12 Month FTC, EMEA Finance Manager, Creative Agency, Central London, £70-75,000About the Role An international creative and project-based organisation is seeking an experienced Finance Manager to oversee the financial operations of multiple studios across the EMEA region. This role plays a key part in financial reporting, balance sheet governance, budgeting, forecasting, and commercial support, partnering closely with operational and commercial teams to deliver clear financial insight and support business performance. The ideal candidate will be comfortable working in a creative or project-driven environment, with a strong understanding of revenue recognition, project profitability, resourcing costs, and financial controls.Key ResponsibilitiesMonth-End Close & Reporting

• Lead the month-end close process, ensuring journals, accruals, and adjustments are completed accurately and on time
• Prepare monthly P&L, balance sheet, and cash flow reports, including variance analysis and performance insights
• Partner with commercial and operational teams to review revenue, margins, and project performance
• Ensure revenue recognition aligns with contractual terms and accounting standards (IFRS15)
• Manage payroll reconciliations and related journals

Balance Sheet & Financial Controls

• Maintain and reconcile all balance sheet accounts in line with group policies and accounting standards
• Oversee schedules including:
• Accruals and prepayments
• Work-in-progress and deferred income
• Fixed assets and depreciation
• Payroll-related balances
• Intercompany accounts
• Review bank reconciliations and ensure robust financial controls
• Support internal and external audits

Budgeting & Forecasting

• Support the annual budgeting process with senior leadership and department heads
• Produce rolling forecasts and scenario analysis across revenue, gross margin, operating expenses, and cash flow
• Monitor performance against budget and provide commercial recommendations

Commercial & Operational Support

• Partner with client services, creative, and operations teams to monitor project profitability and resourcing costs
• Support pricing, proposals, and contract reviews to ensure commercial viability
• Identify opportunities for efficiency and cost optimisation

Cash Flow & Working Capital

• Prepare and monitor weekly cash flow forecasts
• Oversee accounts receivable and billing cycles, supporting timely collections
• Collaborate with accounts payable teams on supplier payments, purchase orders, expenses, and credit control

Statutory & Compliance Reporting

• Support preparation of statutory accounts across EMEA entities
• Manage VAT returns, P11D, PSA filings, and other regulatory reporting
• Provide additional financial reporting to support business decision-making

Systems & Process Improvement

• Maintain financial systems and reporting tools (e.g. ERP and BI platforms)
• Work with group finance teams to improve automation, reporting dashboards, and processes
• Ensure data alignment between finance and project management systems

Skills & Experience

• Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA) or equivalent experience
• Experience in a creative agency, marketing agency, consultancy, or project-based organisation preferred
• Strong understanding of revenue recognition and cost management in service-based industries
• Advanced Excel and financial reporting skills
• Ability to communicate complex financial information clearly to non-finance stakeholders

Personal Attributes

• Commercially minded with a solutions-focused approach
• Comfortable working in fast-paced, deadline-driven environments
• Strong collaborator able to build relationships across teams
• Analytical thinker with a continuous improvement mindset