Assistant Accountant - Media Startup

We're working with a growing theatre company based in SW London/Woking, looking for a Senior Finance Manager to lead the Production Finance function and support a busy portfolio of live productions. This is a senior, hands-on role with responsibility for a team of four, combining production accounting, technical accounting, tax, cash flow and stakeholder management. Responsibilities: Oversee weekly production reporting, providing General Managers with a clear view of pre-production costs, running profits and show-by-show performanceLead and manage a team of 3 production Finance professionals, ensuring timely and accurate production accountsOversee monthly management accounts, group reporting and production profit forecastsManage and oversee production, group, SPV and investor cash flow forecasting and reportingEnsure appropriate technical accounting treatment is applied across productions, including consolidation, equity accounting and level of control considerationsOversee taxation and compliance requirements across productions, including Theatre Tax Relief and other relevant production tax mattersEnsure statutory accounts and tax returns are completed accurately and on timeAct as a key point of contact for the annual audit, working closely with auditors and senior finance stakeholdersReview weekly payment runs and work closely with purchase ledger and payroll teams to ensure effective transactional processingContribute to budgeting and reforecasting processes, maintaining accurate show-by-show profit forecastsIdentify and lead process improvement initiatives, making effective use of existing and new finance systemsProvide technical accounting and tax advice to the Productions team and wider business Requirements:ACA, ACCA or CIMA qualified accountantStrong experience within live entertainment, theatre or production financeProven experience in production accounting, ideally across multiple live productionsStrong understanding of the technical accounting, taxation and compliance requirements relevant to live productions, including Theatre Tax ReliefPrevious line management experience, with the ability to lead and develop a teamComfortable managing multiple priorities and delivering accurate work to tight deadlinesExperience of process improvement and finance systems, with a track record of improving processes and ways of workingStrong Excel and financial reporting skillsMust be able to commute to Woking and work in the office 3 days per week Handle actively welcomes applicants from under-represented backgrounds - we pride ourselves on attracting the best talent for every opportunity through a commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion.

We're looking for an organised and proactive Project Coordinator to join a leading media organisation on a temporary basis until end of November.This is a busy coordination role supporting project leads across the planning and delivery of a large-scale project. You'll be responsible for keeping the detail and day-to-day activity moving, ensuring actions are followed up, meetings are well prepared and key project information is kept accurate and up to date.The roleSupporting project leads with the planning, coordination and delivery of projectsOrganising and scheduling meetings, including individual consultation sessionsPreparing meeting materials and taking clear meeting notes and minutesMaintaining action logs, project trackers and key documentationFollowing up with stakeholders on outstanding actions and keeping activities on trackCoordinating information across multiple teams and stakeholdersMonitoring project timelines, deadlines and deliverablesHelping to identify and flag any issues or delaysMaintaining accurate project data and producing updates/reports where requiredUsing Excel to manage, analyse and track dataProviding general project administration and coordination support to ensure Project Leads can focus on project planning and deliveryAbout youWe're looking for someone with previous experience in Project Coordination, Project Support, PMO, Programme Coordination or a similar role, ideally within a larger or complex organisation.You'll need to be:Available to start this weekkHighly organised with excellent attention to detailComfortable coordinating large-scale projects and multiple stakeholdersConfident managing trackers, action logs and project documentationProactive when it comes to following up on actions and deadlinesComfortable working with data and proficient in ExcelConfident communicating with stakeholders at different levelsAble to manage multiple priorities in a busy environmentComfortable working independently and keeping things moving without constant direction Handle actively welcomes applicants from under-represented backgrounds - we pride ourselves on attracting the best talent for every opportunity through a commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion.

Financial Controller - Music (FTC Maternity Cover)Global talent management business with offices in the UK and US who represent artists, producers and creatives across music, entertainment and culture are looking for an experienced qualified (ACA, ACCA, CIMA) Financial Controller to cover a period of maternity leave.You will own the group's month-end, year-end and cash processes, lead a UK team of two, and work closely with our two-person US finance team to deliver accurate, timely consolidated reporting.This is a hands-on role in a fast-moving, client-focused business. You will keep the finance function running smoothly while helping us build systems that give the business continuity, including our AI-driven process.Key responsibilities:Financial reporting and consolidationPrepare the monthly consolidated group reporting across UK and US entities.Review monthly management accounts and commentary prepared by the team, ensuring accuracy and clear explanation of variances.Perform and review intercompany reconciliations, resolving differences with the US team each month.Set and maintain global FX rates used for group reporting and consolidation.Lead year-end reconciliations and prepare statutory financial statements.Cash, payments and treasuryOwn group cash management, including cash flow forecasting and daily cash visibility.Approve supplier and operational payments in line with authorisation limits.Manage the monthly client payment run, ensuring artist and client funds are paid accurately and on time.Payroll and pensionsOversee monthly payroll, reviewing and approving outputs from the payroll provider.Manage workplace pension administration, contributions and compliance.Planning and analysisLead the annual budgeting process and periodic reforecasts with senior management.Respond to ad hoc senior management requests for analysis, insight and financial information.Audit and controlsPlan and manage the annual audit, acting as the main point of contact for external auditors.Maintain a strong control environment across approvals, reconciliations and payments.Process improvement and AIDrive finance process efficiency using AI and automation, including the ongoing development of our internal AI finance tool.Identify manual processes that can be simplified, documented or automated to support business continuity.Leadership and collaborationLine manage, coach and develop a UK finance team of two, reviewing their work and setting clear priorities each month.Work alongside the two-person US finance team as one global function, aligning timetables, processes and reporting standards across time zones.Act as a trusted finance partner to senior management, translating numbers into clear, practical advice.Build effective relationships with auditors, banks, payroll and pension providers, and other external advisers.Skills and experienceQualified accountant (ACA, ACCA or CIMA) with at least 5 years' post-qualification experience.Proven experience in a Financial Controller or senior finance role.Strong track record of multi-entity, multi-currency consolidation, including intercompany and FX.Hands-on experience of year-end, statutory accounts and managing an external audit.Solid working knowledge of UK payroll and workplace pensions.Experience managing and developing a small team.Excellent Excel skills and confidence with cloud accounting systems e.g NetSuite.Clear communicator, able to explain financial information to non-finance stakeholders.Experience in music, entertainment, talent management.Exposure to US GAAP or working with a US-based finance team.Interest in, or experience of, using AI and automation to improve finance processes Handle actively welcomes applicants from under-represented backgrounds - we pride ourselves on attracting the best talent for every opportunity through a commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion.

An international media business are looking for an HR Advisor to join their People team. This is a varied role, offering the opportunity to get involved across the full employee lifecycle in a creative, fast-moving environment.Working closely with HR leadership, you'll be a first point of contact for managers and employees, providing practical HR advice while supporting recruitment, ER, payroll, performance and development. There's plenty of scope to take ownership, improve processes and contribute to wider People initiatives, from engagement and HR systems to policies and employee communications. There is also the chance to mentor/ line manage a HR Administrator.The business would particularly suit someone who has worked within a creative industry, whether that's media, entertainment, production or a similar environment, and enjoys the pace and variety that comes with it. You'll need to be approachable, organised and comfortable balancing the day-to-day detail with building relationships across the business.They're looking for someone with around 2-3 years' generalist HR experience, a good grounding in UK employment practices and the confidence to manage ER matters independently.They are 3 days in the office, in Central London with a competitive benefits package.This is a great opportunity for an HR Advisor looking to broaden their experience in a collaborative, international business - please apply now to find out more! Handle actively welcomes applicants from under-represented backgrounds - we pride ourselves on attracting the best talent for every opportunity through a commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion.

