About vPPR:
vPPR is an award-winning, young architectural practice based in east London. With projects based both in the UK and abroad, including China and America, we have quickly gained recognition for our striking and theatrical proposals. We are a friendly and young team situated amongst numerous other creative practices, within reach of Regents Canal and vibrant Broadway Market.
Summary of the role:
We are looking for an experienced and reliable studio and finance manager to join our friendly architectural practice in Bethnal Green. The role focuses on the financial management and administration of vPPR and assisting in running of our studio. This is an all-encompassing role requiring organisation and attention to detail.
Roles:
Administration:
day to day/ad-hoc/smooth-running/tidiness of the studio
answering the phone, filtering calls, managing enquiries, taking messages
managing incoming and outgoing correspondence (email and post)
setting up office systems and manuals
premise management (contracts, utility bills and tenants)
preparing and restoring meeting areas, greeting clients, organising refreshments
filing and archiving
maintaining regular office supplies
coordinating office repairs/maintenance
organising internal events, leaving do’s/ birthdays etc
organising regular team CPDs
maintaining sample library
ad-hoc PA role to directors
managing HR with director’s input
Financial management:
paying bills, tracking expenditure and monitoring cashflow
invoicing clients and chasing payments
preparing VAT returns
updating Xero and producing management accounts
working with our accountant to prepare annual accounts
working with project managers to oversee project budgets
produce financial reports and implement financial systems with support of our accountant
PR/business development:
managing press and media requests
compiling press packs, writing press releases
managing social media updates
updating website, including SEO
assisting with market research and collation of job data for business analysis
requests for proposals, expression of interest, PQQs for bids
Person specification:
The role requires a highly organised and enthusiastic person with previous financial and studio management experience. As you will be working independently you will need to be self-motivating and work to your own initiative. You will have a can-do attitude, and be able to provide the studio with continuous proactive support. Being the main port of call, you will have strong communication skills with a friendly and professional manner. Whilst experience in an architectural practice is not mandatory, an interest architecture and design is essential.
Essential skills:
experience with accounting software, ideally Xero
pro-active attitude, keen to improve systems and develop new solutions
good computer literacy and good understanding of Microsoft Word, Excel and Adobe Creative Suite – primarily InDesign and Illustrator
marketing and PR experience – including social media
internet and website savvy, and a keen interest for IT
Desirable criteria:
knowledge of HR protocol would be advantageous
experience in finance and administration in the architecture, design or construction fields
experience overseeing project based financial systems
part qualified accountant or accountant technician
Application deadline: September 17, 2015
How to apply
In your cover letter please include 50 to 100 words explaining why you would like to be vPPR’s Studio and Finance Manager, along with your CV to cv@vppr.co.uk with “STUDIO MANAGER APPLICATION: name” in the subject line.
As the role is between three to four days a week, please also make note of your preferred days – ideally they would be consecutive.
Interviews will commence on 21 September, with the start date ideally the first week of October 2015.
Salary: £24,000 to £28,000 per annum, pro rata depending on experience.