At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial strategy and operations across EMEA, driving growth and innovation.
- Company: Join AKQA, a creative agency under WPP, known for its collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy a hybrid work model, competitive salary, and extensive benefits.
- Other info: Foster an inclusive environment where diverse perspectives are valued.
- Why this job: Shape the financial future of a leading agency and inspire teams.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in finance, strategic acumen, and strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 66582 - 77368 £ per year.
At AKQA (part of WPP), we believe in the imaginative application of art and science to create beautiful ideas, products, and services. With an entrepreneurial and collaborative approach, we design adaptive digital solutions that capture the imagination and drive exceptional results for our clients. We partner with our clients to solve complex challenges and shape a better future through world-leading work, constant innovation, and a commitment to excellence.
The Executive Finance Director, EMEA is responsible for defining and driving the financial strategy and operations across the region. As a commercial thought leader, you will shape the financial future of our regional operations by combining rigorous financial planning, commercial acumen, and operational excellence. You will be a trusted advisor to the executive leadership team, providing the financial insight needed to support decision-making, evaluate investments, and optimise overall financial performance. You will nurture finance as a strategic partner to the business across EMEA, collaborating with studio finance leads to elevate our overall financial capabilities. Your role will be pivotal in strengthening financial discipline, fostering knowledge-sharing, and ensuring consistency in commercial excellence across the region. You will also guide and mentor the finance team, ensuring best-in-class approaches to budgeting, forecasting, risk management, and commercial negotiations. Your leadership will elevate our agency’s financial capabilities, inspire our teams, and drive long-term commercial success.
ROLE REQUIREMENTS- Financial and Strategic Leadership: Define and drive AKQA EMEA’s financial vision and strategy, developing long-term financial plans that support sustainable growth, innovation, and profitability.
- Unifying the Finance Discipline: Create direction and cohesion for the finance and accounting teams across the region, fostering a sense of collective identity and shared purpose.
- Reporting & Analysis: Monthly, quarterly and annual reporting and analysis to regional and global AKQA and WPP leadership.
- Compliance & Audit: Supporting WPPC Controllership with any analysis or context around financial statements and internal audit controls.
- Risk Management: Proactively identify financial risks across diverse markets, implementing controls and processes to mitigate risk.
- Regional Performance, Budgeting & Forecasting: Provide guidance and oversight to studio leadership teams across the region, ensuring rigorous budget management, accurate forecasting, and proactive risk mitigation.
- Process Improvement: Analyze and optimize financial processes to enhance operational efficiency, strengthen controls, and leverage data automation.
- Collaboration with Executives: Partner closely with the EMEA Executive team and CEO to evaluate investments, support strategic decision-making, and optimize financial performance.
- Commercial and Client Partnering: Take an active, hands-on role in shaping commercial agreements, pricing strategies, and contract negotiations for high-profile regional clients.
- Team Leadership & Development: Lead, mentor, and develop finance teams (including controllers and accountants) across the region, fostering professional growth and a business-partnering mindset.
- Proven Leadership Experience: Extensive experience in senior financial leadership roles within creative agencies, digital consulting, technology, or related professional services environments.
- Strategic and Commercial Acumen: Strong understanding of agency business models, client profitability, and the levers that drive commercial success.
- Analytical and Solution-Oriented: Passionate about leveraging data to solve complex business challenges, with a track record of driving operational efficiency and margin improvement.
- Exceptional Communicator: Strong ability to translate complex financial concepts into clear, actionable insights for non-finance leaders and creative partners.
- Collaborative and Influential: A natural mentor and team builder who inspires colleagues, partners effectively with creative leads, and fosters cross-disciplinary trust.
- Entrepreneurial and Agile: Comfortable navigating regional market complexities, adapting to changing economic landscapes, and driving financial agility.
- Resilient and Adaptive: Maintain composure and precision under tight reporting deadlines and during periods of organizational change.
- Inclusive and Empathetic: Champion diverse perspectives and foster an environment where finance is seen as a supportive and collaborative partner.
