Finance Manager

Who We Are

Formidable is a social-first creative agency that helps global brands connect with culture. We do this by combining multi-disciplinary creative, integrated production and bespoke ways of working. We’re a supergroup of creatives, producers, strategists, designers, editors, directors, PRs, project managers and social experts, all committed to helping our clients thrive in culture.

About The Role

As Finance Manager at Formidable, you will take ownership of the agency’s day-to-day finance operations and provide accurate, timely financial information to support effective decision-making. You will manage core accounting processes across bookkeeping, production accounting, management accounts, payments, invoicing, payroll and pensions, helping to ensure that financial controls are maintained and the agency’s obligations are met.

This is a hands-on role requiring excellent attention to detail, strong organisation and the confidence to work collaboratively with colleagues across the agency, particularly production and project teams.

Key Responsibilities

Day to Day

• Maintain accurate and up-to-date bookkeeping records, ensuring all transactions are recorded and appropriately coded.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date bookkeeping records, ensuring all transactions are recorded and appropriately coded.
• Own the day-to-day reconciliation of bank accounts, company cards and other balance sheet accounts, investigating and resolving discrepancies promptly.
• Manage production accounting, including reconciling project cost monitors with the accounts and working with production teams to ensure costs, commitments and project information are complete and accurate.
• Prepare accurate monthly management accounts and supporting schedules, highlighting material variances and issues requiring attention.
• Manage supplier payment runs and other payments, ensuring appropriate approvals are obtained and payment records are maintained.
• Raise client invoices accurately and on time, maintain the sales ledger and proactively chase outstanding invoices.
• Maintain the purchase ledger, process supplier invoices and respond to supplier queries.
• Coordinate payroll inputs and checks, working with the external payroll provider where applicable to support accurate and timely payroll processing.
• Manage pension administration, including contribution information and routine employee or provider queries.
• Maintain records for taxable benefits and support accurate benefits reporting.
• Maintain clear finance processes, records and controls, identifying opportunities to improve efficiency and accuracy.
• Provide practical finance support and guidance to colleagues across the agency.
• Undertake any other task deemed appropriate to the role, as directed by a member of the management team.

About You

• You have strong hands-on experience in a finance role with responsibility for bookkeeping and management accounts.
• You are confident reconciling project or production cost information with the accounts and enjoy working closely with operational teams.
• You have experience managing payments, invoicing, credit control and payroll-related processes.
• You have excellent numerical accuracy and attention to detail.
• You are organised, dependable and able to manage competing priorities and deadlines.
• You communicate clearly and confidently with colleagues, clients, suppliers and external advisers.
• You are proactive, solutions-focused and comfortable taking ownership of finance processes.
• You handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion.
• You are comfortable working in a fast-paced, collaborative agency environment.
• You are a welcoming, supportive and proactive team player.

Formidable’s Values

WE BRING THE ENERGY

Our positive energy brings out the best in people. It comes from genuinely caring about our team, encouraging collaboration and celebrating every single success. Solidarity and motivation follow as we do work the whole agency is proud of and everyone thrives.

WE STRIVE FOR EXCELLENCE (NOT PERFECTION)

People come to us for the best. And that means we show up every day ready to deliver. Ready to support each other’s growth. Ready to push and challenge people to produce great work together. Ready to be part of something big.

WE FIND STRENGTHS IN OUR DIFFERENCES

Life would be boring if we all thought the same. And so would our work. Which is why we value diversity of backgrounds, views, beliefs and experience. A level playing field attracts the best talent. A shared sense of belonging makes us stronger. A rich mix of minds makes our work better.

WE GIVE A SH!T ABOUT OUR PEOPLE

Teamwork doesn’t work unless every individual feels appreciated, trusted and supported, and comfortable that their personal values can coexist with company values. Clear boundaries. Open dialogues. Investing in personal development. It all helps to make this happen. Along with a collective responsibility to care, we’ve got each other’s back!