Get to Know: Toni – General Finance Manager at AP LIVE
Toni, our General Finance Manager, keeps the numbers sharp and the budgets on track. With a steady hand and a passion for supporting creativity, she plays a key role in ensuring our events not only impress – but make financial sense.
A Natural with Numbers
Toni’s path into finance was a natural one – she’s always been a numbers person. Before joining AP LIVE, she built her career in the manufacturing sector, where precision and structure were the norm. But it was the energy and variety of the events world that really caught her attention. “No two days are the same,” she says. “I might not be on-site, but I love knowing I help bring events to life behind the scenes.”
Finance Meets Flexibility
Live events are fast-moving and unpredictable – which makes Toni’s role both challenging and exciting. From big upfront costs to last-minute changes, she’s constantly adapting plans and managing risk. “You have to be flexible but still stay in control,” she explains. “Strong cash flow forecasting, careful budgeting, and clear communication with the events team are key.”
International events add another layer of complexity, with fluctuating exchange rates and supplier costs to juggle. But for Toni, that unpredictability is what keeps the job interesting.
Toni’s Top Tip
Toni’s advice for finance professionals entering the events world? Be approachable, stay flexible, and work closely with your team. “Finance isn’t just about the numbers,” she says. “It’s about understanding the event, being responsive, and building strong relationships with your event managers.”
Career Highlights & Life at AP LIVE
Since joining AP LIVE, one of Toni’s proudest achievements has been implementing a new financial system – Procim. “Before, we were stuck in spreadsheets. It was time-consuming and prone to errors. Procim has completely transformed how we budget and reconcile projects – it’s saved us hours and made life easier for everyone.”
She’s also not afraid to roll up her sleeves when needed. Toni recalls a particularly high-pressure event for a finance client where she stepped outside her usual role to support the team. “It gave me a real appreciation for what the Event Managers do. Seeing it all come together was incredibly rewarding.”
Office Life & AP LIVE Culture
Though the AP LIVE team is largely remote, Toni is based in the Group’s head office – and she loves it. “It’s great being around people during the day, especially with a collaborative role like mine. And of course, the steady supply of tea doesn’t hurt”
What she values most, though, is the energy of the team. “Coming from a structured finance background, it’s refreshing to be part of such a creative and passionate group. Everyone at AP LIVE genuinely cares about what they do – and that makes it a fantastic place to work.”