David Johnston

A growing media group is seeking a Royalties Administrator to support the day-to-day administration of royalty processes during a system migration project. This fixed-term contract requires an immediately available candidate who can assist with maintaining accurate royalty records, supporting calculations and ensuring smooth administration during the implementation of a new royalties system.   Responsibilities: Support the day-to-day administration of royalty processes across the business. Assist with the preparation and calculation of royalty statements. Maintain and update royalty records, ensuring accuracy and completeness of data. Support the migration and implementation of a new royalties system. Assist with royalty reporting and reconciliation processes. Help ensure data integrity within the new system during the transition period. Work closely with the Royalties and Finance teams to support smooth operational processes.   Requirements: Previous experience working within a royalties administration or royalties accounting function Around 1-2 years of experience in a similar role Experience within publishing, music, licensing, media, entertainment, or other rights-based industries is preferred Comfortable working with large data sets and financial information Immediately Available / Short-notice 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.

Handle Recruitment are proud to be assisting a Global Media Giant in their search for a Financial Controller to join their senior leadership team. This role will be responsible for overseeing financial reporting, compliance, controllership, and process improvements while supporting the EMEA Controller and leading the local finance team.This is an exciting opportunity for a technically strong, hands-on finance professional who thrives in a fast-paced environment and enjoys driving operational improvements.Key ResponsibilitiesFinancial Reporting, Compliance & AccountingSupport the EMEA Controller in preparing and coordinating the month-end close process.Review monthly profit & loss statements, balance sheets, and key reconciliations.Ensure controlling activities meet country regulatory reporting requirements, including US GAAP.Review statutory financial statements, including UK consolidated accounts, and related regulatory filings for Board approval.Support and execute reporting under UK GAAP.Manage and support external audit engagements.Review and approve tax computations and VAT returns.Oversee cash flow forecasts and perform monthly variance analysis.Review and approve journals and judgement-based manual adjustments.Leadership & Stakeholder ManagementWork closely with Corporate Finance, FP&A, and Commercial Controlling teams.Lead and manage the Financial Reporting and Controllership teams.Act as a key liaison with department heads and commercial teams.Oversee the production of accounts receivable and accounts payable reporting.Manage tax compliance, intercompany transactions, and transfer pricing policies.Process Improvement & Operational ExcellenceMonitor operational KPIs and service delivery across the finance function.Partner with the Senior Director of Controlling Operations to mitigate risks and identify improvement opportunities.Oversee the balance sheet reconciliation process performed by the Controlling Operations team.Drive initiatives to improve Free Cash Flow and take ownership of cash flow forecasting.Contribute to the development of reporting standards, financial policies, and internal controls.Support offshore teams in standardising and improving finance processes and technology.Qualifications & ExperienceQualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, or CIMA).Minimum 10 years post-qualification experience.Experience within a top 10 accountancy firm is highly desirable.Proven experience as a Financial Controller or equivalent senior finance role.Skills & ExpertiseStrong technical knowledge of US GAAP and UK GAAP.Experience managing internal and external audits.Strong understanding of corporation tax, VAT, and withholding tax.Experience implementing or monitoring internal control frameworks.Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.Ability to lead teams and influence change.Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.Able to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines. 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.

Currently partnering with a globally recognised brand, seeking a Photo Researcher / Photo Editor to join their International Editorial Design team. This role will support product content design across multiple media verticals and collaborate with creative teams across EMEA and APAC.This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced photo researcher who has a deep understanding of visual storytelling, photography production workflows, and global image sourcing. Working closely with designers, editors, and creative stakeholders, you'll bring strong research instincts, exceptional visual taste, and expertise in image licensing & rights negotiation.Please note, this is an initial 3-month contract with very high likelihood of being extended. Portfolio required with every application.Key Responsibilities:Research, curate, and license high-quality visual assets across EMEA and APAC platformsIdentify and source imagery from stock agencies, boutique agencies, archives, galleries, and photographersManage image licensing, rights clearance, and contract executionTrack project budgets, licensing costs, and external artist feesBrief and art direct retouching to ensure assets meet the highest production standardsMaintain organised archiving of all project materials across cloud storage and DAM systemsProactively identify potential challenges and maintain momentum across fast-paced creative projectsBuild and expand a network of photographers, agencies and image sources for future projectsKey Requirements:5+ years' experience in photo research, photo editing or art direction within advertising, publishing, entertainment or a creative agencyDeep knowledge across multiple photography genres including lifestyle, portraiture, fashion, documentary, sports, conceptual and fine artExtensive familiarity with stock houses, wire services, boutique agencies, galleries and estatesStrong understanding of image rights, licensing, contracts and legal clearance processesConfident presenting visual research and solutions using Keynote or similar toolsAdvanced proficiency with Adobe Photoshop, Lightroom and Creative CloudAdditional language skills are a plusHandle Recruitment is acting as an Employment Business in relation to this vacancy.

