Head Of Finance & Operations

Role: Head of Finance & Operations

Location: London

Permanent: Hybrid (2 - 3 days WFH)

Salary: £65,000 - £75,000

Ref: VFR3007

VisionFR is recruiting a The Head of Finance & Operations for an independent advertising agency working within the youth and music sector supporting amazing brands. The Head of Finance & Operations will report direct to the Managing Director and supported by a small finance team and Operations Manager. This is an opportunity for a qualified accountant to demonstrate strong financial, analytical and operational control in a fast growing agency with the aim of growing into the Finance Director.

Responsibilities of the Head ofFinance & Operations

Accounting and Bookkeeping

• Create and issue all sales invoices in a timely manner to ensure no delays to cash collection
• Month end revenue and cost of sales reconciliations and deferral/accrual journal postings
• Processing of all month end journal entries
• Oversight and management of external bookkeepers responsible for accounts payable, payment runs, payroll and VAT returns

Financial Reporting

• Prepare accurate and timely financial statements, including P&L, balance sheet and cashflow forecast
• Preparation, review and distribution of management accounts (at project, client and team levels)
• Preparation and presentation of quarterly financials deck at shareholder meetings
• Update and distribute weekly new business and live job reports with commentary and actions
• Create new and bespoke reporting as and when required

Budgeting and Forecasting

• Monthly update of forecast file with actuals
• Weekly revenue forecast update
• Support Managing Director with live P&L forecasting
• Develop annual budget in collaboration with Managing Director and other stakeholders (including pricing strategies and annual rate card setting)

Cash Flow Management

• Manage cash flow to ensure adequate liquidity for operational needs
• Implement effective cash management strategies and controls
• Sign off of weekly supplier payment run
• Weekly billing and credit control report distribution and actions
• Cash flow forecasting updates

Compliance and Risk Management

• Oversee the delivery and submission of annual company statutory accounts and corporation tax return, in collaboration with external accountants
• Review and sign off of VAT, PAYE and other HMRC submissions prepared by external bookkeepers
• Liaise with legal advisor to agree new client contracts, and to deal with any ad hoc legal needs

Operations, Systems and Processes

• Overall leadership and management of effective processes across all areas of Finance, and operations, making ways of working more efficient and embedded in behaviour
• Be a Synergist expert, leading and managing the platform and its integration into the business, alongside the Senior Operations Manager
• Training and supporting the team in Synergist ensuring the platform is used correctly and efficiently

Business Partnering

• Collaborate with department heads and senior management to develop strategic financial plans aligned with the agency's objectives and growth initiatives
• Provide financial insights and analysis to support strategic decision-making processes
• Partner with department heads to analyse the financial performance of different teams and projects
• Work closely with job handlers to track project budgets, purchases and profitability
• Support on business development in financial aspects of client negotiations, pricing strategies, contract terms and payment terms
• Act as a trusted advisor and financial expert, providing guidance and support to all staff

The skills and requirements of the Head ofFinance & Operations

• At least 4 years working in a creative agency in a senior financial role
• Ideally a qualified Accountant (ACCA) with a proven track record of working in a fast growing agency
• An experienced synergist user
• A keen interest in the music sector
• Business Partnering with founders and SLT, providing support and identifying potential issues
• Be a key leader within the agency, working alongside the management team to oversee all workstreams ensuring delivery and driving profit
• A proven leader who is able to inspire others
• Passionate to grow and develop self and others
• Strong business acumen and demonstrated success in driving the commercial performance of the business and delivering on KPIs
• Autonomous, organised, strategic, creative and able to communicate effectively
• A motivated self starter and a team player
• Ability to work under pressure and to deadlines
• Strong attention to detail

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