Job Description

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 Senior Management Accountant is a key member of the Finance Team, reporting to the Finance Director and working closely with the wider Made Thought team. This pivotal role is responsible for leading the production of accurate, timely management accounts and providing insightful financial analysis to support commercial decision-making, budgeting, and forecasting across the business.
ROLE RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead the preparation of monthly management accounts for review by the Finance Director, ensuring adherence to Group deadlines.
• Approve weekly payment runs.
• Conduct variance analysis of the P&L against budget, outlining key drivers and observations.
• Review and lead the monthly management accounts input into the Group reporting system.
• Perform weekly cashflow reviews.
• Identify and implement process improvements to enhance efficiency and effectiveness within finance operations.
• Partner with budget holders to challenge assumptions and improve forecast accuracy.
• Lead the year-end audit process and support with statutory accounts preparation.
• Maintain detailed balance sheet reconciliations with comprehensive supporting schedules.
• Review and post month-end journals, including prepayments and accruals.
• Ensure the maintenance of strong financial controls and documentation.
• Review monthly cost tracker analyses for department leads.
• Support and develop the capabilities of the wider finance team.
• Assist with ad hoc Group reporting and financial requests.

QUALITIES & CHARACTERISTICS

• Previous experience in a management accounting role in a company or consultancy.
• Demonstrates strong team collaboration, providing support and assistance to colleagues.
• Ideally a qualified ACA, ACCA, CIMA or QBE with a professional accountancy qualification; other relevant qualifications will be considered
• Brings 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 external stakeholders.
• Proven ability to multitask, prioritise effectively, and maintain balance in a dynamic environment.
• 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 accounting system is advantageous.
• Extensive experience in leading month-end and year-end reporting processes.

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.

Skills Required