Finance Manager 

This is a unique and exciting opportunity for an experienced, strategically minded Finance Manager to join 6a architects, a dynamic and award-winning architectural practice at a pivotal moment in its growth. Based in Central London, 6a is renowned for its environmentally and socially driven design, and this role will be key in driving forward its ambitious long-term growth plans.

As part of the leadership team, you'll collaborate closely with the operations team to shape the studio’s financial strategy, playing a crucial role in its evolution while maintaining oversight of day-to-day financial management. Your impact will extend beyond the numbers, helping steer a practice celebrated for its pioneering cultural, educational, and residential projects.

6a architects, founded by Stephanie Macdonald and Tom Emerson, has earned international acclaim for its innovative approach to reuse and ecology. With projects like the Stirling Prize-shortlisted Juergen Teller photographic studio, MK Gallery, and major collaborations such as the Tate Liverpool redesign, this is a studio at the forefront of architecture’s intersection with culture, sustainability, and social impact.

Joining 6a means becoming part of a collaborative, ambitious team of 25 architects, designers, and administrators. The firm’s continued success, including its latest high-profile projects like, Tate Liverpool, the Fashion Museum in Bath and sustainable timber housing development in Malmö, recently shortlisted for British Museums West Wing, offers an unparalleled platform for a Finance Manager to make a tangible difference in shaping the future of a highly respected practice.

Job details

Pay                     £50,000 - £55,000 p.a. (negotiable) depending on experience

Job type            Full-time (4-day week considered)

Benefits           Company pension

Full job description

As a Finance Manager at the studio, you will be pivotal in ensuring the smooth functioning of financial processes. From managing the day-to-day bookkeeping, accounts receivable and payable to spearheading financial planning and analysis, you'll play a crucial role in maintaining the financial health of the business. Additionally, you'll be instrumental in driving digital transformation initiatives to automate and streamline the studio’s finance operations. 

Finance Manager Position Overview

You’ll oversee our financial operations, managing accounting systems (Xero), ensuring accurate month-end processes, and reconciling accounts. Collaborating with external accountants, you'll ensure compliance with tax regulations and timely preparation of statutory accounts.

Your day-to-day will include handling bookkeeping (accounts receivable/payable), managing supplier and client invoicing, reviewing payroll (outsourced), processing expenses, and filing quarterly VAT returns. You’ll also support budget and forecast preparation, maintain a 12-month rolling cash flow, and monitor working capital.

Additionally, you’ll provide key financial reports and analyses using Xero and Rapport3, and present monthly management accounts with KPI and variance analysis to Directors. You’ll play a key role in process improvement, identifying inefficiencies, and driving automation initiatives.

Strong communication and collaboration skills are essential, especially when working with creative, non-financial teams.

Finance Manager Position Requirements

·         An accountancy qualification such as ACCA or CIMA preferred.

·         Architectural, design or construction practice experience preferred, but not essential, though a keen interest in design and the arts is a must.

·         Proficiency in accounting software, especially Xero.

·         Strong IT literacy, with the ability to navigate reporting and workflow software, Rapport3 or similar.

·         A desire to be proactive in partnering with the creative team to grow the business

·         Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

·         A collaborative mindset and a team-oriented approach.

·         Detail Orientated

·         Adaptability

·         Integrity and Ethics

How to Apply

Applications are invited by email, to Florence Losasso, florence@6a.co.uk  before 31st October 2024. Applications made following this date may be considered at discretion.

Candidates should include; a short letter outlining their motivation and relevant experience, and a detailed CV.

6a encourages applications from women and under-represented groups.