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Role: Finance Lead
Sector: Design & Events
Reporting to: Operations Director
Salary: £55,000 - £70,000pa
Permanent: Full Time and Part Time considered
Location: NW Surrey - Hybrid (2 days/week from the office)
Job Overview
VisionFR is delighted to be working with our client - a unique team of industry specialists working across design, production, and account management in the world of Exhibitions and Events - which, due to successful growth of the company, is searching for an experienced Finance Lead to help drive their operations.
The finance support is currently provided by an external accounting/bookkeeping firm. The intention is to bring this in-house under the responsibility of the Finance Lead. NOTE: There remains potential for some of the transactional day entry to be provided by the outsourced bookkeeper (TBD) but this is mainly a sole-role position.
Working closely with the Operations Director, the Finance Lead will be responsible for ensuring the financial stability, process efficiency and financial governance of the company. This role involves supporting the strategic goals of the business, improving and developing finance process within the agency, supporting project teams on commercial viability of client accounts, analysing financial data and providing reports, proactive management of company spend to reduce fiscal waste and general bookkeeping duties. The ideal candidate has a strong financial background combined with an understanding of the unique needs and workflows of a design-focused events business.
Tasks and Duties (list not exhaustive)
- Support the Operations Director in the development of the agency’s annual forecasting and budgeting, ensuring alignment with long-term business goals and creative objectives.
- Conduct financial analysis, identifying key trends and actionable insights to guide the agency’s strategic planning, including proactive exchange rate planning.
- Maintain detailed financial forecasts, including revenue projections, cash flow management, and scenario planning to anticipate challenges and opportunities.
- Prepare and present financial reports including monthly management reports, to senior leadership, ensuring transparency and alignment on financial priorities.
- Support project teams to ensure project profitability, including expenses, resource utilisation, and time tracking
- Support creation of post project reconciliation documentation
- Ensure accurate daily accounting operations, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, bank reconciliations and expenses
- Ensure compliance with all financial and regulatory requirements, including tax filings, VAT, and corporate reporting obligations.
- Implement, improve and maintain robust internal financial controls.
- Coordinate with external auditors and tax consultants during financial audits and year-end closing processes.
Experience Required
- Proven experience in an events / Creative based agency and an understanding of the industry.
- Qualified to ACCA/CIMA/ACA
- Ability to present information clearly and concisely with excellent oral and written communication skills
- Proven experience working into leadership team and ability to confidently make business case arguments to drive improvement.
- Good level of computer literacy, particularly regarding Microsoft applications, Google Drive and Sage
- Experience of implementing and operation an APS system would be advantageous (e.g. Paprika / Deltek / Procim etc)
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.
