Finance Manager - SME Advertising Agency

About the role

We are seeking a commercially‑minded Finance Manager to drive financial performance for an independent branding and advertising agency. Working closely with the Managing Director and a Fractional Finance Director, you will own day‑to‑day financial operations and help shape more efficient, profit‑focused processes.

Key responsibilities

• Prepare monthly management accounts, balance sheets and variance analysis.
• Support annual budgeting and rolling forecasts.
• Own short‑term cash‑flow forecasting.
• Prepare VAT, PAYE and other statutory filings and liaise with external accountants.
• Use automation and modern tools to streamline financial processes.
• Analyse time reports to monitor utilisation, recoverability and profitability.
• Maintain performance dashboards for senior leadership.
• Support pricing and rate‑card reviews.
• Partner with client services and project teams to ensure accurate budgeting and reconciliation.

Required profile

• CIMA/ACCA qualification (or part‑qualified/QBE).
• Experience working in an agency or marketing communications environment.
• Strong commercial awareness and understanding of time‑based billing.
• Excellent Excel and Google Workspace proficiency.
• Confidence using job‑costing systems such as Paprika.
• Exceptional attention to detail and strong time‑management skills.

Required skills

• Paprika (or similar job‑costing software)
• Excel
• Google Workspace