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- Tasks: Support financial reporting and drive performance measurement in a dynamic agency environment.
- Company: Join Cognito, a leading communications agency at the intersection of finance and technology.
- Benefits: Gain valuable experience, develop your career, and work with global brands.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a fast-paced, international setting.
- Why this job: Make an impact in finance while collaborating with a passionate team.
- Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in Finance or related field; strong analytical skills required.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 £ per year.
We are looking for an Assistant Finance Manager to join our team on an initial six-month contract, with the potential for the role to become permanent. As an Assistant Finance Manager, you will work closely with the Cognito UK finance and leadership teams to support accurate financial reporting for the UK. This role will assist in driving a performance measurement culture to help grow Cognito UK's revenue and margin, and provides an excellent opportunity for a finance professional looking to develop their career in a fast-paced agency environment.
Key Responsibilities:
- Assist in maintaining prime records of accounting for the UK
- Support the preparation of monthly management accounts, regional and main board packs
- Assist with month-end and year-end closes and journal entries, including reconciliation of balance sheet accounts, in conjunction with the wider finance team
- Support the drafting, review and processing of monthly UK payroll, including PAYE and pension administration
- Prepare and send client invoices and support inter-company invoicing
- Assist with UK accounts receivable responsibilities, including following up on collection of receivables
- Support the analysis and optimisation of WIP balances, revenue and production billings and intercompany revenue transfers
- Assist with quarterly/annual statutory accounting and taxation reporting (including but not limited to audits, annual returns, VAT and corporation tax)
- Support the drafting and review of Statements of Work and client agreements
- Maintain client and job codes in Cognito's financial system
- Assist with analyses on staff utilisation and client profitability
Skills and Experience Requirements:
- Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting or a related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience
- Demonstrable experience in a finance or accounting role
- Agency or professional services experience preferred but not required
- Part-qualified (AAT, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent) desirable
- A solid foundation in financial and accounting principles
- Strong numerical and analytical skills, with the ability to present data clearly and concisely
- A working understanding of UK compliance requirements, including HMRC, VAT and basic employment tax
- Excellent attention to detail and accuracy
- Ability to manage and prioritise tasks effectively
- Strong communication skills, both written and verbal
- An ethical business mentality
- A collaborative team player with enthusiasm, motivation and commitment
- Eagerness to learn and develop within the role
Organisational Relationships:
- Work as an integral part of the finance team in both the local office and with international colleagues as necessary
- Support UK management and the UK MD on financial matters
- Collaborate with senior account leads on client and contract-related issues as directed
Cognito is a full-service communications agency working at the intersection of finance, technology and the climate transition. We have a strong international footprint with offices across the U.S., Europe and Asia Pacific. Our strength is in our specialization and our clients trust our deep knowledge and expertise. We work with leading global brands and innovative start-ups. Our global team is deeply connected across international markets, collaborating with journalists, influencers, clients, experts and partners. We help clients strengthen their reputation, and drive business growth by harnessing the power of storytelling and strategic use of earned, paid, shared and owned communications channels. Continuous learning and curiosity keep us at the forefront of the latest developments, which gives us an edge to cultivate knowledge when working with our clients to communicate what is next. This starts with our people and our values: We celebrate difference by bringing together the best talent from varied backgrounds, tied together by an innate intellectual curiosity to connect meaningfully. Through our drive to champion excellence, we strive to lead the way to a connected, sustainable and responsible future. We are hungry to understand the problems organizations face. We are focused on driving business outcomes for our global clients. We are creative and agile – leading to smart strategies and exceptional work.
Assistant Finance Manager in London employer: Cognito
Contact Detail:
Cognito Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Finance Manager in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance world, attend industry events, and don’t be shy about asking for introductions. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Understand their financial processes and challenges, especially in the agency space. 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 with a friend or mentor. Focus on articulating your experience in finance and how it aligns with the role of Assistant Finance Manager. 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 by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Finance Manager in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Assistant Finance Manager role. Highlight relevant experience and skills that match the job description, especially in financial reporting and accounting. We want to see how you can contribute to our team!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about finance and how your background aligns with our values at Cognito. Let us know what excites you about this opportunity and how you can help drive our performance measurement culture.
Showcase Your Skills: Don’t forget to showcase your numerical and analytical skills in your application. Provide examples of how you've used these skills in previous roles, especially if you've worked with UK compliance requirements or in an agency environment. We love seeing concrete examples!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for the best chance of getting noticed. It’s super easy and ensures your application goes directly to our hiring team. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining our awesome team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Cognito
✨Know Your Numbers
As an Assistant Finance Manager, you'll need to demonstrate a solid understanding of financial principles. Brush up on key concepts like balance sheets, cash flow statements, and management accounts. Be ready to discuss how you've applied these in previous roles.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Prepare to talk about your experience with data analysis and how it has driven business decisions. Think of specific examples where your analytical skills helped optimise revenue or improve financial reporting. This will show that you can contribute to Cognito UK's performance measurement culture.
✨Understand Compliance Requirements
Familiarise yourself with UK compliance requirements, including HMRC and VAT regulations. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will demonstrate your readiness for the role and your commitment to ethical finance practices.
✨Be a Team Player
Cognito values collaboration, so be prepared to share examples of how you've worked effectively within a team. Highlight your communication skills and how you've supported colleagues in achieving financial goals. This will show that you're not just a numbers person, but also a great fit for their team-oriented culture.