At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial planning, analysis, and reporting for a dynamic media business.
- Company: Join OQS Media, home to iconic brands like The Spectator and Apollo Magazine.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, private medical insurance, and generous staff discounts.
- Other info: Opportunity to work on innovative projects and improve financial processes.
- Why this job: Be a key player in a growing company and shape financial strategies.
- Qualifications: Qualified Accountant with 3-5 years of relevant experience.
The predicted salary is between 49500 - 60500 £ per year.
Description
Old Queen Street Ventures Ltd (OQS Media) is a privately owned digital publishing and media business.
The company owns and operates several respected media brands including: The Spectator, Un Herd and Apollo Magazine.
It also runs the Old Queen Street Café and Co Editor, a publishing technology startup.
With the recent acquisition of The Spectator, one of Britain’s most iconic media brands and the world’s oldest magazine, OQS Media has significantly expanded its reach.
We are looking for someone with strong technical skills to support the group through its continued growth.
The role requires someone who is happy to be in the office five days a week, with the potential to work from home on Fridays in the future.
The Finance Manager will be a key member of the Finance team, providing experienced financial management, analysis and business partnering support across the business.
This person will take ownership of defined areas, working independently and with limited supervision.
Key Responsibilities
- Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A)
- Lead FP&A activities for designated areas of the business.
- Analyse actual performance against budget and prior periods, identifying key trends, risks and opportunities.
- Provide meaningful financial commentary to support business decision-making.
- Assist in developing financial models to assess strategic and operational decisions including scenario analysis.
- Identify potential areas of financial risk and work with stakeholders to develop appropriate actions.
- Support the annual budgeting process and the production of forecasts including cash flow.
- Business Partnering
- Act as a Finance business partner to designated departments across the business.
- Build effective working relationships with department heads.
- Provide regular financial reporting and insight to non-Finance stakeholders.
- Challenge assumptions and expenditure where appropriate and support department heads to identify opportunities to improve financial performance while managing costs.
- Develop a strong understanding of the operational drivers of the areas supported.
- Work with the Commercial team to ensure timely debt collection.
- Accounting
- Take ownership of monthly reporting for designated areas of the business including balance sheet reconciliations.
- Ensure that financial information is accurate, timely and clearly presented.
- Investigate significant variances, provide clear explanations and make recommendations.
- Support the preparation of Group and management reporting.
- Raise invoices to Commercial advertisers and reconcile the Commercial billing system (Ad Point) with the accounting system (Xero).
- Provide regular updates and reports on aged debts and proactively chase overdue invoices.
- Be the first point of contact during the audit for designated areas.
- Financial Control & Processes
- Take ownership of defined financial processes and ensure they operate effectively.
- Support the Financial Controller in implementing financial processes and systems.
- Identify opportunities to improve financial processes, controls and reporting.
- Work with other Finance team members to ensure alignment of financial processes and controls across the group.
- Other Responsibilities
- Support the Financial Controller, Senior Finance Manager and CFO with ad hoc financial projects, in particular AI implementation.
- Assist with Group-wide financial projects and initiatives.
Requirements
- Qualified Accountant (ACA/CIMA/ACCA or equivalent).
- 3–5 years' post-qualified experience in a relevant Finance / Audit environment.
- Demonstrable experience of FP&A, including budgeting, forecasting and variance analysis.
- Ability to communicate financial information clearly to non-Finance stakeholders.
- End to end month end reporting including balance sheet reconciliation.
- Ability to work independently and take ownership of areas of responsibility with limited supervision.
- Strong commercial awareness and ability to understand the financial implications of business decisions.
- Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Strong Excel/financial modelling skills.
- Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
- Ability to manage competing priorities and work to deadlines.
Desirable
- Experience of working within a subscription-based business.
- Experience working in media, publishing or an equivalent industry.
- Experience of working across multiple business units or businesses selling globally.
- Experience using Xero accounting system (or equivalent).
- Experience using Ad Point (Commercial advertising management platform).
- Experience of improving financial processes or controls, including implementing AI.
Benefits
- Salary dependent on experience
- 5% Employer Contribution Pension Scheme
- Private medical insurance
- All staff receive generous discounts at our Company restaurant, as well as free breakfast and fruit
- Cycle to work scheme
- Interest free season ticket loan
Finance Manager in London employer: The Spectator
The Spectator offers a vibrant work environment in the heart of Westminster, where employees are valued for their contributions and encouraged to grow professionally. With a strong emphasis on teamwork and a commitment to providing exceptional guest experiences, staff enjoy a supportive culture that fosters personal development and career advancement. The part-time Guest Experience & Facilities Coordinator role not only allows for meaningful interactions with visitors but also provides a unique opportunity to be part of a prestigious organisation known for its rich history and influence.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Manager in London
✨Tap into Campus Networks
If you're still in uni, don’t forget to engage with your campus's career services and attend finance-related events. Banks often do presentations and recruitment drives on campus, so put yourself out there and make use of these opportunities to show off your passion for the field.
✨Get Certified
Consider pursuing relevant certifications like the CFA or ACCA while you’re job hunting. They not only beef up your CV but also connect you with professional bodies which can lead to networking opportunities and even job openings in banking and financial services.
✨Connect on Professional Platforms
Join finance-focused groups on platforms like LinkedIn and engage in discussions. This can really help you stand out from the crowd, allowing potential employers to see your knowledge and interest in industry trends. Plus, you might stumble upon job postings shared exclusively within the group.
✨Apply Directly and Be Proactive
Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like The Spectator. Use their websites and apply through them, but also consider following up with a polite email to express your enthusiasm. Being proactive can make a huge difference in getting noticed in the competitive financial services sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Finance Manager in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers!:In the banking and financial services world, quantifiable achievements are key. Make sure your CV highlights your grades in relevant subjects, any financial certifications you hold, and specific projects where you've delivered measurable results. Employers love to see how your skills translate into real-world success.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:When applying for a full-time position, your cover letter should make a direct connection between your experience and the job description. Don't just state your enthusiasm for finance—dive into how your background in banking or financial analysis sets you apart. Let your passion shine through while being specific about what you can bring to The Spectator.
Include Relevant Financial Software Experience:If you've worked with financial modelling tools or software like Excel, SAP, or specific analytical tools during your studies or internships, bring that up! Highlighting your proficiency can really make your application pop and show you're ready to hit the ground running in a full-time role.
Research and Reflect:Before hitting that 'apply' button on The Spectator's website, do a little digging. Look up their recent projects, values, and culture. Reflecting their ethos in your application can make a huge difference and show you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Spectator
✨Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills
Make sure you're well-versed in financial concepts and analytical techniques relevant to banking and financial services. Get comfortable with tools like Excel for modelling or financial forecasting, as technical questions in this area are common during interviews with The Spectator.
✨Prepare for Case Studies
Expect to tackle case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-world banking scenarios. Familiarise yourself with the types of problems you might face—think risk assessments or investment evaluations—and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.
✨Show Your Passion for Finance
Since this is a full-time position, employers at The Spectator will be keen to see your genuine interest in finance. Be prepared to discuss recent industry trends or news articles that excite you, showcasing your enthusiasm and engagement with the field.
✨Network with Industry Professionals
Before your interview, reach out to current or former The Spectator employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They'll offer unique insights into the company's culture and the interview process, which can give us a delightful edge in showcasing a good fit for the team.