An international media business are looking for an HR Advisor to join their People team. This is a varied role, offering the opportunity to get involved across the full employee lifecycle in a creative, fast-moving environment.Working closely with HR leadership, you'll be a first point of contact for managers and employees, providing practical HR advice while supporting recruitment, ER, payroll, performance and development. There's plenty of scope to take ownership, improve processes and contribute to wider People initiatives, from engagement and HR systems to policies and employee communications. There is also the chance to mentor/ line manage a HR Administrator.The business would particularly suit someone who has worked within a creative industry, whether that's media, entertainment, production or a similar environment, and enjoys the pace and variety that comes with it. You'll need to be approachable, organised and comfortable balancing the day-to-day detail with building relationships across the business.They're looking for someone with around 2-3 years' generalist HR experience, a good grounding in UK employment practices and the confidence to manage ER matters independently.They are 3 days in the office, in Central London with a competitive benefits package.This is a great opportunity for an HR Advisor looking to broaden their experience in a collaborative, international business - please apply now to find out more! Handle actively welcomes applicants from under-represented backgrounds - we pride ourselves on attracting the best talent for every opportunity through a commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion.

Management AccountantHandle Recruitment are delighted to be partnering with a leading creative agency in their search for a Management Accountant.This opportunity is ideal for a part-qualified or newly qualified (ACCA/CIMA/ACA) finance professional who is looking to play a key, forward-thinking role within a dynamic finance function. Working closely with the CFO and senior stakeholders, you will provide meaningful commercial insight and support strategic decision-making across the business.Key ResponsibilitiesPreparation of monthly management accounts across multiple entities, including:Profit & loss analysisBalance sheet reviews and reconciliationsKey metric reporting and supporting schedulesAnalysis of financial performance against budgets and forecasts, providing clear commercial insights and actionable recommendationsMonitoring and controlling costs, identifying efficiency improvements and cost-saving opportunitiesReviewing client profitability, highlighting margin performance and supporting commercial reportingSupporting the annual budgeting and forecasting process in collaboration with department headsConducting regular financial review meetings with department managers to ensure alignment with budget and strategic objectivesWeekly review of creditors and WIP, escalating issues to the CFO or partners as requiredSupporting external audits and ensuring compliance with accounting standards and regulationsPreparing monthly/quarterly VAT returns and assisting with corporate tax processesSupporting the implementation of intercompany invoicing processesManaging cash flow, including preparation of a 13-week cash flow forecastDeveloping expertise in the Paprika system and driving continuous financial process improvementsProviding holiday cover within the finance teamDelivering ad-hoc reporting and analysis as requiredSkills, Knowledge & ExperienceACA / ACCA / CIMA part-qualified (or finalist/qualified)Proven experience in a Management Accountant role, ideally within the communications or creative sectorStrong understanding of financial principles and accounting standardsExperience with intercompany invoicingPaprika accounting system experience is essentialAdvanced Excel skills (Pivot Tables, Lookups, IF statements, etc.)Ability to work to strict deadlines and manage multiple prioritiesStrong attention to detail and ability to perform under pressureExcellent communication skills, with the ability to present financial information clearly to non-financial stakeholdersDemonstrable experience of streamlining or implementing improved financial processesCollaborative team player Handle actively welcomes applicants from under-represented backgrounds - we pride ourselves on attracting the best talent for every opportunity through a commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion.

An exciting record label who are looking for a commercially minded Data Analyst to join their London team.This is a great opportunity for someone with 3-4 years' experience who wants to work at the intersection of data, music and artist performance.You'll be analysing streaming, sales, audience and campaign data, building dashboards and providing insight that helps shape decisions across A&R, Marketing, Digital and Commercial.What we're looking for: * 3-4 years' experience in a Data/Commercial Analyst role * Strong Excel and SQL skills * Experience with Power BI, Tableau or similar * Strong analytical and commercial mindset * Ability to turn data into clear, actionable insight * Ideally, experience within music, media, entertainment or another consumer-focused industry Handle actively welcomes applicants from under-represented backgrounds - we pride ourselves on attracting the best talent for every opportunity through a commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion.