Finance Manager

Role: Finance Manager (Qualified or nearly Qualified)

Sector: SME Creative Agency

Location: Highbury

Permanent: Full–time

Hybrid: Mon–Thurs in office and Fri WFH

Salary: GBP60,000–GBP65,000

Reporting to: P/T Finance Director

Ref: VFR 202648

VisionFR is delighted to be working with an I ndependent SME Creative Agency to find them an energetic and ambitious sole role Finance Manager . This is a great opportunity to join a successful and growing business of around 30 staff. The ideal candidate will be a strong finance business partner, helping shape financial performance and profitability. You will be qualified or nearly qualified with an ambition to grow into the FD over a 3–5 year period.

The Client is looking for a bright and energetic candidate with a can do attitude and an ability to solve problems and engage with the wider agency team. A strong understanding of working in a creative agency is a must.

Key Responsibilities of the Finance Manager

• Prepare monthly management accounts, including P&L, balance sheet, cashflow forecasts and key performance reporting, with support from the Finance Director.
• Prepare quarterly financial and profitability reports for the senior leadership team.
• Oversee payments to contractors, freelancers and suppliers.
• Coordinate the monthly payroll process with the external payroll provider, including pension administration.
• Prepare and submit quarterly VAT returns.
• Produce regular cashflow reporting and provide updates on the organisation's cash position.
• Ensure appropriate financial controls, approvals and sign–off procedures are followed and accurately documented.
• Support the senior leadership team with ad hoc financial analysis, financial modelling and strategic projects.
• Partner with operational and client–facing teams to provide financial support across projects, including budgeting, forecasting, billing and cost management.
• Promote clear and consistent financial reporting, ensuring project margins and profitability are accurately monitored and understood.
• Identify potential financial risks at an early stage, including budget pressures, scope changes, purchase order issues and resourcing costs, and escalate where appropriate.
• Provide regular reporting and analysis covering revenue, costs, resource utilisation and project profitability.
• Work closely with operational teams to improve financial processes, encourage best practice and strengthen commercial awareness across the business.

Key Skills of the Finance Manager

• Highly organised, proactive and solutions focused.
• Confident communicator with strong stakeholder management skills.
• Commercially aware with sound judgement and the confidence to challenge.
• Excellent written, verbal and presentation skills.
• Curious, proactive and interested in the wider business.
• Advanced Excel and strong accounting systems experience.
• Qualified or nearly qualified accountants (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or CPA)
• Able to work in the office 4 days a week WFH on a Friday
• Must have good rounded exposure to Working within an SME creative agency

VisionFR is committed to encouraging equality, diversity, inclusion and eliminating unlawful discrimination within our workforce and whilst fulfilling our Clients recruitment needs.

Due to the high level of applications being received if you do not hear from us within 5 working days, please assume your application has not been successful on this occasion, usually due to other candidates having more relevant sector exposure, qualifications or required skills. We thank you for your interest.