Financial Controller

Company Description

Mars United Commerce Powered by Marilyn is a global commerce company that delivers all the solutions clients need to grow their business today and tomorrow. Founded by the late Marilyn Barnett, we’ve become global leaders in four key commerce disciplines – Strategy & Analytics, Digital Commerce, Content & Experiences, and Retail Consultancy – that together form a United Commerce Ecosystem that provides all the expertise clients need to navigate the commerce marketing landscape. Our 800+ Martians across North America, Europe, Australia, New Zealand and Asia exist to drive growth for our people, our clients, and our communities all across the globe. In late 2024 Mars United Commerce became part of the Publicis Groupe.

Overview

Position OverviewAs the Finance Director, you will play a pivotal role in overseeing the financial operations of our Australian and New Zealand offices, ensuring accuracy, compliance and efficiency in financial reporting and analysis. Reporting to the VP Finance, based in the US (as well as day-to-day partnership reporting to the local CEO and MD), you will also have oversight over international financial matters in Australia/New Zealand, collaborate closely with both local and international teams to drive financial strategies and support business growth initiatives.

Key Responsibilities1. Financial Reporting: Prepare timely and accurate financial reports, including monthly, quarterly, and annual statements, in accordance IFRS and US GAAP standards.

2. Budgeting and Forecasting: Lead the annual budgeting process and periodic forecasting activities, providing insightful analysis and recommendations to senior management.3. Financial Analysis: Conduct thorough financial analysis to identify trends, opportunities, and risks, supporting strategic decision-making across the organization.4. Cash Flow Management: Manage cash flow projections and optimize working capital efficiency through effective treasury management practices.5. Internal Controls: Develop and maintain robust internal controls in accordance with Publicis policies (Janus) to safeguard company assets and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.6. Tax Compliance: Coordinate with external tax advisors to ensure compliance with local tax regulations, including VAT, payroll taxes, and corporate tax filings.7. Audit and Tax Return Coordination:Serve as the primary point of contact for external auditors during annual audits, facilitating the audit process and addressing any audit findings or recommendations.8. Process Improvement: Identify opportunities for process optimization and automation within the finance function, driving efficiency and scalability.9. Function Leadership:Mentor and develop a small team of finance professionals and collaborate with the wider client service teams.

10. Ad-hoc Projects: Undertake special projects (ex: building client rate cards and profitable scoping templates) and initiatives as assigned by senior management, providing financial expertise and support as needed.

Qualifications• Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance and professional certification (e.g., ACCA, CIMA, ACA).• Minimum of 5 years in a senior finance position, ideally within a marketing agency or related industry• Strong technical proficiency in financial reporting, budgeting, and analysis, with a solid understanding of IFRS and US GAAP standards as well as other relevant financial regulations and standards. Demonstrated expertise in cash flow management, internal controls, and tax compliance.• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with crossfunctional teams.• Strategic mindset with a focus on driving business performance and delivering results. Excellent analytical, organizational, critical thinking and problem-solving skills. • High proficiency in using advanced financial software tools and systems including NetSuite or equivalent ERP, Microsoft suite including Excel, Word and PowerPoint • Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and adapt to changing priorities. Demonstrated bias for action and accountability.Location and TravelThis position is based in Sydney Australia, with occasional travel to other company locations as required. We also have an established and effective Work from Home practice.

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Additional Information

Publicis Groupe benefits: Be a part of the Publicis Groupe family, recent winner of the Employer of Choice Awards and one of the world's most progressive and dynamic modern communications businesses. You can learn more about us at www.publicisgroupeanz.com.

Enjoy all the perks that come with our network offering:

• A comprehensive Wholeself program supporting physical, mindful, and financial wellbeing.
• A creative, lively, and rewarding office environment where people love working with each other, supported by our Publicis Liberté flexibility approach — "working your way with us."
• Access to our Global AI Platform Marcel, connecting Publicis Groupe employees with opportunities for career mobility and collaboration across our global network.
• Extensive Learning & Development opportunities including more than 15,000 learning programs via our online learning platform, Marcel Classes.
• A culture of open feedback and support to reach your goals through our Career Conversations program.
• A committed Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion strategy driven through our Viva Women, Égalité, enABLE, EmbRACE, and Écologique committees.
• Leave benefits including Birthday Leave, Flexible Public Holidays, and an additional 5 days of leave after 2 years of service.
• Work Your World program enabling employees the flexibility to work from anywhere in the world for up to 6 weeks per year.
• Parental leave policy with up to 18 weeks based on tenure, paid primary carer leave, secondary carer swap, and Cub Care leave.
• Access to counsellors, psychologists, and professionals through Sonder, an all-in-one digital wellbeing technology platform designed to support psychological, medical & safety needs.
• A workplace that stands together to provide a more open, supportive, and recovery-forward culture for all employees with life-threatening illnesses. Read more about our Working With Cancer Pledge: https://workingwithcancerpledge.com/
• Proud partners of Diversity Council Australia, Pride in Diversity, Family Friendly Workplaces, Supply Nation, and the Australian Disability Network.

If you don't tick every box in this ad, please don't rule yourself out. Research suggests that women and other people in underrepresented groups tend to only apply if they meet every requirement. We focus on hiring people who share our values of inclusion, collaboration, adaptability, fearlessness, and integrity rather than ticking boxes — so if this role resonates with you, please apply.

Diversity. Inclusion. Equity. More than just words; these are part of our DNA. At Publicis Groupe, we are committed to the inclusion and recognition of all people regardless of race, age, culture, ability, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, and religious affiliation. We believe that to deliver the best solutions to our clients, our people need to reflect the diverse communities in which our clients operate. We value diversity and the skills, knowledge, and experience that difference brings to our culture and solutions.

Uniqueness is powerful; without it, we wouldn't be where we are today. So be you — we like it that way.

We are committed to providing reasonable adjustments for people with disability or those that require additional support throughout the application process. If you need any assistance or adjustments, please contact us via [email protected]; your personal information will be kept confidential.