Also known as
Cashier, accounts assistant
What does a finance officer in the creative industries do?
Finance officers deal with the money in organisations. They make sure people get paid, log expenses, producer forecasts of spending and record the financial transactions.
The exact role of a finance officer depends on the size of the organisation. In a large organisation, finance officers are part of a big team, so they might focus on fewer tasks, such as checking invoices are paid. In a smaller organisation, there might be the only person working in finance. That means they do a little bit of everything from looking after the petty cash to forecasting.
Finance officers are highly in demand in the creative industries. Many organisations, like theatre, film and museums say they are short of people with finance skills. So if you’re good at maths, want an office-based job and love film, theatre, fashion, museums, advertising or castles, then this could be a great role for you. You can be part of something you feel passionate about, play a key role in making sure it happens and know that your skills are in demand.
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What’s a finance officer in the creative industries good at?
- Maths: enjoy working with figures
- Attention to detail: be patient, take pride in having figures set out neatly
- Accounting: understand budgets and basic financial planning
- Sensitivity: be able to talk to people about money – expenses, pensions and pay
- Curiosity: have a love and appreciation of the industry in which you’re working
Where can being a finance officer take me?
With a good background in finance, you can play a leading role in creative organisations. You could be a finance controller in the film industry, a finance director for a charity like the National Trust or a designer fashion brand.
How do I become a finance officer in the creative industries?
To become a finance officer in the creative industries you need to combine finance skills with your passion for theatre, film, heritage or whatever creative industry you would like to be part of. So get to know that industry. Watch films. Go to the theatre. Get to know people by volunteering. Keep up your interest. And while you’re doing that, get yourself qualified:
- Go to the London Institute of Banking and Finance: Routes into financial services to learn how to get in
- Or to to National Careers Service: Finance Officer for career details