Harmonic Finance are proud to be leading the retained search to secure the next Finance Manager for one of the UK’s fast growth production and post-production companies. The position has been newly-created in order to support continued growth plans for 2022 and beyond.
The client
Our client are a film production and commercials company based in central London who are currently using a hybrid work model which they are looking to keep in place over the next year at least. They produce adverts, and shorts as well matching brands with talent through their talent arm. They believe in an audience- first approach and creating content that drives emotional connections they are truly passionate about filmmaking and impactful narrative. The business also take pride in exclusively managing a great talent roster of directors and producers which gives them a fantastic ‘USP’ over many of their competitors.
There are currently thirteen full-time employees, with dozens of freelancers supporting on a production-by-production basis. As a company they are looking to improve head count significantly over the next 12 months as well growing the company turnover by circa 100% in the next 3 years.
The Role
Reporting directly into the Founders and the Financial Director, who works for the business one day a week. This role offers a unique opportunity to have control of a broad range of financial duties as well as having the remit to influence the future strategic direction of the business.
Although your immediate focus will be upon ensuring that ‘business-as-usual’ Finance is shipshape and scalable, the role would best suit an individual with a keen intellect and an eye for operational process improvement within a close-knit creative environment. The company showreel and talent roster is world-class, and with a fast-growing TV & Film development arm the Founders are keen to invest in the Finance function to improve their levels of commercial insight into the business. The aim is to keep financial and operational processes slick and efficient in order to free-up creative colleagues to focus upon what they are best at.
The Finance Manager will maintain over-arching responsibility for the annual company budget, commercial forecasting and process implementation. You will have a real passion for the more commercial and data-driven aspects of accounting is therefore essential. As is the ability to communicate financial insights in a simple, jargon free manner!
Core duties will include:
- Production of monthly management accounts and associated commentary.
- Supporting the Finance Director with working capital management via delivery of cash flow forecasts.
- Overall responsibility for delivering an efficient Accounts Receivable and Accounts Payable function in a high-volume transactional environment.
- Financial Planning & Analysis (including margin analysis and creation of KPI dashboards).
- Regular communication with Talent, Producers and Creatives to ensure that the Finance department is a key part of company decision-making (as opposed to being ‘back-office’).
- Delivery of weekly and monthly payroll (identify any shoot payments that need to be processed and run weekly payroll on Sage).
- Raising and sending out customer invoices as well as liaising with new customers to gather information needed to set them up on the internal system.
Company Culture & Ethos
The business prides itself upon having a welcoming, close-knit company culture, centred around their love for production and creativity. All of the team have a deep passion and understanding of the Commercials and TV & Film industry and so – while Commercials experience isn’t a pre-requisite- an appreciation of the creative arts in a broad sense is essential.
In usual (i.e. non-plague) times, the company has an active company social scene centred around the pubs of Fitzrovia and Soho and various other and events. Flexible working is welcomed, although one day out of the three would need to be worked on the Friday to ensure that you are
What we need to see (Essential)
- Strong commercial project accounting experience within a Creative Agency or Events Production (TV, Film, Advertising, Digital Marketing, Music) environment.
- At least 3 years industry experience in a Finance Manager position.
- Experience of working within an owner-managed business environment.
- An aptitude for process improvement and automation.
- A genuine passion for the creative industries.
- Experience of overseeing payroll approvals.
What we’d like to see (Non-Essential)
- Qualified ACA / ACCA / CIMA.
- Production Accounting experience for TV & Film, Commercials or similar.
- Experience of using Sage.
- Experience of working in a small finance team
- Advanced Excel.
- Any experience of implementing data visualization solutions would be of real benefit.
- Undergraduate degree at 2:1 or above.
Salary
£50-£55k pro rata
Working week
3 days
Interview process
- 1 x interviews with Shianne Curtis (Harmonic Finance)
- 1 x video interview with Founders and Finance Directors
- 1 x financial task
Harmonic Finance™
Related jobs:
People with Alternative Style for Skincare Commercial
Job Description
A popular skincare brand is seeking individuals with alternative style, bold makeup, and unique beauty routines for an upcoming online commercial. This project celebrates self-expression and individuality.
Job Responsibilities
-
Appear on camera showcasing your authentic alternative style
-
Follow direction from the production team to bring a creative edge to the campaign
-
Be comfortable in close-up beauty shots
Requirements
-
Ages 16–30
-
Open to all genders
-
Must have an alternative look (piercings, tattoos, bold makeup, unique style)
-
Must be based in London or able to work as a local hire
Compensation
-
Paid opportunity (rate provided upon selection)
People with Unique Facial Features for Skincare Commercial
Job Description
A leading skincare brand is casting individuals with distinctive facial features for an upcoming commercial filming in London. This project celebrates diversity and natural beauty, highlighting people with striking or unique looks.
Job Responsibilities
-
Appear as on-camera talent showcasing your natural features
-
Follow creative direction during the shoot
-
Be comfortable in close-up beauty shots
Requirements
-
Ages 16–60
-
Open to all genders
-
Must be based in London or able to work as a local hire
-
Comfortable being featured prominently in a beauty campaign
Compensation
-
Paid opportunity (rate provided upon selection)
Women in Their 50s for Skincare Commercial
Job Description
A major skincare brand is casting women in their 50s for an exciting online commercial filming in London. This is a great opportunity to showcase natural beauty and represent mature skincare on screen.
Job Responsibilities
-
Appear as on-camera talent for a skincare campaign
-
Follow creative direction from the production team
-
Be comfortable with close-up shots highlighting skincare results
Requirements
-
Female talent, age 50–59
-
Must be local to London or able to work as a local hire
-
Comfortable being featured in a beauty and skincare-focused commercial
Compensation
-
Paid opportunity (rate provided upon booking)
People of All Skin Types for Skincare Commercial
Job Description
A major skincare brand is casting people of all skin types for a commercial filming in London. This is a great opportunity to represent diversity in beauty and be part of a professional commercial shoot.
