Supporting Run of the Mill with Financial Expertise

Run of the Mill is an acclaimed inclusive theatre company based in Ireland, committed to creating high-quality artistic work led by and for people with intellectual disabilities. With bold productions, national tours, and collaborations with major arts institutions, the organisation has grown rapidly — both in creative ambition and operational scope. In August 2022, as Run of the Mill prepared for a significant phase of development and investment, the team sought reliable and specialist financial support to help manage the complex funding, payroll, and reporting demands tied to Arts Council-backed projects. That’s when they turned to Virtual Assistants Group.

The Challenge

Like many arts organisations undergoing growth, Run of the Mill faced an increasing need for structured, transparent financial systems — without the budget or need for a full-time in-house finance department. They required: - A bookkeeper with experience in arts funding requirements - Support with Xero accounting, reconciliations, and invoicing - A consistent, detail-focused partner to liaise with funders and internal teams - Flexibility and continuity without compromising on quality

The Solution

Virtual Assistants provided a skilled financial assistant with experience in both the nonprofit and creative sectors. This VA became an essential part of the organisation, handling monthly reconciliations, invoicing, reporting, and cash flow management using tools like Xero. When the original assistant stepped away temporarily in 2024, Virtual Assistants Group ensured a smooth handover to another equally qualified VA. Operations continued without disruption, maintaining consistency and clarity in financial reporting.

The Results

Now in its third year, the partnership has provided Run of the Mill with scalable, consistent support that has grown alongside their organisation. - Seamless continuity across multiple years and VA transitions - Improved accuracy and speed of financial reporting - Reduced internal workload for the core team - Confidence in meeting funding compliance and audit standards - Greater capacity to focus on creative and strategic initiatives