Finance Assistant (59 Studio)

ABOUT THE COMPANY

59 is a multi award-winning studio based in London and New York, and is part of Journey - world leaders in Multidimensional Design. We conceive, design and deliver ambitious, large-scale story-driven artworks, stage shows and immersive experiences for live audiences, grounded by a deeply interdisciplinary process incorporating  architecture, animation, video, light, sound, music and technical design. 

We work in partnership with some of the world’s most prestigious and ambitious clients, and with best-in-class partners globally across industries to build and deliver our projects. Current commissions  include artworks, placemaking installations, temporary and permanent buildings, stage shows, ceremonies and events. 

Current projects include:

• Multi-year collaborative projects with Heatherwick Studio and Foster + Partners.
• The video design and  visual effects for Stranger Things: The First Shadow in the West End and on Broadway with SFP  and Netflix.
• The writing, direction, design and animation of immersive shows for our flagship immersive venue and joint venture Lightroom. Following recent collaborations with David Hockney, Bigger & Closer (Not Smaller and Further Away), with Tom Hanks, The Moonwalkers, and a new collaboration with Vogue and Anna Wintour, Inventing the Runway, will open in October 2024, with many more to follow.
• Amongst many others…

Focused collaboration, rigorous conceptual development and sensitivities to sustainability and cultural relevance are all hallmarks of our unique approach.

OVERALL PURPOSE OF THE JOB

We are looking for a Finance Assistant to provide dedicated support to this department within our busy creative studio.

The Finance Assistant will support the team by assisting with day-to-day finance operations, including processing transactions, reconciling accounts and troubleshooting, working closely with 59’s Finance Manager. 

Working within 59’s core team and studio you will play an important role in an ambitious, globally recognised design company .  While we are a creative company we do not expect previous experience of the cultural industries  - we are very open to people who haven’t worked in this industry before, and someone who is interested in the role finance plays in an ambitious creative environment.

This is not an entry level role - we are looking to work with someone who has previous experience in a similar role or field.

This new role will support 59 to build capacity as we continue to streamline and develop our various finance workflows. The Finance Assistant will be supported by a collaborative finance and operations team, with an emphasis on shared learning and skill development. 

JOB DESCRIPTION

Day to day responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:

Accounts Receivable

• Tracking sales invoices and providing regular updates to the Finance team

Accounts Payable

• Processing and managing supplier invoices and credit notes, ensuring accuracy and correct coding
• Processing and reconciling staff expense accounts, inline with company policies (currently UK pre-paid cards and US credit card)
• Assisting with the preparation of weekly payment runs
• Logging fixed asset updates, and supporting with the Fixed Asset Register maintenance

• Ordering foreign currency and distributing per diems as required

Administration

• Assisting with the Accounts@ mailbox (including liaising with suppliers and processing supplier invoices)
• Assisting with filing, record keeping and document management

Other

• Supporting the wider team in 59 across the Design, Technical Design and Producing departments with finance processes and troubleshooting, as required 
• Supporting the annual audit  
• Routinely reviewing and updating the finance guidance documents ensuring they are accessible, clear and fit for purpose
• Working with colleagues across the Journey group to share practice
• Contributing to 59's work around Sustainability, Universal Design and Belonging & Inclusion
• Any further tasks as reasonably requested

Reports to: Finance Manager
Key Relationships: Head of Finance and Operations, Finance and Operations team, and Producing team.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Essential:

• Demonstrable experience working in a similar role
• An interest in finance and accounting, with a basic understanding of accounting principles and financial processes
• Excellent administration skills and attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple tasks 
• Effective written and verbal communication skills
• Experience using an accounting software (Quickbooks, Xero or similar)
• Strong computer skills - with specific experience using Microsoft suite and Google Docs
• An ability to work in a busy environment with at times challenging deadlines 

Desirable but not required:

• Experience working with integrated finance systems 
• Experience reconciling accounts
• Experience managing an accounts mailbox
• Experience with financial record-keeping and/or supporting an audit process
• Experience managing a Fixed Assets register
• An interest in the arts and/or creative industries
• An accountancy qualification (part or fully qualified)

HOW TO APPLY:

Please submit a comprehensive CV and a cover letter (maximum two A4 sides) or up to three minutes of audio describing your suitability for the position and how your skills and experience match the person specification, via the online form only. 

If you would like to arrange a chat with the Head of Finance and Operations, to discuss the role in more detail in advance of applying, please contact us at jobs@fiftynineproductions.co.uk - we’re very happy to facilitate this. 

Applicants should provide contact details for two references. We will seek your permission before making direct contact with any referees. 

All applicants must be eligible to work within the UK.

INTERVIEWS

Application Deadline: Thursday 27th February, 10am

Interviews:
Round 1 - Tuesday 4th March 10am-5pm  
Round 2 - Wednesday 12th March 10am-2pm

The interview panel will include 59’s Head of Operations & Finance, Finance Manager and Director of People, they may be joined by colleagues from other departments across the two rounds of interview.

Our interviews are built as two way conversations to better understand each other’s work and aspirations, and may include  a task to better understand the candidate's process. We operate equal opportunity interviews and typically share the opening interview questions in advance with candidates. Interviews are held in-person at our London Studio in order for candidates to meet some of the team, however they can be arranged online if there are geographical considerations.

About Journey: