I am looking for an experienced Finance Director to join one of my global marketing and advertising agencies to cover a period of maternity leave.

This is a fantastic role working with globally recognised brands. You will have the opportunity to make an impact and steady the ship during the 12 months!

The Commercial Finance Director will be a key member of the leadership team, responsible for overseeing the financial health of our global operations, supporting commercial decision-making, and ensuring sustainable growth and profitability across the agency. This strategic role will combine financial oversight, business performance analysis, and commercial leadership to align financial and business goals across regions, driving financial success in a dynamic, creative environment. You will be a key partner in shaping the agency's financial future, ensuring that financial resources are aligned with the company's vision and long-term objectives, while driving profitability and operational efficiency working closely alongside the CEO and CFO.What will this role entail?

Global Financial Strategy

Develop and implement global commercial financial strategies that support the agency's growth objectives,
market positioning, and profitability targets.
Collaborate with regional leaders to ensure financial alignment and best practices across markets.
Commercial Performance & Analysis
Lead the analysis of commercial performance across various regions and clients, providing insights into revenue
growth, cost management, and profitability.
Use data to identify opportunities for cost optimisation, pricing strategies, and revenue maximisation.
Develop and implement comprehensive commercial financial reporting tools and dashboards to track
performance against goals.
Present regular commercial and financial reports to senior leadership and
stakeholders, highlighting key trends, risks, and opportunities.
Identify and manage commercial financial risks across global markets. Ensure compliance with financial
regulations, industry standards, and internal policies, and support the agency in navigating complex international
markets.
Oversee the global budgeting and forecasting process, ensuring alignment with strategic goals and accurate
financial projections.
Manage and track budget performance across regions and departments, and guide corrective actions when necessary

Business Partnering

Work closely with regional and global business leaders, including their account management, and operations
teams, to provide financial guidance and support for commercial decision-making.
Help drive the agency's strategic growth and profitability goals with data-backed insights.
Help support and lead cash flow management globally, ensuring financial stability across all regions.
Monitor the cash cycle, including accounts receivable and payable, and work with regional teams to optimise working capital.
Help develop pricing strategies and financial models for client contracts, including long term partnerships and project-based work.
Ensure commercial terms are aligned with the agency's profitability goals and that financial risks are identified and mitigated.

Revenue Recognition & Contract Management:

Oversee the revenue recognition process to ensure accuracy and compliance is standardised across all the
offices.
Ensure contracts are structured to meet both client needs and the agency's financial goals
Lead and mentor a global team of finance professionals, providing guidance, coaching, and development to
ensure high performance. Foster collaboration and best practice sharing across global teams to drive financial
excellence

What do I need to be a successful candidate?

Strong communicator, capable of presenting complex financial data to a variety of audiences
A proactive, hands-on leader who thrives in a dynamic, creative environment
Detail-oriented with a focus on accuracy and efficiency
Builds connections throughout agency and industry networks

Skills Competencies

Strong understanding of financial regulations, tax laws, and compliance requirements
Strong understanding of project-based financial models, including creative agency pricing, resource management, cost allocation, financial modelling, forecasting and reporting
Ability to think strategically and offer innovative financial solutions
Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and decision-making skills
Strong leadership and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate with both financial and non-financial stakeholders with the ability to explain complex financial concepts to diverse audiences.

Experience

At least 10 years of experience in finance, with a minimum of 5 years in a senior leadership role (with experience in the creative, marketing, or agency sector)
Familiarity with creative industry financials, including revenue recognition, project accounting, and client billing models
Expertise in managing financial operations for a multi-client, project-based business
Proven experience in financial management, budgeting, forecasting, and strategic financial planning
Experience working in a fast-paced, high-growth environment and managing complex financial operations

This role is for a May start, possibly sooner, 4 office days and 1 WFH. This role is a 12 month FTC, if you believe you are a good fit then please apply today!

Handle Recruitment is acting as an Employment Business in relation to this vacancy.