Senior Finance Manager – Marketing, 4 Creative and 4 Studio (12 month FTC)

The role is a key member of C4's senior Finance and Marketing leadership teams with responsibility for the financial management of C4's Marketing, 4Creative and 4Studio and a key member of the senior Finance leadership team (FLT). Responsibility for a total budget of £20m revs (4 Studio) and £60m costs (Marketing and 4 Creative).

Involves daily interaction with the C4 Chief Marketing Officer, Head of 4Creative and 4Studios, other key ExComm and SL team members. Providing insight, analysis, guidance, strategic advice and information to this group, in addition to the Chief Financial Officer and Commercial Finance Team(s), as required.

A key direct report of the Director of Commercial Finance (SL). Able to operate within the 4 Studios matrix structure, including Commissioning, Commercial Affairs, Data & Insights and Sales teams (across finance and the business). A proven track record of influencing commercial outcomes is a must, as is a robust financial background and the ability to build relationships at different levels of seniority.

Responsible for the Finance based decision making and reporting relating to the Marketing, Creative and 4 Studio budgets and business plans (P&L and cash impacts; monthly and annual). Line Management responsibility for 1 FM (who has an SFA reporting into them) but will also be working closely with the on-screen MA team supporting the area. We are looking for someone who displays strong leadership qualities and who is committed to, and aligned with, the C4 remit.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Business Partnering: Will be the day-to-day dedicated Finance lead and support to the Chief Marketing Officer, MD of 4Studio and the rest of the Marketing and Creative senior leadership team, building strong relationships with key contacts across the business and a deep understanding of how the areas operate as well as the financials.
• Build a highly effective and open working relationship between C4 Finance and the Marketing/Creative and Studio operational teams.
• Provide constructive challenge to the respective teams on performance analysis, spend efficiency and forecasts acting as an independent (yet well informed) voice to the CFO and CEO in Quarterly review meetings and budget discussions.
• Proactively work with insight, the business and finance colleagues to identify and implement opportunities to improve reporting, operational processes and the control environment.
• Be the dedicated Finance lead working with Technology, Insights and the 4Studio Operational team on data related projects such as consolidation of Social platform revenue and viewing data into a single live database, and automation of various dashboards to ensure real time reporting.
• Proactively collaborate with Commercial and Content Finance teams to improve efficiency of cross functional processes, share knowledge between teams and ensure consistency in reporting and messaging across the business.
• Identifying opportunities to improve business performance and profitability, collaborating with the business and OE team where appropriate to drive them through.
• Using sound judgement based on owned models and analysis, provide support and recommendations on business cases and investment decisions.

FP&A Activities and Reporting

• Own and be accountable for the integrity, validity and executive presentation of all the major FY reporting processes – Forecasts (F1, F2 & F3), Annual Budget and multi-year strategic plans (P&L and Cash) – in partnership with the MA team.
• Working with the Marketing, Creative, 4 Studio and FP&A teams, providing high level oversight, advice, judgement and guidance on key operating and investment decisions.
• Consistently deliver analytical or comparative reporting to improve understanding and applicability for forward looking plans.
• Review, interpret and present monthly results to key stakeholders, identifying risks and opportunities to improve business performance.
• Quarterly Business Review support – prepare and analyse KPIs and financial results, as well as input into deep dives where required.
• Proactively look to identify and implement opportunities to streamline/eliminate or automate processes to free up time for value-add work in the area.

Other

• Assist the C4 Director of Commercial Finance on any financial analysis or activities as may be required from time to time.
• Work with the C4 CFO on any project or content-related activity as may be required from time to time.
• Key member of the Finance Leadership Team, responsible for driving the people agenda.

ESSENTIAL SKILLS & EXPERIENCE

• Qualified Accountant with at least 7+ years’ post qualified experience.
• An experienced team leader with demonstrable business partnering skills and team leadership experience.
• Excellent communication skills both written and verbal, comfortable interacting and presenting to executive level colleagues.
• Comfortable working in a highly results focused, complex organisation, undergoing significant change.
• Previous broadcast media and content creation industry experience desirable (preferably PSB).
• Proven experience of building excellent working relationships with non-finance members of the business.
• Excellent commercial awareness, able to ‘join the dots’ and operate cross-functionally.
• Significant budgeting and forecasting experience.
• Experience of identifying and driving through process improvements and natural problem-solver.
• Excellent financial analysis and modelling skills (Advanced Excel skills).
• Strong analytical skills; with an interest in detail but able to see the big picture.
• ‘Self-starter’ with strong time management skills; organised in their work and comfortable working across multiple areas, able to prioritise the important issues.
• High levels of personal credibility, professionalism and ethical standards.
• Be committed to and aligned with the Channel 4 remit.