Finance Manager

About Us

IPG Mediabrands is the media and marketing solutions division of Interpublic Group (NYSE: IPG). Mediabrands manages approximately $40 billion in marketing investment globally on behalf of its clients and provides strategic services and solutions across its award-winning, full-service agency networks UM and Initiative and through its innovative marketing specialist companies Kinesso, Magna, Orion, Rapport, Healix, Mediabrands Content Studio and the IPG Media Lab. Mediabrands clients include many of the world’s most recognizable and iconic brands from a broad portfolio of industry sectors. The company employs more than 13,000 marketing experts in more than 130 countries representing the full diversity of humanity. For more information, please visit our website: www.ipgmediabrands.com 

ABOUT THE ROLE

The role will be one of the managers within the Reporting Finance team, reporting into the Financial Controller.  The job will require you to work closely with the rest of the Reporting Finance team and the Commercial Finance team, ensuring the smooth running of the agencies finances.

The Finance team consists of 70 permanent staff headed up by the EMEA CFO. The department adds value to the agencies within Mediabrands by providing operational support and best practice.

The Reporting Manager shall contribute towards the monthly financial reporting of Kinesso UK, a trading division of Mediabrands Limited in a fast paced, dynamic environment.

KEY TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Manage and develop a team of 3(1 Assistant Management Accountant and 2 Finance Apprentices), providing guidance, support, and training to ensure successful completion of apprenticeship programs and compliance with all relevant requirements and standards.
• Prepare and review monthly Management Accounts, including variance analysis, to provide clear financial insights for leadership review.
• Ensure timely and accurate reporting of financial results to central finance teams and regional controllers, maintaining alignment with corporate objectives.
• Work closely with the broader Reporting Finance team to ensure consistency in financial reporting and meet tight deadlines through effective collaboration.
• Oversee the accurate recognition of client revenue in accordance with IPG policies, ensuring proper updates in SAP and compliance with accounting standards.
• Prepare and monitor aged client WIP balances, coordinating with billing and account teams to resolve outstanding items and improve cash flow management.
• Create and post journals in line with accounting requirements, ensuring accuracy and compliance with reporting guidelines.
• Collaborate with the Commercial Finance team to analyse variances to forecast and provide insights into financial performance.
• Provide ad-hoc financial analysis and support the delivery of special projects aimed at improving financial reporting processes and operational efficiencies.
• Identify opportunities for process improvements within the team, contributing to the streamlining of financial workflows and enhancing reporting accuracy.
• Complete financial schedules in Hyperion at month-end, ensuring accuracy and timely submission for management and external reporting.
• Address queries from senior management, controllers, non-finance staff, and auditors, providing clear explanations and resolving issues efficiently.

ABOUT YOU

• Qualified/Part-qualified accountant or equivalent experience
• Team management skills
• Confident communication skills
• Analytical and problem-solving skills
• Strong organisational skills and ability to prioritise tasks
• Intermediate to advanced Excel skills
• Ability to work well under pressure, working accurately with attention to detail, and meeting deadlines
• Desire to work in Finance within a Media Agency
• Ability to be flexible and “hit the ground running”
• Team Player