At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial operations and drive profitability for a fast-growing creative studio.
- Company: Join Concept80, a dynamic studio producing world-class content for top brands.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid work model, and full equipment setup from day one.
- Other info: Fast-paced culture with opportunities for rapid career progression.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a creative environment while shaping financial strategies.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in finance, ACA/ACCA/CIMA qualified or equivalent experience.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.
We’re looking for a commercially minded Financial Controller or Finance Operations Manager to take ownership of the studio’s financial engine. Following rapid growth, we’re now looking for a Finance & Operations Manager to take full ownership of the studio’s financial operations. In tandem with our fractional FD, you’ll provide structure, visibility and control across the studio’s finances, working with the leadership team to help make smart, data‑based decisions at pace. This is a hands‑on role. You’ll be close to projects, producers, and commercial leads. Concept80 is a fast‑growing studio establishing itself on the global stage. You’ll be building foundations that set the company up for accelerated growth both in the UK and abroad, with opportunities to rapidly progress your career with us. We set the bar high for ourselves creatively, and that expectation reaches beyond into the business behind the studio. If the opportunity to build a razor‑sharp operation excites you, you’re one of us.
Key Responsibilities
- Project & Production Finance
- Work with production teams to build commercially strong projects
- Track budgets, costs and margins across live productions
- Own WIP reporting and revenue recognition
- Drive visibility of profitability at project and client level
- Financial Reporting & Forecasting
- Oversee financial operations including AP, AR, reconciliations and payroll
- Prepare monthly management accounts – clear P&L, cashflow and margin reporting
- Lead budgeting, re‑forecasting and scenario modelling
- Support leadership with data‑led decision making
- Cashflow & Working Capital
- Own invoicing, credit control and supplier payments
- Manage weekly and monthly cashflow forecasting
- Systems & Processes
- Improve and streamline core finance systems – Xero, Pleo, Apron and Slack Workflows
- Build dashboards and reporting tools the team actually use
- Collaborate using Claude Code/Codex to develop and maintain proprietary tools
- Key systems: Xero (UK & US), Pleo, Apron, Datamolino, G Accon, Paycircle, Gsheets, Excel, Slack, Claude Code, Codex, Claude.ai
- Work closely with the fractional FD to evolve financial infrastructure
- US Entity Support
- Work alongside our US‑based accountants to support the US entity
- Coordinate across both UK and US Xero accounts
- Ensure consistency in reporting and financial processes across both entities
About You
You’re an experienced finance operator ready to make a real impact inside an entrepreneurial business. You’ve built structure where it was lacking, improved visibility where it was unclear and introduced financial discipline without slowing velocity. You understand that in a project‑led business, control isn’t about restriction, it’s about clarity.
You Will Bring
- ACA / ACCA / CIMA qualified (or qualified by experience)
- 5+ years in an agency, production, sports or media business
- Experience in a scaling startup beneficial
- Strong grasp of revenue recognition, WIP and margin control
- Comfortable owning full management accounts and forecasting cycles
- Experience improving finance systems and operational processes
- Familiarity with US or international markets, ideally within group structures
- Confident partnering with founders and commercial leads
Our Culture
Concept80 runs on momentum. We’re a team of makers and storytellers who believe the difference is in the detail. We care deeply about the output, but just as much about how the business operates behind it. Standards are high. Conversations are direct. Everyone knows what they’re accountable for. We back each other, we challenge each other, and we don’t hide from hard decisions. We find a way to deliver the exceptional against the odds, rising to every challenge, laying the path for those that choose to follow. We’re at our best when we’re moving and owning what’s in front of us.
Package & Benefits
- Competitive salary, reflective of experience
- Full‑time role, UK‑based, at our head office in Old Street
- Hybrid working model built on trust and responsibility
- US travel fully covered if required
- Complete equipment setup to ensure you’re ready from day one
About Concept80
Concept80 is a globally operating creative production studio producing world‑class content for some of the most influential brands in sport and entertainment, including Formula 1, NASCAR, Nike, Red Bull and Alpine F1 to name just a few. We specialise in high‑impact filmmaking, from broadcast TV and launch films to social‑first, always‑on content. Our work sits at the intersection of sport and culture, delivering engaging creative that connects. Concept80 is lean, creatively fearless and fast‑moving. We empower our people to thrive at the forefront of their craft, collectively raising the benchmark for our clients and competitors. This role sits at the heart of that ambition.
Financial Operations Manager employer: Concept80
At Concept80, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that fosters a dynamic and collaborative work culture. As a Financial Operations Manager, you'll not only play a pivotal role in shaping our financial landscape but also benefit from a competitive salary, hybrid working model, and opportunities for rapid career progression within our fast-growing studio located in the vibrant Old Street area. Join us to be part of a team that values creativity, accountability, and the pursuit of excellence in every project.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Financial Operations Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance and operations space. Attend industry events or webinars, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you’ve got experience with financial systems like Xero or Pleo, make sure to highlight that in conversations. Bring examples of how you’ve improved processes or driven profitability in past roles. This is your chance to shine!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the company’s financial operations. Understand their projects and how you can contribute to their growth. Tailor your questions to show you’re genuinely interested in how you can help them achieve their goals.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team. Don’t forget to follow up after applying; a little persistence can go a long way!
We think you need these skills to ace Financial Operations Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Financial Operations Manager. Highlight your experience in project finance, budgeting, and financial reporting, as these are key areas for us.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to tell us why you're excited about this role at Concept80. Share specific examples of how you've improved financial systems or processes in previous roles, showing us you’re the right fit.
Showcase Your Skills:Don’t just list your qualifications; demonstrate how your skills align with our needs. Mention your familiarity with tools like Xero and your experience in managing cashflow and working capital.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Concept80
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Financial Operations Manager, you’ll need to demonstrate a strong grasp of financial metrics. Brush up on key concepts like revenue recognition, WIP, and margin control. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully managed these in past roles.
✨Showcase Your Systems Savvy
Familiarity with finance systems like Xero, Pleo, and Apron is crucial. Prepare examples of how you've improved or streamlined financial processes in previous positions. This will show that you can hit the ground running and enhance their operations.
✨Be Data-Driven
Concept80 values data-led decision-making. Come prepared with examples of how you've used data to influence financial strategies or project outcomes. Highlight your experience in budgeting, forecasting, and scenario modelling to showcase your analytical skills.
✨Cultural Fit Matters
Concept80 has a unique culture that thrives on momentum and accountability. Be ready to discuss how you align with their values of direct communication and teamwork. Share instances where you’ve challenged the status quo or supported your team in achieving exceptional results.