Head of Finance

Frieze is a leading global contemporary art organisation, recognized for its art fairs, publications and digital presence. Founded in 1991 with the launch of frieze magazine, the brand has grown to encompass seven of the most significant art fairs worldwide in cities including Chicago, London, Los Angeles, New York and Seoul. These events attract leading artists, galleries and collectors, fostering innovative dialogues and practices within the art community. Frieze magazine continues to set the benchmark for insightful art criticism and commentary, while frieze.com serves as a vital online resource. Committed to expanding the reach and understanding of contemporary art, Frieze also hosts year-round curated programs and associated initiatives that enrich the cultural landscape.

Working Conditions:

• Reporting to: Finance Director
• Location: London office – 180 Strand
• Mon-Fri, 10am-6pm - Permanent

What You'll Do:

As Head of Finance, reporting to the Finance Director, you will be responsible for the day-to-day management of the Frieze finance department and work closely with the Finance Director and parent company finance team to oversee managing the overall finance function. This role offers an excellent opportunity to help shape financial strategy and drive business performance.

The role is responsible for:

• Day-to-day management of the Frieze finance team including line management of two Finance Managers
• Own end-to-end finance operations including budgeting, forecasting, month-end, cash flow, invoicing, controls, compliance, systems implementation and management reporting
• Ownership of the FP&A process for Frieze, ensuring timely and accurate reporting supported by insightful analysis
• Ownership of Frieze’s overheads position, including reporting, planning and analysis as well as coordinating all parent company deliverables, including group reporting, statutory submissions and cashflow management

Responsibilities:

• Team Management: Manage a team of two directs and five indirect heads on a day-to-day basis; Drive performance through effective goal setting and mentoring
• Financial Planning & Analysis: Responsible for consolidating, analysing and uploading budget and forecasts throughout the internal and external planning cycles for the fair P&L in cooperation with Heads of Department to gross margin level. This includes version on version variance analysis and challenge; Responsible for compilation, analysis and review of budget and forecasts throughout the planning cycle for Frieze’s overheads position, including headcount planning; Responsible for compiling, maintaining and analysis of cash flow forecasts for relevant areas, including full year and rolling 90-day forecasts; Review and preparation of monthly reporting and annual financials for the business with the help of direct report which includes key analysis on variances to budget/forecast, KPIs as well as assessing Risks & Opportunities; Responsible for submission of group cashflows, coordinating with the rest of the finance team to consolidate and review each submission
• Group Overheads: Responsible for monthly corporate overhead management accounts (e.g. salaries, rent, rates, finance, office costs, IT & CAPEX) and business partnering with department heads to ensure that budgets are properly managed
• Commercial & Business Partnering: Work closely with other Heads of Department on forecasting, business performance and assessing business partnering needs; Support the Finance Director in new business modelling, integration/system upgrades and resource management
• Other Corporate responsibilities: Control monthly reporting to our parent company on P&L & Balance sheet, including additional quarter end reporting requirements; Main point of contact for internal and external tax resource on global tax matters, coordinating responses with the entity controller, drafting comps and ensuring that Frieze are taking advantage of legitimate opportunities to reduce tax burden; Assist Finance director in developing more efficient finance processes as Frieze and its new parent migrate to new systems (ERP, Expenses management system, HR Information System); Oversee monthly payroll process with regional controllers and payroll team; Stay on top of developments in US GAAP, UK FRS, UK and US tax and ensure that the Finance team are kept up to date with these developments where applicable; Support the FD with ad hoc work as required; Work on-site at Frieze art fairs on Finance matters

Required Skills and Experience:

• Qualifications & Experience: Fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent); Minimum 5 years post-qualification experience in a relevant/comparable sector; Experience of either working in or auditing the media/creative sectors welcome; Proven track record managing a team/individuals in a Senior Finance Manager or Finance Business Partner role, with demonstrable experience in leading a month end, running a forecasting/budgeting cycle and overseeing regular management reporting including KPIs; Strong background in management accounting and financial modelling, with ability to provide actionable insights that support growth and cost optimisation; Experience in building and managing relationships with stakeholders and external partners; Good knowledge of US GAAP, UK accounting standards and UK tax. Knowledge of US tax a bonus but not a pre-requisite
• Skills & Competencies: Advanced Excel and financial modelling capability; strong proficiency with accounting software (SAP preferred); Excellent communication skills and able to translate financial data into clear, commercial insights; Strong business partnering skills. Confidence to challenge, influence, and support decision-making. Someone who is capable in building relationships with colleagues from different parts of the business; Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail; Track record of driving process improvements and implementing best practices
• Personal Attributes: Commercially astute with a strategic mindset and strong analytical ability; Proactive, adaptable, and solutions-oriented; Collaborator with the ability to engage effectively across all levels of the organisation; High levels of integrity, accountability, and professional judgement; Communicate effectively and build strong relationships with stakeholders; Drive process improvements and contribute to wider finance projects; Ability to put financial theory into practice i.e. someone that knows their stuff but is also practical and can deliver in a small company set up