Finance Manager

ABOUT US

CONSUL is a creative incubator situated at the intersection of art, culture, and commerce. We conceptualise, curate, and support extraordinary creative projects that resonate globally. Collaborating with some of the world's most influential brands, artists, storytellers, and innovators; we harness collective intelligence to create concepts that move culture and build brands. Recent clients include LEGO®, Moncler, Nike Basketball, Mercedes-Benz, and Calvin Klein, where we led concept ideation across, strategy, creative direction, art direction for photography and moving image, talent, branding, spatial design and activations.

ROLE OVERVIEW

The Finance Manager is an experienced and dedicated financial professional tasked with the comprehensive oversight of daily financial operations and active contribution to strategic financial planning. This critical role necessitates the preparation of accurate financial reports, judicious management of organisational budgets and cash flow, and ensuring strict adherence to all pertinent financial regulations. The Finance Manager serves as a pivotal operational resource within the organisation, providing leadership with timely, actionable financial intelligence and championing efficiencies across all fiscal processes.

CORE RESPONSIBILITES

• Financial Reporting and Analysis: Execute the preparation and maintenance of accurate and timely monthly management accounts, statutory financial statements, and detailed financial reports. Conduct rigorous variance analysis to explain deviations from approved budgets and financial forecasts.
• Budgeting and Forecasting: Participate actively in the development of annual operating budgets and periodic financial forecasts. Systematically monitor performance against budgetary targets, collaborating proactively with departmental heads to govern expenditure.
• Cash Flow Management: Continuously monitor and forecast the entity's cash position, managing working capital with efficacy to ensure the timely fulfillment of all corporate financial obligations.
• Operational Management: Direct and manage the efficacy of daily accounting functions, encompassing Accounts Payable (AP), Accounts Receivable (AR), payroll administration, and general ledger maintenance. Establish and uphold robust internal financial controls.
• Compliance and Audit: Ensure absolute compliance with all statutory and regulatory requirements, including Value Added Tax (VAT), corporate taxation, and annual external audits. Prepare all requisite documentation for external auditing professionals.
• System and Process Improvement: Proactively identify and implement opportunities for the streamlining and automation of financial processes and systems (e.g., within Xero platform) to enhance operational efficiency and data accuracy.
• Risk Management & Compliance: Ensure compliance with financial regulations, tax laws (e.g., HMRC), and internal policies.
• Stakeholder Communication: Articulate complex financial findings and reports clearly to the Managing Director and Owner, translating sophisticated financial data into concrete, actionable business insights.
• Cross-Departmental Support: Function as the principal point of contact for non-finance teams concerning financial queries, budget adherence concerns, and expense reporting protocols.
• System Administration: Serve as the designated key user and administrator for the organisation's primary accounting software (e.g., Xero, Sage).

REQUIREMENTS

• Posesstion of a degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, or Business Administration.
• A professional qualification (e.g., part-qualified or newly qualified ACA, ACCA, CIMA) is highly advantageous.
• A minimum of three years of pertinent, hands-on experience in a financial accounting or management role is ideal.
• Strong technical accounting proficiency (e.g., IFRS/GAAP), advanced competency in Excel for sophisticated financial modelling and data analysis.
• Demonstrated experience with financial software platforms e.g. Sage, Xero, Oracle.
• Exceptional analytical acuity, proven problem-solving capabilities, and superior communication skills are critical for interpreting intricate data and effectively presenting key findings.
• Meticulous attention to detail, proactive time management, and a robust commercial acumen.
• Previous background or experience operating in a creative, media or production agency preferred.

WHAT WE OFFER

• A collaborative and creative studio culture.
• Opportunities to work on boundary-pushing projects with global brands.
• Opportunities to work alongside globally recognised artists.
• 28 days holiday plus bank holidays.
• Spacious and stylish studio with a south facing back garden and bike storage.
• Opportunities for growth and to work alongside a passionate and driven team.
• Annual salary review + bonus scheme.