At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial and operational management in a dynamic creative agency.
- Company: Fast-paced creative agency based in Central London.
- Benefits: Hybrid work model, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Join a diverse team committed to equality and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real impact while working closely with senior leadership and external partners.
- Qualifications: Qualified Accountant with at least five years of experience in finance and operations.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.
VisionFR is working on an exciting opportunity for an experienced Qualified Senior Finance & Operations Manager to lead the financial and operational management of a fast‑paced creative agency based in Central London. This role combines hands‑on financial leadership with operational oversight, commercial support, and strategic business partnering across the agency. The successful candidate will work closely with senior leadership, shared services team based in the US, and external partners to include auditors, insurance brokers, bank and legal counsel to ensure the smooth running of finance and operational functions while supporting business growth and efficiency of this 20 person creative agency.
Key Responsibilities
- Oversee revenue forecasting and financial performance reporting
- Manage project costing, reconciliations, and profitability analysis
- Review pricing structures and bill rates
- Prepare and present management accounts and financial reports to Senior Leadership Teams and C‑Suite stakeholders
- Manage all day‑to‑day bookkeeping activities, including accruals, journals, and reconciliations
- Manage shared services who provide support on cost rate calculations, Central Treasury, Accounts Receivable, Credit cards, Accounts payable, Bank postings & reconciliations, Payroll journals
- Monitor working capital and cash flow management
- Lead, mentor, and support reports
- Lead payroll and remuneration oversight processes
- Support salary benchmarking and remuneration reviews
- Support budgeting, forecasting, and target‑setting processes
- Coordinate annual R&D Tax Credit submissions
- Ensure compliance with HMRC and Companies House requirements
- Liaise with external accountants, legal advisors, and insurance providers on statutory and commercial matters
- Negotiate supplier agreements and commercial terms
- Manage and oversee the Certinia migration project (centralised CRM)
- Support operational improvements relating to systems, processes, and procedures
- Oversee property and lease‑related matters where required
- Support business continuity and integration initiatives
- Provide operational oversight across studio and business operations functions
Skills, Experience & Requirements
- Qualified Accountant (ACA, ACCA or CIMA)
- Minimum of five years’ post-qualified experience (PQE)
- Previous experience within a creative agency environment
- Strong understanding of both finance and operational management
- Experience producing management accounts and financial reporting
- Proven budgeting, forecasting, and cash flow management experience
- Knowledge of HMRC and Companies House compliance requirements
- Strong commercial awareness and negotiation skills
- Experience managing supplier relationships and commercial agreements
- Ability to work closely with senior stakeholders and leadership teams
- Excellent organisational and project management skills
- Strong attention to detail with a proactive and hands‑on approach
- Experience managing finance systems migrations or transformation projects desirable
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
- Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced environment
- Ideally able to start in June
VisionFR is committed to encouraging equality, diversity, inclusion and eliminating unlawful discrimination within our workforce and whilst fulfilling our Clients recruitment needs. Due to the high level of applications being received if you do not hear from us within 5 working days, please assume your application has not been successful on this occasion, usually due to other candidates having more relevant sector exposure, qualifications or required skills. We thank you for your interest.
Head of Finance & Operations in London employer: VisionFR Limited
VisionFR is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in the heart of Central London where creativity thrives. With a strong commitment to employee growth, we provide opportunities for professional development and mentorship, ensuring that our team members are well-equipped to excel in their roles. Our hybrid working model promotes a healthy work-life balance, while our inclusive culture fosters collaboration and innovation, making VisionFR a truly rewarding place to build your career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Finance & Operations 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
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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.
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We think you need these skills to ace Head of Finance & Operations 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 VisionFR Limited.
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 VisionFR Limited'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 VisionFR Limited
✨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 VisionFR Limited.
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✨Show Your Passion for Finance
Since this is a full-time position, employers at VisionFR Limited 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 VisionFR Limited 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.
