Commercial Finance Business Partner (Made Thought)

Made Thought is an award-winning international design studio that imagines, creates and implements compelling strategies, brand identities and communications that inspire change and innovation. A team of 80, across London and New York, we have built a studio of intentionally diverse creativity, known for our deep strategic thinking, iconic visual style and obsessive attention to detail. Comprised of thinkers and designers, makers and crafters, writers and filmmakers, digital wizards, opinion formers and social connectors.

Made Thought collaborates with cutting-edge and leading brands of tomorrow, from Adidas, Feeld, MoMa, Pinterest, to Stella McCartney and Chandon. Our core purpose is to use the currency of creativity to deliver change for brands and the world in which they operate. Be that to culturally move a brand forward, commercially add value to that business or help the brand think deeply about its place in the world and its responsibility to the planet.

Made Thought are also part of The New Standard alongside Map Project Office and Universal Design Studio – a new collective that connects brand, spatial, industrial and digital design into a single and cohesive creative ecosystem. This year we released our inaugural magazine that investigates the power that creativity holds to disrupt the status quo. Made Thought are part of AKQA Group.

The Commercial Finance Business Partner is a key member of the Finance Team, reporting to the Finance Director and working closely with the wider Made Thought team. This role provides crucial business partnering support to the Finance Director across all monthly, annual, and ad hoc financial performance and planning activities, providing insights that allow senior management to understand how the business is performing and identifying key areas for improvement.

ROLE REQUIREMENTS

• Lead the revenue recognition process and documentation for both UK and US studios in accordance with IFRS15.

• Prepare all accrued and deferred income accounting for month-end.

• Support and monitor studio revenue forecasts, partnering closely with the Client Services team.

• Conduct monthly revenue variance analysis against budget for flash reporting.

• Oversee job performance monitoring, budget reconciliation, and closure processes.

• Produce monthly profitability reporting, offering insights and analysis of performance and trends for senior management.

• Support the development and implementation of commercial strategy.

• Collaborate with the Finance Director to develop in-depth KPI analysis and update models as required.

• Prepare weekly performance charts, forecasts, and dashboards for the Client Services and Growth Teams.

• Work alongside the Finance Director to ensure robust financial controls are in place.

• Partner with senior business stakeholders, reviewing investment cases and influencing decision-making.

• Provide commercial and financial insight and support to the Client Services team on capacity, team, and client performance.

• Assist with the preparation of monthly board packs.

• Assist with External Reporting requirements for our stakeholders.

• Oversee the invoice process for accounts receivable, ensuring invoices raised align with Statements of Work (SOWs) and contractual terms.

QUALITIES & CHARACTERISTICS

• Bring a positive and proactive 'can-do' attitude to all tasks, effectively managing and facilitating expectations within the Finance Team.

• Eager to constantly develop, embrace challenges, and pursue continuous learning within the team.

• Exceptional communication skills, vital for interacting effectively with internal teams and representing the Studio to external clients.

• Proven ability to multitask, prioritise effectively, and maintain balance in a dynamic environment.

• Demonstrates strong team collaboration, providing support and assistance to colleagues.

• Possess keen attention to detail combined with the ability to understand the broader business picture, essential for examining cost efficiencies and reporting on overall business performance.

• Show a willingness to get involved in the day-to-day running of a busy and exciting design studio.

• Experience working in a creative industry is preferred.

• Ideally, qualified ACA, ACCA, CIMA or QBE with a professional accountancy qualification; other relevant qualifications will be considered.

• Advanced proficiency in Excel/Google Sheets, including comfort with Pivot Tables, Vlookups, Charts, SumIfs, and Conditional Formatting.

• Experience and understanding of Paprika or a similar job costing tool is a benefit.

We believe great work happens when we're together, fostering creativity, collaboration, and connection. That's why we’ve adopted a hybrid approach including required in-office days. If you require accommodations or flexibility, please discuss this with the hiring team during the interview process.

AKQA is an equal opportunity employer and considers applicants for all positions without discrimination or regard to particular characteristics. We are committed to fostering a culture of respect in which everyone feels they belong and has the same opportunities to progress in their careers.