About Us:

OOBE are award winning landscape architects creating beautiful, inspirational, and relevant landscapes throughout the UK and abroad. We are a young practice with big ambitions, specialising in landscape architecture, Masterplanning and Urban Design based across four offices: Newcastle, Edinburgh, Glasgow and Birmingham.

We take pride in being a fun, happy team that's great to work with, which we believe is crucial for project success. Our work is meaningful, focusing on creating healthy, sustainable, and enriching environments by grounding our projects in empirically based theories and policies. We embrace innovation not only in our fresh, cutting-edge designs but also in our processes, ensuring continuous improvement. We offer competitive pricing, delivering high-quality design without compromising on value. Transparency is key; we promptly address any issues with our clients and resolve them swiftly.

We are reliable, committed to delivering on time, within budget, and to a high standard. Our long-standing client relationships and repeat business speak volumes about our service quality. We strive to make our clients' lives easier by managing project complexities, allowing them to focus on their core responsibilities.

Position Overview:

OOBE are seeking a Financial Controller who will be responsible for the financial health of OOBE and will oversee all financial operations. This will encompass daily accounting, weekly and monthly reporting, business support, and financial analysis and reporting. The successful candidate will provide a clear link between internal and external communications on finance-related activities, and will support the Senior Management Team, Commercial Team and Landscape Team in all operational and administrative activities, as well as playing a pivotal role in driving financial performance and supporting business objectives.

Excellent communication skills are essential for this role which is varied and requires attention to detail. Great organisational skills will be crucial in maintaining a consistent approach to all activities under the remit of the role.  We are seeking someone who is proactive, forward thinking and are continuous learners who embrace digital transformation.

Main Responsibilities:

Finance

-          OOBE uses Xero as the main accounts software

-          Core financial responsibilities include:

o    Purchase ledger

o    Sales ledger

o    Month end finance and reporting tasks

o    Management and reviewing of bank transactions

o    Completion of VAT returns

o    Assisting with payroll items, pensions, insurances and VISA Sponsorships

o    Credit card control using DEXT for invoice control

o    Management and approval of staff expenses

o    Monthly sales invoicing (including tracking of changes and procedures)

o    Maintain invoice schedule including forecasting

o    Debtor monitoring and chasing

o    Management of Subconsultants, customers or suppliers and related processes

o    Prepare, maintain and track up to date cashflow and budgets

o    Maintain and track all regular financial related reports (weekly/monthly), e.g. timesheet utilisation and WIP

-          Contribute to all financial reporting and analysis development and processes

-          Monitoring project spends and budgets – providing regular data to Operations Director and Managing Director and the wider SMT where required

-          Supporting weekly/monthly meetings and provide communication of activities, priorities, and milestones throughout the week

-          Contribute to the tracking of employee performance reviews / objectives

-          Contribute to the development of OOBE’s Strategy

Operational and Administrative Support

Support the Commercial team with:

-          OOBE use ops software called CMAP and Atvero to assist with operations (all of which we offer training in) – experience (or of equivalent platforms) preferred but not essential

-          Ensuring CMAP holds the latest information in a timely manner to include:

o    Setting up and updating projects

o    Keeping data up to date on CMAP (contact details, POs, invoicing status etc)

o    Updating fee and invoice schedule related items

o    Onboarding of new projects including communicating with clients

o    Tracking of appointments and contracts where required

o    Maintaining monthly Commercial Review notes and updates held by Operations Director

-          Assisting Project Managers with administration aspects of their projects

-          Handle complex administrative tasks, including scheduling, correspondence, and record-keeping.

Business Development / Marketing / Sales

-          Analyse fee proposal processes including reviews of charge out rates and assisting with pricing structures

-          Analyse and report on spend vs budget on Business Development, Client Entertainment and Marketing Activity to inform the Sales team

Compliance and Documentation

-          Liaise with Legal/Insurance team for preparing Legal document comments/responses

-          Contribute to the annual ISO accreditations, interim audits, CHAS, Construction Line and other accreditations to ensure industry standards are upheld

-          Ensure compliance with company policies and relevant regulations

-          Maintain confidential documents and records securely

Effective Communication

-          Disseminate information effectively through emails, MS Teams and scheduled meetings

-          Handle internal/external communications, including client inquiries and vendor relationships to assess and resolve finance queries and issues.

-          Understands the importance of professional communication, quality of work and conduct, noting that own actions are representative of OOBE as a business and brand

-          Effective active listening skills and adapts communication to audience

-          Accessible, approachable and invites communication

-          Demonstrates self-awareness

General Skills

-          Work effectively with OOBE’s Commercial and Landscape teams, fostering a collaborative and productive work environment

-          Strong leadership and management skills

-          A good team player who contributes towards helping projects meet targeted commercial outcomes.

-          Provide training and guidance to colleagues

-          Assisting the Directors in forward planning and programming of business requirements

-          Good problem-solving skills, knowing what to review and when

-          Identify, address and resolve financial related issues and challenges promptly

-          Demonstrate an ability to be innovative, question conventional approaches and use new technologies

-          Ability to manage sensitive and confidential information

Qualification

-          A relevant accounting qualification is preferred, but not essential

Development of Self and Others

-          Seeks performance feedback to improve self

-          Seeks opportunities to gain experience and to develop themselves and others

-          Applies new skills/knowledge needed to add value to the performance of OOBE.

This job description reflects the core activities of the role but it is not intended to be all-inclusive and other duties within OOBE may be required in addition to changes in the emphasis of duties as required from time to time.  There is a requirement for the post holder to recognise this and adopt a flexible approach to work and you may be required to travel to different office locations from time to time. The job description / role will be reviewed regularly and where necessary revised in accordance with organisational needs.

The member of staff must on all occasions perform the duties listed above with full regard to OOBE’s Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Policy and in accordance with the terms set out in their contract.

October 2025
Location: Newcastle
Type: Full-time
Start: 2025

OOBE is seeking a dynamic and experienced Regional / Associate Director to play a key leadership role in our Newcastle office. This is a strategic position ideal for a passionate landscape architect with a strong blend of design leadership, business development, and team management skills.

Key Responsibilities
- Lead and manage the Newcastle office, overseeing daily operations, project delivery, and staff development.
- Design and deliver high-quality landscape architecture projects across a diverse and exciting portfolio.
- Drive business development, foster client relationships, and secure new opportunities.
- Manage budgets, resources, and project performance to meet OOBE’s quality and financial standards.
- Contribute to OOBE’s overall growth and uphold our reputation for innovation and excellence.

About You
- Chartered landscape architect with extensive post-chartership experience.
- Proven track record in project delivery, team leadership, and business development.
- Strong creative design skills and in-depth knowledge of contemporary landscape practice.
- A confident communicator and inspiring leader with a collaborative, proactive mindset.