ETHOS:

Our client has been firmly committed to the identification and championing of unique and distinctive artistic talent from across the globe. The gallery’s ambition is to enact change in the industry: increasing accessibility to the art world and engaging new audiences to expand the reach and impact of contemporary art on broader culture. This role is ideal for a proactive finance professional looking to contribute to a dynamic, creative environment, providing vital financial management and support across an international organisation.

CULTURE:

As an artist-led space, the DNA of the company is fundamentally creative. They have an ideas-driven culture and pride themselves on being able to think outside the box and go against the grain of tradition. They know that great ideas often come from unexpected places, so all members of the team are encouraged to think about and contribute to the wider vision, even if it’s not part of their role. They are a collaborative team and treat each other with humility and respect. Everyone at the gallery is ambitious, driven and passionate about their mission: realising a future society that understands contemporary art and celebrates the talents and contributions of artists from all backgrounds and practices.

All members of staff are expected to:

  • Be positive ambassadors for the gallery and champion the brand and ethos
  • Maintain a high level of professionalism at all times when in or out of the gallery
  • Greet and be courteous & informative to all visitors when in the gallery spaces
  • Answer phones; taking and passing on messages to the relevant member of staff
  • Take it upon themselves to ensure that the gallery space is immaculate and free of obstruction

ROLE SUMMARY:

The Group Accountant will be responsible for managing the financial operations across all UK and French entities within the group. This role will focus on the preparation of management accounts, overseeing the day-to-day finance operations, and supporting the Finance Director with strategic financial insights. The Group Accountant will manage the bookkeeping and accounting support teams, ensuring accurate data collection and financial reporting for the UK and French entities, which operate on different accounting systems.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Financial Reporting & Management Accounts: Prepare and consolidate management accounts for UK and French entities, ensuring accuracy across both accounting systems. Conduct month-end procedures, including departmental cost summaries, variance analysis, and balance sheet reconciliations.
  • Budgeting & Forecasting: Support the Finance Director in monthly and annual forecasting across the group, providing financial data and analysis to inform strategic planning.
  • Cross-Entity Collaboration: Work closely with external accountants in both the UK and France to coordinate compliance and financial reporting, especially in areas impacted by varying accounting standards and requirements.
  • Sales Commission & Third-Party Reporting: Prepare monthly sales commission reports for Director review. Oversee third-party payments (both artists and non-artists), ensuring timely and accurate processing.
  • Inter-company Accounting: Reconcile inter-company balances and manage recharges among the group entities, including cross-entity transactions and intercompany adjustments.
  • System Integration & Process Improvement: Assist with the integration and reconciliation between Salesforce and Xero for the UK entities. Ensure accurate VAT application and monthly reconciliation, contributing to improved financial processes.
  • Compliance & Policy Management: Ensure adherence to company policies and compliance with relevant legislation, including AML directives and other regulatory requirements. Regularly review and update internal policies and procedures.
  • Team Management: Supervise bookkeepers and accounts assistants, ensuring they collect and process data accurately and manage accounts payable and receivable processes effectively.
  • Inventory & Asset Management: Collaborate with the Logistics team to monitor stock levels, coordinating the retrieval and storage of assets within the UK.
  • VAT & Tax Compliance: Prepare quarterly VAT returns for the UK and provide necessary data to external accountants for French VAT and tax compliance. Maintain up-to-date knowledge of cross-border VAT rules impacting goods and services sales between the UK and France.
  • External Relationship Management: Develop and maintain relationships with external contacts, including landlords, auditors, solicitors, bankers, and statutory organisations such as HMRC and French tax authorities.
  • Ad-Hoc Support: Assist the Finance Director and other departments as needed with special projects, import tax claims, compliance requests, and any other finance-related duties

KEY SKILLS AND QUALITIES REQUIRED:

  • Qualified or Part-Qualified Accountant: Strong experience in producing management accounts, with knowledge of Xero essential; Salesforce experience is a plus.
  • Excellent Communicator: Able to convey financial data and concepts to non-financial stakeholders in a clear and concise manner.
  • Detail-Oriented & Strategic Thinker: Capable of reconciling complex accounts while contributing strategic insights based on financial analysis.
  • Adaptability in a Fast-Paced Environment: Ability to adapt quickly to changing priorities and responsibilities, demonstrating resilience and initiative.
  • Cross-Border VAT & Tax Knowledge: Experience in managing VAT and tax across different jurisdictions, particularly UK and French regulations, is highly desirable.
  • Art Sector & Gallery Experience (Preferred): Familiarity with art gallery operations, the Margin Scheme, Temporary Admission, and customs procedures would be an advantage.

IDEAL ADDITIONAL EXPERIENCE:

  • Salesforce Knowledge: Experience with finance functions in Salesforce, particularly in reconciliation and integration.
  • Enhanced VAT Knowledge: Familiarity with specialised VAT schemes, including cross-border and import/export tax processes.

 

Reporting to: Finance Director

Hours: 9 am – 6 pm / 10 am – 7 pm, Monday – Friday

*Attendance of private views and events is required by all staff. 

Location: London

Salary:  £40k-£50K DOE

 

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