’s financial resilience and supporting its mission to champion creativity in all its forms.

About the Role

Reporting to the Director of Finance and Resources, the Deputy Finance Director will work at the heart of the V&A’s strategic and operational decision-making. The postholder will provide leadership to the Finance and Procurement teams, ensuring the delivery of high-quality financial management, business partnering, statutory reporting, and compliance across a complex, multi-site organisation.

Key priorities will include:

• Developing and delivering a multi-year strategic financial model to strengthen resilience and support commercial growth.
• Leading the annual business planning cycle and aligning financial plans to strategic objectives.
• Enhancing financial systems, reporting, and processes to improve decision-making and efficiency.
• Championing strong financial controls, risk management, and compliance across the organisation.
• Overseeing statutory accounts, external reporting, and technical advice on VAT, Gift Aid, and other tax matters.
• Acting as a trusted adviser to senior leaders, the Board, and external stakeholders.

About You

The V&A is looking for a qualified CCAB accountant (or equivalent) with experience leading finance teams in large, complex organisations. You will have:

• A strong track record in statutory accounts, budgeting, and forecasting
• Technical expertise in accounting and charity taxation
• The ability to present complex financial information clearly to varied audiences
• A collaborative leadership style with a commitment to developing high-performing teams
• Alignment with the V&A’s values: Sustainability, Equity, Creativity, Collaboration, and Generosity

Why Join the V&A?

The V&A offers an inclusive, values-driven environment where staff are supported to thrive. The museum is proud to be an open and diverse organisation and is committed to a strict zero-tolerance approach to discrimination, harassment, or bullying.

Benefits include:

• 10% employer pension contribution (post-probation)
• Life assurance (4x salary)
• Enhanced family-friendly policies
• Interest-free loans (travelcard, bike, rental deposit)
• Free entry to major museums and exhibitions
• Discounts in V&A shops and cafés
• Employee Assistance Programme and staff social events

How to Apply

For further information or to apply, please contact:

Rosemary Pini at Allen Lane who has partnered with V&A on this appointment

Seniority level

• Mid-Senior level

Employment type

• Full-time

Job function

• Finance, Accounting/Auditing, and Management

Industries

• Museums, Historical Sites, and Zoos; Museums, and Non-profit Organizations

EEO The V&A is an inclusive, values-driven organisation and is committed to equality of opportunity.

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