Client Finance Manager

This role is at the centre of our Holding team in London and Manchester. We\’ve got a mix of skills here, from Finance and Hospitality to Recruitment, People & Culture, IT Support and Marketing. Think of us as the backbone of the company, keeping things running smoothly and helping out everywhere we can. We\’re the ones who answer questions, toss around ideas, offer support, and plan those fun outings and initiatives everyone loves. We\’re the reliable crew that everyone counts on to keep things rolling.

JOB PURPOSE:

The Client Finance department works across a wide variety of stakeholders, countries and nationalities and its work is critical to the company\’s strategic decision making with client accounts . We are looking for an expert to manage our Client Finance function leading a small team to provide valuable insights into client accounts and act as a true business partner to the business, enabling management to make sound business decisions across teams in the UK & Ireland. You need to be a proactive thinker who enjoys problem solving, communicating with non-financial stakeholders and being a team player.

Client Finance

• Design, implement, and own the client and product specific reporting needs
• Monitor projects to ensure accurate information is uploaded into the PSA tool
• Ensure client tracking of actuals versus approved budgets are tracked regularly and any issues are flagged
• Create staff plan templates ensuring appropriate rate card is being used (client specific or new business) and price projects; calculate client profitability
• Partner with Account Management and Delivery team in overseeing all financial aspects related to a client\’s portfolio
• Partner with the Sales, Client, Delivery and Legal teams in new business efforts including pricing client proposals, assisting in responding to RFP\’s and the development of budgets to maintain healthy margins
• Partner with Client leads, Legal and Finance leadership to review statements of work and master services agreements including analysing and supporting the development of new pricing models or opportunities for increased revenue
• Review monthly, quarterly, and annual revenue versus the forecast to provide commentary and determine whether we met or exceeded financial goals, including the tracking of client margins and profitability
• Partnering with Client leads to maintain a strong knowledge of the client\’s business models, contractual arrangements, health of the business, and growth opportunities
• Liaise with DEPT entities on intercompany transactions inclusive of reviewing and helping to set up intercompany contracts, pricing for cross sells and negotiation of rates
• Analyse, identify, and communicate areas of concern or suggested improvements within the Client Portfolio to both Finance and Client Leaders
• Evaluate fees for client staffing plans and suggest staffing and margin recommendations with the support of Finance leadership
• Ensure agency performance is consistent with contract obligations

Billing & Invoicing

• Manage client purchase orders and client invoicing/SOW systems
• Monitor and review WIP commentary inputted by Client Finance Analyst during month-end close
• Ensure Client Finance Analyst is billing out-of-pocket expenses promptly and that they are working with Accounts Receivable team to ensure client payments are timely

Other Responsibilities

• Serve as the initial Client Finance point of contact for client audits
• Lead development and delivery of regular and ad hoc reporting for client teams and senior leadership, as needed
• Lead the development of process improvement initiatives with minimal oversight from Finance Leadership
• Ensure adherence to reporting deadlines for both client and finance calendars

You will work in a vibrant environment with clever minds that work for a variety of large global clients. At DEPT, we\’re eager to hire the most talented experts in the game; people who continuously strive to improve their craft, are eager to learn, who want to inspire others, and strive for a better world.

SKILLS AND PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE:

• At least 3+ years\’ experience within FP&A / Client Finance as a Client Finance Manager, Business Partner or Business Analyst
• Experience working in a service-orientated business
• Excellent communication skills, and the ability to work with multiple stakeholders;
• Qualified to degree level;
• Preferably a qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA or CIMA equivalent) or with extensive exposure to IFRS;
• Ability to manage multiple stakeholder relationships across various teams in the business;
• Willing to take initiative, work independently and take responsibility that helps you in leading projects from start to end;
• Tech savvy, especially with Excel and Google Suite;
• Experience working in a professional services industry is preferential;
• Approaches tasks as a team player and are happy working to tight deadlines;
• Experience with Power BI or Tableau and big data models is advantageous;
• Experience with financial systems, particularly budgeting and forecasting, implementations is advantageous;
• Happy to travel nationally and internationally.

WE OFFER

• A flexible, hybrid working policy (2 days from the office, depending on location).
• An excellent salary based on experience and equal pay policies.
• Pension, free private healthcare, mental health support, and company sick pay scheme.
• 26 days paid holiday (plus UK Bank Holidays).
• Help getting you to work with a season ticket loan and cycle to work scheme.
• Enhanced family friendly policies to support new parents.
• Social and Cultural Events, plenty of opportunities to connect with colleagues through organised activities and celebrations.
• Inspirational Talks, bringing the outside in with regular guest speakers and events.
• Learning and Development, supporting your growth with continuous opportunities to learn and advance.
• Buddy Programme: You will be paired with a \’Buddy\’ to help you through your first weeks\’ at DEPT.
• A reputation for doing good. DEPT has been a Certified B Corp since 2021 and named \’Agency of the Year\’ at both The Lovies and The Webby Awards.
• Awesome clients. Whether big or small, local or global – at DEPT you\’ll get the opportunity to work with clients of all sizes and across all industries. And we celebrate all of our successes together!
• The opportunity for possibility. We want to enable you to do what you do best and help you develop your skills further with training, development and certifications.
• Global annual DEPT Cares Month in which employees come together and donate their skills to support local charities.

WHO ARE WE?

We are pioneers at heart. What does that mean? We are always looking forward, thinking of what we can create tomorrow that does not exist today. We were born digital and we are a new model of agency, with a deep skillset in tech and marketing. That\’s why we hire curious, self-driven, talented people who never stop innovating.

Our culture is big enough to cope and small enough to care. Meaning, that with people across 30+ countries, we\’re big enough to provide you with the best tools, global opportunities, and benefits that help you thrive. While acting small by investing in you, your growth, your team, and giving you the autonomy to solve our clients problems, no matter where you are in the world.

DIVERSITY, EQUITY & INCLUSION

At DEPT, we take pride in creating an inclusive workplace where everyone has an equal opportunity to thrive. We actively seek to recruit, develop, nurture, and retain talented individuals from diverse backgrounds, with varying skills and perspectives.

Not sure you meet all qualifications? Apply, and let us decide! Research shows that women and members of underrepresented groups tend not to apply for jobs when they think they may not meet every requirement, when in fact they do. We believe in giving everyone a fair chance to shine.

We also encourage you to reach out to us and discuss any reasonable adjustments we can make to support you throughout the recruitment process and your time with us.

Want to know more about our dedication to diversity, equity, and inclusion? Check out our efforts here.

#J-18808-Ljbffr