At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage day-to-day finance processes and prepare management accounts for a leading animation studio.
- Company: Join Blue Zoo, a top UK animation studio with a world-class reputation.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, competitive pay, and a comprehensive benefits package.
- Why this job: Be part of a creative team making impactful animations while enhancing your finance skills.
- Qualifications: Relevant accounting qualification or strong experience, plus excellent communication skills.
- Other info: Work in a diverse, inclusive environment with great career growth opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
About The Role
As the Management Accountant for Blue Zoo Digital (BZD) and Blue Zoo Licensing (BZL), you will have responsibility for all day-to-day finance processes of the companies. You will work closely with all Directors of BZD and BZL to provide management accounts, royalty reports, forecasts and other ad hoc financial information as required. You will have excellent attention to detail and time management skills, being able to juggle multiple tasks and responsibilities in a timely and meticulous manner. The successful candidate will need to be based in the UK and will require the right to work in the UK. This opportunity is being offered on a 12 month fixed term contract, part time, 3 days a week, with 2 days (Tuesday-Wednesday) working from the London studio in Camden. We are very happy to discuss flexible, hybrid and remote working options for all our vacancies. Please note that this vacancy can close early if we receive a high number of applications.
Day To Day
- Preparing monthly management accounts with accompanying commentary for both companies
- Working with the Head of Digital and the Head of Licensing to produce detailed quarterly forecasts and cashflow, plus variance analysis reports.
- Preparing ad hoc financial reports as requested by the directors
- Calculation of royalties due from BZD and BZL to rights holders
- Work with BZL team to enhance use of My Mediabox - licensing management software.
- Ensuring timesheets are completed accurately and in a timely manner for project reporting
- Processing of all sales invoice, purchase invoices, and credit card claims.
- Monthly Payroll (alongside external payroll provider)
- Preparing year end accounts pack for audit and being fully responsible for external audit.
- Preparing quarterly VAT returns
- HMRC tax credit applications for relevant BZD project spend
- Withholding tax claims
- Setting up and maintaining financial guidelines and identifying new finance processes to maximise results and increase efficiencies.
About You
- Must Have
- Relevant Accounting qualification (ACCA/ACA/CIMA/AAT) or qualified by strong experience
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills especially with senior business leaders and those from a non-finance background
- Experience in project accounting
- Experience in Sage 50 or Sage 200
- Compliance orientated
- Skilled in MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook) and Google Suite.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Bonus Points
- Experience working within a creative industry
- Experience in royalty accounting
About Us
Blue Zoo is a leading animation studio in the UK, with a world-class reputation as the go-to place for creating bold, fun and characterful animation. Established in London in 2000, the studio has grown to become the largest dedicated CG animation studio in the UK, picking up a shelf full of BAFTAs, an Annie and an Emmy along the way! We couldn’t be prouder that Blue Zoo is the first major animation studio in the world to receive B Corp certification. We’ve been independently certified by B Lab, a non-profit organisation who award the B Corp certification. The certification verifies companies who are working to improve the lives of employees as well as industries as a whole. The certification process involves over 170 rigorous metrics to improve the lives of our staff, customers, suppliers, and the local community, ensuring we are not just saying we are ethical with empty gestures, but independently evidencing it.
We are going through an exciting period of growth and are building a studio that is full of amazingly talented, happy artists, making work they are proud of, which in turn makes a small contribution to a happier world. Blue Zoo believes that a healthy balance in our lives - whatever our situation - is key to supporting the wellbeing of our staff. We offer flexible working to support this.
We look for people who have expertise, enthusiasm and are motivated to make things better. You’ll work alongside a talented and diverse group of people who respect each other’s differences and seek to understand and embrace fresh perspectives. Blue Zoo is committed to creating and nurturing an inclusive studio that promotes and values diversity and invites everyone to ‘bring their whole selves’ to work. We believe that companies that truly embrace and value diversity, and create an environment where everyone from any background can do their best work, are better companies.
To be engaged our people have to feel included and valued. We work hard to build and nurture a culture where inclusiveness is embedded in the way we work, not just an initiative. We strive to engender a studio community that feels a deep sense of pride and commitment that transcends any role, department or level and works together to produce excellent and engaging work.
What We’ve Got For You
- Winner of Best Places to Work in TV 2019, 2020, 2022, 2024, 2025 & 2026.
- Inclusive self-funded shorts programme.
- Many fun in person and remote social events throughout the year.
- Bi-monthly employee feedback and engagement programme.
- Comprehensive benefits package, including loads of discounts and offers.
- Online wellbeing programme.
- Profit share (for employees who have been with us for 2+ years).
Management Accountant - Part time, 3 days per week in London employer: Blue Zoo Animation Studio
Contact Detail:
Blue Zoo Animation Studio Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Management Accountant - Part time, 3 days per week in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance and creative industries. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about asking for introductions. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Blue Zoo and its projects. Familiarise yourself with their values and recent work. This will help you tailor your answers and show that you’re genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your interview skills! Get a friend to throw some common interview questions your way, especially those related to management accounting. The more comfortable you are, the better you’ll perform when it counts.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us. Good luck!
We think you need these skills to ace Management Accountant - Part time, 3 days per week in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Management Accountant role. Highlight your relevant accounting qualifications and experience, especially in project accounting and using Sage software. We want to see how your skills align with what we’re looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re excited about working at Blue Zoo and how your background makes you a great fit. Don’t forget to mention your attention to detail and time management skills – they’re key for this role!
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since you'll be working closely with directors and non-finance folks, it’s important to demonstrate your strong communication skills. In your application, give examples of how you've effectively communicated complex financial information in the past.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for the best chance of being noticed. It’s super easy, and you’ll be able to keep track of your application status. Plus, we love seeing applications come directly from our site!
How to prepare for a job interview at Blue Zoo Animation Studio
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Management Accountant, you'll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on key accounting principles and be ready to discuss your experience with management accounts, forecasts, and variance analysis. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed financial processes in previous roles.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
You'll be working closely with directors and non-finance colleagues, so it's crucial to convey complex financial information clearly. Practice explaining financial concepts in simple terms and think of instances where you've effectively communicated with senior leaders or cross-functional teams.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to handle multiple tasks. Prepare for scenarios related to project accounting or royalty calculations, and think through how you would approach these challenges while maintaining compliance and accuracy.
✨Emphasise Your Attention to Detail
Attention to detail is key in this role. Be prepared to discuss how you ensure accuracy in your work, whether it's through meticulous timesheet management or preparing year-end accounts. Share specific examples that highlight your organisational skills and ability to juggle responsibilities effectively.