A growing financial services group is seeking an experienced Interim Payroll Manager to oversee and optimise payroll operations across a complex, multi-entity international structure. This is a hands-on, project-focused role requiring an immediately available candidate to step in quickly and ensure accurate, compliant payroll delivery while supporting payroll system improvements. Responsibilities: Manage end-to-end payroll operations across multiple group entities, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and compliance Coordinate payroll processing across several jurisdictions and legal entities Liaise with internal Finance and People teams and external payroll providers to ensure smooth payroll delivery Support or lead payroll system implementation, optimisation, or migration projects Review and improve payroll processes, controls, and documentation Ensure compliance with payroll legislation, tax, and reporting requirements across relevant jurisdictions Partner with Finance to ensure payroll reconciliations, reporting, and data integrity Support audits and internal reviews relating to payroll processes Provide guidance on payroll-related matters including benefits, pensions, and statutory payments Identify opportunities to streamline payroll processes and enhance reporting Requirements Significant experience managing payroll within multi-entity or group company environments Proven experience delivering payroll system implementations or migrations Strong knowledge of UK payroll legislation and compliance Experience coordinating international payroll providers or global payroll operations Comfortable working in an interim or project-driven environment with the ability to deliver quickly High attention to detail with a strong focus on controls and data accuracy Ability to work cross-functionally with Finance, HR/People teams, and external providers Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple payroll cycles and priorities   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 independent music management and label team is seeking a Head of Digital (Maternity Cover) for a temporary full-time role based in London. The successful candidate will lead the digital team and oversee the execution of digital marketing campaigns across a diverse roster of global and developing artists. The role focuses on delivering effective digital strategies that drive artist development, audience growth, streaming performance and fan engagement worldwide. This hands-on position manages a small digital team, whilst working closely with the wider management and label team. The roles involves: Managing the digital team overseeing digital strategy and campaign prioritisation Providing oversight and alignment across all social, CRM and streaming Managing paid media strategy and performance optimisation Ensuring best-in-class digital execution across all releases with ideation for innovative and creative digital campaign strategies Working closely with the Head of International to deliver global campaign coordination with international partners Leading top line conversations with digital and social partners, agencies and distributors Reporting and performance insights across all streaming and social metrics - reviewing and feeding back on analysis Candidate profile:  Extensive experience in digital marketing within the music industry and leading a team Proven track record delivering globally successful high profile artist campaigns Experience working directly with artists, management and cross-functional teams Strong understanding of streaming ecosystems, social platforms, fan engagement strategies and digital analytic tools Broad knowledge of current digital trends and a forward thinking understanding of the industry developments Detail driven and a strategic thinker with a flexible hands-on approach, being reactive to pivot as needed, balancing oversight with day-to-day campaign execution Comfortable working in a fast-paced independent label and management environment Strong communication and relationship management skills 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.

A challenging and exciting role has become available for a Assistant Accountant to work in the Music Industry. Working for a leading accountancy practice specialising in music, the role will be looking after some extremely successful and well-known artists with general accounting and royalties accounting: You will be joining a growing accounting team at really exciting time for the business 😊 Key responsibilities: Cash Book and Bank Reconciliation. Sales Day Book, Sales Ledger, and Debtors Ledger Purchase Day Book, Purchase Ledger Control VAT Returns and workings. Receipt of documents, opening bank accounts etc Day to day running of clients' affairs, to include liaising with label managers and royalty collection societies Assist with the royalty accounting team, to include accurate and correct coding of invoices and expenses Arrange payment of authorised purchase invoices, Assisting with clients' cash flow, debtor collection etc Desired skills: Able to demonstrate experience of working in a Finance department to tight deadlines in a busy working environment Intermediate Excel is essential Good grasp of general accounting procedures Experience of liaising with staff outside of the finance team, at all levels, to resolve issues and effectively relay information Desired personal qualities: Pro-active and able to use own initiative Strong attention to detail and data accuracy Excellent communication and teamwork skills Highly motivated We are looking for someone who is competent, self-motivated & trustworthy, who also has a bright and enthusiastic personality! You must have a real passion for the MUSIC Industry and love to go to gigs!! The ideal candidate must have had some experience in working within a finance function and office environment. Computer literacy should include an excellent working knowledge of Excel. AAT and ACCA study support is on offer! The company offers an exciting, fast-paced environment with great benefits! Apply Now! 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.

Handle are currently working with a market leading entertainment brand who are looking for an Interim FP&A Manager. The role focuses on financial reporting deliverables (forecasts, quarter-end close, long-range and annual planning), cost management and tracking, and ad hoc analysis as required by the Finance Director. Key responsibilities include: Provide ad-hoc analytical and financial support to the Finance Director as required Deliver financial analysis to support commercial initiatives and strategic decision-making Monitor actual performance against forecast, providing clear explanations of variances and underlying drivers Review existing cost control processes and suggest enhancements to improve efficiency and accuracy Contribute to the delivery of core planning cycles, including forecasts, the annual operating plan, and long-term strategic plans Build, maintain, and update driver-based forecasting models to reflect latest performance and assumptions Prepare and support high-quality planning and forecast presentation materials for senior stakeholders Candidate requirements: Fully qualified accountant (ACA, CIMA, or equivalent) Strong background in financial planning and analysis, with experience in a comparable role within the Media sector High level of accuracy and attention to detail, with the ability to manage complex data sets Proven experience using financial systems, including SAP/BW and Cognos, alongside advanced Excel capability Demonstrated experience partnering with operational and commercial teams to provide meaningful financial insight Advanced financial modelling, analysis, and scenario planning skills   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.