FINANCE & PAYROLL OFFICER

Permanent, full-time

About the role

At MSL, we collaborate with leading global brands to design, build and deliver memorable live events, from exhibitions and trade shows to roadshows and product placements across the UK.


Behind every one of those events is a finance team that keeps the business running smoothly. As our Finance & Payroll Officer, you’ll make sure suppliers, staff and contractors are paid accurately and on time, that income is invoiced and allocated promptly, and that we always have a clear, reliable view of our cash position.


You’ll own the day-to-day finance cycle, from purchase and sales invoices to bank reconciliations, VAT returns and payroll for both permanent and contract staff. Working closely with our Finance Director, People & Culture and Operations teams, you’ll keep payroll accurate and on schedule, produce cashflow reporting the business can rely on, and champion our new accounting system as it beds in across the team.


This role suits a highly accurate, well-organised finance professional who enjoys owning a process from start to finish. In return, you’ll be part of a busy events agency working with some of the biggest brands in the automotive world.


Key responsibilities:

  • Month-End & Accounts Processing: Process purchase and sales invoices, recharges and credit card statements in line with the month-end timetable. Monitor purchase order spend, advise budget holders and make sure all costs are recovered.
  • Banking & Payments: Reconcile all company bank accounts monthly, allocate receipts promptly and generate regular payment runs within agreed supplier terms. Manage standing orders, direct debits and bank mandate changes.
  • Cashflow & Fund Management: Produce weekly cashflow reports and a monthly rolling forecast, working with the team on pipeline costings so forecasts stay accurate. Support the Finance Director in managing invested funds.
  • Payroll: Run monthly payroll for permanent and contract staff, including holiday pay, pensions, SSP and student loans. Process payroll journals, resolve pay queries promptly and handle year-end requirements, including P60s, P11Ds and Class 1A NICs.
  • Payroll Controls & VAT: Agree payroll timetables and cut-offs with People & Culture, make sure all employee changes are authorised, and hold line managers to accurate, on-time submissions. Complete and submit quarterly VAT returns.
  • Accounting System: Learn and champion our new accounting system, act as the main point of contact for queries, and help develop reporting across the team.


What are we looking for:

  • AAT Level 3 qualified, or qualified by experience. AAT Level 4, part-qualified ACCA/CIMA or a CIPP payroll qualification is desirable.
  • Proven experience across purchase ledger, sales ledger, bank reconciliations and month-end processes.
  • Hands-on experience running end-to-end UK payroll, including holiday pay, pension auto-enrolment, SSP, statutory deductions and RTI submissions.
  • Experience preparing and submitting quarterly VAT returns under Making Tax Digital.
  • Experience producing cashflow reports and rolling forecasts.
  • Strong Excel skills, confident working with large data sets and reconciliations.
  • Highly accurate and discreet, with the confidence to hold colleagues to deadlines tactfully but firmly.
  • Curious and open to new systems. Experience implementing a new accounting system is beneficial.
  • Flexible with working hours around month-end, payroll and year-end deadlines.
  • A strong interest in the events and experiential marketing industry, and previous events or automotive experience, is beneficial.
  • You must be able to commute to our Alton site.


Why MSL?

We believe our people are our greatest asset. You’ll be joining a supportive and innovative team, working in a fast-paced, creative environment where you can grow and your contributions will directly influence the success of our business.


How to apply

Please send your CV and a short cover note to recruitment@mslglobal.com.