Finance Manager - STONEMONT PARTNERS LIMITED : Job Details

We are seeking a Finance Manager for a rapidly growing Creative Agency based in London. This role requires a forward-thinking professional with prior experience of project accounting in the advertising/media sector. The successful candidate will play a critical role in supporting the Head of Finance to ensure accurate financial reporting, overseeing project budgeting and forecasting, and driving the agency’s profitability and operational efficiency.

This position offers the opportunity to work in a dynamic and creative environment, balancing routine financial duties with process improvement initiatives. The role is offered on a hybrid basis, requiring 3 days in the office per week.

Key Responsibilities

Management Reporting & Financial Operations

• Take full ownership of the production of the monthly management accounts, including P&L and balance sheet.
• Manage the finance email inbox to ensure timely responses and issue resolution.
• Produce cash flow forecasts to support the agency’s financial stability.
• Handle accounts receivable tasks, including client invoicing aligned with project billing schedules, AR reporting, and debtor management.
• Manage accounts payable, including invoice processing and payment schedules.
• Perform bank reconciliations to ensure accuracy and consistency.
• Administer company credit cards and overhead expenses.

Project Management, Revenue, and Cost Analysis

• Collaborate with account teams to forecast project invoicing, revenues, and costs, supporting effective cash flow management.
• Monitor and manage budgets and costs across clients and projects to maintain profitability and identify risks of overspending.
• Prepare and manage WIP reports, track time movements, and handle job closures.
• Ensure accurate revenue recognition in compliance with IFRS 15 and agency policies.
• Maintain strong internal controls for revenue and billing processes.
• Oversee timely and accurate customer invoicing, ensuring alignment with project scope and completion phases.
• Analyse utilisation rates of creative, design, and account management teams to optimise resource allocation.

Process Improvement

• Identify and implement improvements in financial processes and project management workflows.
• Leverage technology to automate repetitive tasks, such as AP (OCR), and enhance reporting efficiency.

Compliance and Controls

• Ensure compliance with UK accounting standards, tax regulations, and internal control requirements.
• Support internal and external audits by providing necessary documentation and explanations.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Work closely with account managers, and creative teams to offer financial insights and guidance.
• Support Head of Finance in liaising with external stakeholders, including client AP teams, HMRC, auditors, and tax advisors.

Key Skills and Qualifications

• Proven experience in media or a similar fast-paced environment.
• Ability to thrive in a dynamic and evolving workplace, working both independently and as part of a team.
• Demonstrated success in setting up and refining financial processes.
• Familiarity with Paprika software is highly desirable.
• Experience in the US market is desirable but not essential.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to effectively collaborate with creative teams, account managers, senior management, and clients.
• Strong time management and organisational skills.
• Analytical and commercially minded, with a proactive approach to problem-solving.
• Advanced proficiency in IT systems, including solid Excel skills.
• A strong sense of accountability and the ability to act as a brand ambassador for the company.
• CIMA, ACA or ACCA qualified.