Bookkeeper & Office Manager

Standard8; Brighton; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A creative exhibition company in Brighton is seeking a highly organised Bookkeeper & Office Manager. This role involves managing financial operations, HR support, and office administration, with key responsibilities including bookkeeping, payroll management, and recruitment support. Ideal candidates will have solid bookkeeping experience, proficiency in Xero, and excellent organisational skills. Join a tight-knit team dedicated to shaping compelling public art experiences across the UK.

Qualifications

• Proficiency in Xero is essential.
• Experience in bookkeeping within an SME environment.
• Excellent attention to detail and high accuracy.

Responsibilities

• Manage day-to-day financial operations.
• Oversee HR support and office management.
• Support recruitment admin and maintain employee records.

Skills

Proficiency in Xero

Solid bookkeeping experience

Strong organisational skills

Attention to detail

Clear communication skills

Self-motivated

Job description

Standard8 build and install bespoke cultural exhibitions and graphic installations, primarily in London and across the UK. Our sister company Inkmill focuses exclusively on the print production side of the business.

We operate across two sites in Portslade with extensive in-house manufacturing capabilities, including large-format print, metalworking, wood workshop and CNC machining.

At the core of our business are large-scale outdoor exhibitions of work by some of the world’s leading photographers and artists. We also build and install a broad range of information graphics. Our clients include cultural centres, charities, and design, advertising and photographic agencies.

With a permanent team of 20, and the capacity to flex further with trusted subcontractors, we are proud of our ability to manage large and complex projects with a high degree of professionalism and attention to detail. We are an ambitious and expanding company.

The Role

We are seeking a highly organised Bookkeeper & Office Manager to join our team. This pivotal role is responsible for managing day-to-day financial operations and ensuring the smooth running of the office.

The role covers three core areas; financial administration, HR support and office management — though it\'s not limited to these, and there will occasionally be ad hoc duties as requested by the management team.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Admin & Bookkeeping

• Full bookkeeping: Sales and Purchase ledger, bank reconciliations, VAT returns.
• Managing payroll (or preparing data for outsourced payroll providers)
• Monthly Financial and Project reports to management team.
• Credit Control and debtor management.
• Continuous improvement of processes and reporting.

HR & People

• Managing holiday and absence records and timesheets.
• Supporting recruitment admin (posting jobs, arranging interviews)
• Maintaining employee records and basic HR policies

Office Administration

• Overseeing office administration and internal systems
• Managing office supplies, equipment, and workspace organisation
• Answering phones and managing general enquiries

You will bring your own experience and strengths to complement our existing team.We are keen to hear about any additional skills you may offer - whether in marketing & website support, photography, practical making skills, project management, or anything else.

Key Skills & Experience

• Proficiency in Xero (essential)
• Experience with Xero Projects and Xero Payroll is a strong advantage
• Solid bookkeeping experience in a similar SME environment (essential)
• Confident producing project/job cost reports to support decision-making
• Strong organisational and administrative skills, with the ability to maintain and improve internal systems and processes
• Excellent attention to detail and high level of accuracy in both financial and operational tasks
• Clear and professional communication skills, both written and verbal
• Comfortable liaising with suppliers, clients, and external accountant
• Self-motivated, with the ability to manage time and responsibilities independently
• Comfortable using Apple Mac software.

Why Join Us?

You’ll be part of a tight-knit and creative team shaping compelling public art experiences across the UK. This is a varied role with the opportunity to take ownership and shape it as the company grows.