Job Responsibilities
-
Appear as on-camera talent showcasing natural skin
-
Follow direction from production for filming setups
-
Be comfortable in front of the camera for close-up shots
Requirements
-
Open to all genders
-
Ages 16 to 60
-
Must be based within the M25 area of London
-
Comfortable with showcasing natural skin texture on camera
Compensation
-
Paid opportunity (rate shared upon selection)
Movers and Dancers for Skincare Brand Commercial
Job Description
A leading skincare brand is seeking movers, dancers, and individuals comfortable following simple choreography for an upcoming commercial filming in London. This is a paid opportunity to showcase movement skills in a creative and visually dynamic project.
Job Responsibilities
-
Perform simple hand choreography as directed
-
Work collaboratively with other performers on set
-
Bring energy and precision to each take
Requirements
-
Open to all genders and ethnicities
-
Must be comfortable with basic movement and choreography
-
Must be local to London or able to work as a local hire
Compensation
-
Paid opportunity (rate provided upon booking)
Talent Comfortable Wearing Prosthetic Makeup – Skincare Commercial
Job Description
A popular skincare brand is casting individuals who are comfortable wearing prosthetic makeup for an upcoming London-based commercial shoot. This is a great chance to work on a unique and creative production that highlights special effects makeup.
Job Responsibilities
-
Wear prosthetic makeup for the duration of filming
-
Remain patient during application and removal process
-
Follow production direction to ensure desired on-camera effect
Requirements
-
Open to all genders and ethnicities
-
Must be comfortable with prosthetics and special effects makeup
-
Must be local to London or able to work as a local hire
Compensation
-
Paid opportunity (rate shared upon selection)
Beauty and Skincare Enthusiasts for Commercial
Job Description
A major skincare brand is looking for people who are passionate about beauty treatments and skincare for an upcoming commercial filming in London. This is a paid opportunity to represent real skincare lovers on screen.
Job Responsibilities
-
Appear on camera as someone who enjoys skincare routines
-
Follow direction from production for commercial scenes
-
Bring enthusiasm and energy to the shoot
Requirements
-
Open to all genders
-
Ages 16 and older
-
Must be local to London or able to work as a local hire
-
Comfortable being featured as part of a beauty-focused campaign
Compensation
-
Paid opportunity (rate provided upon booking)
Job Description
A production team is seeking a New York-based camera operator and sound recordist to assist with a three-day filming project during New York Climate Week. This is an ideal opportunity for professionals experienced in documentary or branded content production.
Job Responsibilities
-
Operate camera and capture high-quality footage
-
Record and monitor clear, professional sound during filming
-
Collaborate with the production team to ensure smooth shoot days
Requirements
-
Must be based in New York
-
Must have experience with documentary or branded content
-
Preferably have own camera and sound kit
-
Must be available for all three filming days
Compensation
-
Paid professional gig (rate to be discussed with production team)
-
Opportunity to work on meaningful climate-related content
Lead Role of Jim Hawkins in TV Adaptation of Treasure Island
Job Description
A thrilling new TV adaptation of Treasure Island is seeking an actor to play the iconic lead role of Jim Hawkins. This fresh take on the classic adventure story will be filmed internationally and requires a strong, versatile performer.
Job Responsibilities
-
Portray Jim Hawkins, a courageous and adventurous young protagonist
-
Deliver a compelling performance with a neutral English accent
-
Be comfortable performing in water scenes
-
Collaborate closely with the director and production team
Requirements
-
Male actor, UK or ROI based
-
Must be aged 18+ but able to convincingly play age 16
-
White, neutral English accent
-
Strong swimming ability and confidence in water
Compensation
-
Paid lead role in a major international TV production
Real Dad and Baby for Commercial
Job Description
A commercial production is looking for a real dad and baby duo for a one-day shoot in Manchester. This is a paid opportunity for local families to appear together on screen.
Job Responsibilities
-
Appear on set with your real baby for a commercial shoot
-
Follow direction from the production team to capture authentic and natural interactions
-
Be available for one full day of filming during the specified week
Requirements
-
Dad aged 20–45 years
-
Baby aged 9–18 months
-
Must be a real parent and child pair
-
Must live within one hour of Manchester
Compensation
-
Paid commercial role for one-day shoot
Real Mum and Baby for Commercial
Job Description
A commercial production is looking for a real mum and baby pair to participate in a one-day shoot in Manchester. This is a great opportunity for local families to appear in a professional commercial project.
Job Responsibilities
-
Appear on set with your real baby for a commercial shoot
-
Follow direction from the production team to capture natural, heartfelt moments
-
Be available for the entire shoot day during the specified week
Requirements
-
Mum aged 20–45 years
-
Baby aged 9–18 months
-
Must be a real mother and child pair
-
Must live within one hour of Manchester
Compensation
-
Paid commercial role for one-day shoot
Real Grandparents and Baby for Commercial
Job Description
A commercial production is looking for real grandparents with their real grandbaby to participate in a one-day shoot. This is a paid opportunity for local Manchester families.
Job Responsibilities
-
Appear on set with your real grandbaby for a commercial shoot
-
Follow production team directions to capture natural and engaging moments
-
Be available for a one-day shoot during the specified week
Requirements
-
Grandparents ages 50–65 years
-
Baby aged 9–18 months
-
Must be real grandparents and grandbaby pair
-
Must live within one hour of Manchester
Compensation
-
Paid commercial role for one-day shoot