Financial Director

Company description: Publicis Groupe is a global leader in communication.

The Groupe is positioned at every step of the value chain, from consulting to execution, combining marketing transformation and digital business transformation.

Overview

Reporting to the Publicis Groupe Chief Financial Officer, with a dotted line to the Senior Vice President for the Communications Practice, the Financial Director needs to work closely with the Practice SVP and Groupe CFO to envision and execute the Practice's strategic plan to grow Practice Revenues and Contribution Margin in line with Groupe targets.

The ability to communicate with and work with several different teams is essential, as this role deals with a shared service centre, business unit management and a regional finance team.

The Financial Director shares & supports our company's core values as the cornerstone of their work ethic & actively builds them into their team dynamic & way of work.

Responsibilities

1. Business partner: Partner with the SVP for Communications Practice, to conceive and execute business strategies.
2. Controlling, budgeting and internal control functions: Create an efficient and effective accounting and financial operation and management reporting process for the Communications Practice within the constraints of the Financial and Production Systems commissioned by Groupe.
3. Strategic skills: Involvement at leadership level in setting business strategy but also financial validation of those strategies.
4. Catalyst for change: Efficiencies, standardization, quality, operational agility and automation.
5. Advises on the business situation: Increasing revenue, reducing costs and accelerating cash collection from clients.
6. Supports Client Services: Help define the most optimal way to deliver services to ensure quality service to clients and profitability for the Groupe.
7. Aware of and track risk: Advise leadership team on an ongoing basis of status and recommended course of action across all entities.
8. Budgeting: Handle all analyses/comments to be provided to the SVP for Communications, and Leadership team.
9. Ensuring compliance: With Publicis Groupe SA operational and financial policies and processes.
10. Managing working capital improvement: Reduction of overdue receivables and WIP, acceleration of the billing process & analysis of cash generation.
11. Negotiations: Ensure all contracts are financially sound; defend the interests of the agency.
12. Financial Management: Organize the Finance function to achieve smooth running of the day-to-day Finance operations.
13. Finance Team People management: Manage the Communications Finance Team and ensure clarity of objectives.

Qualifications

8+ years of experience in a similar position, preferably within a Marketing / Advertising industry.

Knowledge of Excel, financial systems and business software.

Qualified CA (SA) or bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting or related field.

Additional information

Financially astute: Proven experience at managing P&Ls.

Commercial: Highly commercial, previous experience in all clients' contracts, leading acquisitions and deals supporting a growth plan.

Talent oriented: Successfully partnered with a Chief People Officer in managing headcounts and personnel costs.

Operational: Hands-on, understanding how to build strategies and work with teams to execute them smoothly.

Matrixed organization: Deep understanding of navigating an international matrixed organisation.