- Track Record of Success: Proven success in managing multi-market EMEA portfolios, negotiating complex client contracts, and leading high-performing finance teams.
Explore our extensive range of benefits here. We believe great work happens when we're together, fostering creativity, collaboration, and connection. That's why we’ve adopted a hybrid approach including required in-office days. If you require accommodations or flexibility, please discuss this with the hiring team during the interview process. AKQA is an equal opportunity employer and considers applicants for all positions without discrimination or regard to particular characteristics. We are committed to fostering a culture of respect in which everyone feels they belong and has the same opportunities to progress in their careers.
About WPP: WPP is the trusted growth partner for the world’s leading brands. We unite cutting-edge media intelligence and data solutions, world-class creativity, next-generation production, transformative enterprise solutions and expert strategic counsel in a single company – powered by exceptional talent and our agentic marketing platform, WPP Open, to help our clients navigate change, capture opportunity and deliver transformational growth.
Executive Finance Director, EMEA in London employer: AKQA
AKQA London is an exceptional employer that values creativity and collaboration, offering a vibrant work culture in the heart of Farringdon. As a part-time Studio Concierge & Events Coordinator, you'll enjoy flexible working arrangements while contributing to a dynamic team dedicated to delivering outstanding client experiences. With opportunities for professional growth and a supportive environment, AKQA fosters an atmosphere where your skills can flourish and your contributions are recognised.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Executive Finance Director, EMEA in London
✨Tap into Campus Networks
If you're still in uni, don’t forget to engage with your campus's career services and attend finance-related events. Banks often do presentations and recruitment drives on campus, so put yourself out there and make use of these opportunities to show off your passion for the field.
✨Get Certified
Consider pursuing relevant certifications like the CFA or ACCA while you’re job hunting. They not only beef up your CV but also connect you with professional bodies which can lead to networking opportunities and even job openings in banking and financial services.
✨Connect on Professional Platforms
Join finance-focused groups on platforms like LinkedIn and engage in discussions. This can really help you stand out from the crowd, allowing potential employers to see your knowledge and interest in industry trends. Plus, you might stumble upon job postings shared exclusively within the group.
✨Apply Directly and Be Proactive
Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like AKQA. Use their websites and apply through them, but also consider following up with a polite email to express your enthusiasm. Being proactive can make a huge difference in getting noticed in the competitive financial services sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Executive Finance Director, EMEA in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers!:In the banking and financial services world, quantifiable achievements are key. Make sure your CV highlights your grades in relevant subjects, any financial certifications you hold, and specific projects where you've delivered measurable results. Employers love to see how your skills translate into real-world success.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:When applying for a full-time position, your cover letter should make a direct connection between your experience and the job description. Don't just state your enthusiasm for finance—dive into how your background in banking or financial analysis sets you apart. Let your passion shine through while being specific about what you can bring to AKQA.
Include Relevant Financial Software Experience:If you've worked with financial modelling tools or software like Excel, SAP, or specific analytical tools during your studies or internships, bring that up! Highlighting your proficiency can really make your application pop and show you're ready to hit the ground running in a full-time role.
Research and Reflect:Before hitting that 'apply' button on AKQA's website, do a little digging. Look up their recent projects, values, and culture. Reflecting their ethos in your application can make a huge difference and show you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team!
How to prepare for a job interview at AKQA
✨Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills
Make sure you're well-versed in financial concepts and analytical techniques relevant to banking and financial services. Get comfortable with tools like Excel for modelling or financial forecasting, as technical questions in this area are common during interviews with AKQA.
✨Prepare for Case Studies
Expect to tackle case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-world banking scenarios. Familiarise yourself with the types of problems you might face—think risk assessments or investment evaluations—and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.
✨Show Your Passion for Finance
Since this is a full-time position, employers at AKQA will be keen to see your genuine interest in finance. Be prepared to discuss recent industry trends or news articles that excite you, showcasing your enthusiasm and engagement with the field.
✨Network with Industry Professionals
Before your interview, reach out to current or former AKQA employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They'll offer unique insights into the company's culture and the interview process, which can give us a delightful edge in showcasing a good fit for the team.
