London, UK
Studio manager
at Witherford Watson Mann Architects
Witherford Watson Mann Architects is seeking a studio manager to join its team in London.
Witherford Watson Mann Architects is an award-winning practice based in Bethnal Green, London. All of our projects are one-offs, and we are skilled at turning the constraints of inherited situations into surprising opportunities. We develop our designs in conversation with our clients, helping progressive institutions do more of what they’re good at. We build durably but economically. We are a sociable and creative team of twenty architectural staff, working on projects for higher education, cultural institutions and social housing in the UK and Europe.
The two key aspects of the studio manager role are to provide administrative support to the directors and architectural staff, and to manage the practice’s finances: both of them are fundamental to keeping the studio running smoothly and sustainably.
The role could be part time for four days a week or full time, depending on the right candidate.
Administrative support includes:
- general admin tasks
- providing support to the three directors and the office
- managing the office premises
- managing HR
- being responsible for health and safety within the office and yearly SMAS submission
- looking after and organising staff training and development
- assisting with bids for new work
- managing renewals, e.g: insurance and utilities
Financial management includes:
- managing the monthly invoicing schedule
- raising, logging and chasing sales invoices using Xero
- paying and monitoring purchase invoices
- checking and logging credit card payments
- logging deferred income, work in progress and R&D claims
- logging new assets and running depreciation calculations through Xero
- process monthly payroll in Xero and make payments
- process monthly HMRC PAYE payments
- process the quarterly VAT return and make payment
- process annual payment of corporation tax
- entering/reconciling all transactions detailed above through Xero,
- with telephone support where needed from our accountant
- produce monthly multi-period P&L and balance sheets from Xero
- assisting with producing, updating and monitoring cashflow forecasts and other financial tools
- assisting with project costs and resource monitoring
- weekly meeting with Chris, financial director
- liaising with accountant
- bank communications
The right candidate will be highly organised and numerically confident with experience in a similar role.
Essential skills and characteristics include:
- proficiency with Xero bookkeeping software
- excellent time management skills and the ability to prioritise tasks
- financial literacy with experience in invoicing and payroll
- proficiency in MS Office Suite
- proficiency with the Adobe Creative Suite, along with Photoshop and InDesign
- careful attention to detail
- self-motivated and proactive
- exceptional organisational and communication skills
- work well in a team and confidently as an individual
Witherford Watson Mann is an equal opportunities employer. We provide equal employment opportunities regardless of ethnic origin, gender, nationality, religion, physical ability, sexual orientation, marital status, parental status or medical history. As such, we operate a merit-based recruitment system.
To apply, please submit a CV and cover letter via the apply for job button below with the subject line ‘studio manager application’.
This position is only available to applicants based in the United Kingdom