Commercial Finance Director

About Us

IPG Mediabrands is the media and marketing solutions division of Interpublic Group (NYSE: IPG). Our team manages approximately $40 billion in marketing investment globally on behalf of our clients, providing strategic services and solutions across our award-winning, full-service agency networks.

Role Description

The Commercial Finance Director will play a pivotal role in the strategic growth and financial health of our digital media agency. As a key member of the executive team, the Finance Director will oversee financial operations, drive commercial performance, lead change management initiatives, and ensure cost efficiency through restructuring and process improvements. This role requires a strong commercial acumen to maximize profitability, improve operational efficiency, and implement business transformation strategies.

Key Responsibilities

1. Financial Planning and Budgeting: Oversee the financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, and reporting processes to align with the company's strategic goals.
2. Commercial Strategy: Develop and implement commercial strategies to improve profitability and support the business in maximizing revenue streams across digital and media services.
3. Financial Analysis: Provide insight and analysis on financial performance, advising the leadership team on financial risks and opportunities.
4. Working Capital Optimization: Ensure working capital optimization to maintain business health and growth.
5. Client Collaboration: Collaborate with business development and client teams to optimize financial performance through client profitability analysis, margin improvement, and cost-effective resource allocation.
6. Change Management: Lead change management initiatives related to finance, commercial processes, and business restructuring to improve operational efficiency.
7. Business Transformation: Champion business transformation and modernization, ensuring the adoption of digital finance tools and systems that streamline processes and improve reporting.
8. Stakeholder Management: Act as a change agent, working with various stakeholders to foster a culture of adaptability, efficiency, and innovation.
9. Financial Operations: Responsible for the day-to-day financial, accounting, tax and legal operations of the various business units, including budgeting, planning, reporting, client profitability management, working capital management, tax and legal statutory compliance & reporting, management of control environment and SOX compliance.
10. Process Management: Management and oversight of the entire book, bill, pay, reconcile process, managing the API connections and overall ensuring the continuation of automated processes, working directly with the local MTK lead.
11. Internal Controls: Ensure implementation and maintenance of robust internal control procedures to enhance company control environment and ensure SOX compliance.
12. Financial Forecasting: Create quarterly and annual P&L forecasts, ensuring compliance with guidelines, corporate policy, local legislation and corporate reporting deadlines.
13. Strategic Alignment: Collaborate with department heads and executive leadership to align financial and operational strategies across the business.
14. Client Finance: Actively participate in new business pitches, leading the negotiations for contractual Terms and Conditions and agency compensation. Assist in all client finance related needs including client audits.
15. Team Leadership: Lead, mentor, and develop the finance team, fostering a high-performance culture focused on accuracy, integrity, and efficiency.
16. Media Partnerships: Manage media partner relationships from finance perspective. Partner with other business units and help to manage the overall client relationship.
17. Legal and Tax Affairs: Lead and manage all legal and taxation affairs with the support and guidance of corporate lawyers and tax advisors.

Desired Skills and Experience

Experience

1. Several years related work experience.
2. Media or Advertising experience highly preferred.

Education

1. Bachelor's Degree in Finance/Economics/Business Administration majoring in Accounting and/or Finance.
2. Accounting qualification.

Skills

1. Commercial Acumen: Proven track record in managing the financial performance of a media or digital agency, with strong experience in pricing strategies, contract negotiation, and client profitability.
2. Cost Efficiency & Restructuring: Expertise in cost-saving strategies, operational restructuring, and process optimization to improve profitability.
3. Stakeholder Management: Experience interacting regularly with executives and senior managers involving complex situations, difficult decisions, or influencing and persuading other managers and peers.
4. Communication: Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to convey complex financial information to non-financial stakeholders.
5. Strategic Vision: The ability to balance short-term financial needs with long-term business growth, driving the company's vision forward.
6. Problem-Solving: Proactive and innovative, with the ability to anticipate and solve financial, operational, and commercial challenges.
7. Attention to Detail: High level of accuracy and attention to detail, ensuring that financial reports, forecasts, and budgets are meticulously prepared.
8. Financial Systems: Hands on knowledge & experience in utilization of Financial and Accounting systems - General Ledger, budgeting and reporting. Media Ocean knowledge is preferred.
9. Adaptability: Ability to work well under pressure and in an environment of change.

Employee Transparency

At IPG Mediabrands, we celebrate differences and believe this makes us stronger. We are equal-opportunity employers committed to championing an inclusive culture that provides a sense of belonging for all our employees. We do not discriminate against any applicant based on age, disability, race, colour, ethnicity, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, belief, marital status or any other characteristic protected by law.

Please reach out to our Talent Inclusion Specialist Jess at if you would like to have a confidential conversation regarding any adjustments that would ensure our recruitment process is accessible for you. Please note requesting a reasonable adjustment will not affect your application.

The Perks

• Flexi-leave, with 25 days annual leave to be taken as minimum. In addition to your holiday entitlement, the office usually closes between Christmas & New Year.
• Free breakfast and free lunch.
• Early finish Fridays.
• Core Hours (Mon-Thurs, flexible start/finish times).
• Retail discounts.
• Electric vehicle salary sacrifices car scheme.
• Wellbeing programme, including Headspace & flu jabs.
• Interest free season ticket loan.
• Paid time off for Volunteering.
• Group Income Protection.
• Life Assurance.
• Private Medical Insurance or Health Cash Plan (dependent on level).
• Group Personal Pension Plan with matched contributions from 3-6%.
• Generous Parental Leave & Pay.
• Independent mortgage advice.
• Financial education.
• Employee Assistance Programme.
• Free eye tests.
• Flexible benefits including Dental, Travel insurance, Cycle to Work, Gym Discounts and many more