At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial strategy, manage budgets, and optimise profitability for a creative agency.
- Company: Award-winning creative agency with a focus on growth and innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary up to £140,000 plus bonuses and benefits.
- Other info: Flexible working with 3 days in the office, excellent career progression opportunities.
- Why this job: Shape the financial future of a dynamic agency and drive impactful decisions.
- Qualifications: Qualified accountant with 10+ years of experience in finance and agency management.
The predicted salary is between 112000 - 168000 £ per year.
My client is a growing, award-winning creative agency looking to hire a new Commercial Finance Director to help define the financial strategy of the business, ensuring profitability, operational efficiency, KPIs, forecasting, reporting, and strong governance across all regions.
Main duties include:
- Lead and develop the finance team (4-5 staff) and improve working relationships with all other teams.
- Define/lead the financial strategy in support of revenue growth and margin expansion in all markets.
- Provide clear commercial insight and recommendations for investment, hiring, product development, and market expansion.
- Lead scenario modelling, long-term planning, and sensitivity testing to support strategic decisions.
- Operate as a trusted partner to the Global COO, with active input into business direction and performance management.
- Own the annual budgeting process and monthly re-forecasting cycles across all departments.
- Produce timely, accurate monthly management accounts, cashflow statements, and management reporting packs.
- Ensure scopes, retainers, rate cards, and pitches are commercially robust.
- Improve pricing discipline, profitability modelling, discount governance, and revenue recognition processes.
- Support contract negotiation including terms, SOWs, and margin protection.
- Monitor revenue by client, category, and department to optimise mix, growth, and lifetime value.
- Own and report on key agency metrics including but not limited to revenue, gross margin, staff cost ratio, utilisation, billability, and overhead efficiency.
- Work with resource leads across all The Creative Agency offices to forecast staffing requirements.
- Strengthen production and freelance cost management with clear approvals, usage planning, and supplier controls.
- Maintain robust cashflow forecasting and ensure effective working capital management.
- Manage banking relationships, FX exposure, funding facilities, and insurance coverage.
- Oversee risk frameworks including compliance, tax, legal, and financial governance.
- Ensure compliance with local accounting standards, statutory reporting, and regulatory filing.
- Manage year-end accounts, audit processes, tax submissions, and relationships with external accountancy firms.
- Maintain internal controls, financial policies, documentation, and audit trails.
To be considered for this highly commercial Finance Director role within the media/creative agency sector, you should be a qualified accountant (Min 10 years PQE) with a proven record of improving agency margins, forecasting accuracy, and financial accountability. A deep understanding of revenue recognition, utilisation, rate card management, and working capital flows is essential.
For more information on this permanent opportunity based in London (3 days a week in the office), please email an up-to-date resume to richard@kennedypearce.com.
Commercial Finance Director employer: KennedyPearce Consulting
KennedyPearce Consulting is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work environment in the heart of Greater London, where creativity meets finance in the vibrant TV production industry. Employees benefit from a supportive culture that prioritises professional growth, with clear pathways for advancement and the potential for permanent positions. Join us to be part of a team that values collaboration and innovation, making your contributions meaningful and rewarding.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Commercial Finance Director
✨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 KennedyPearce Consulting. 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 Commercial Finance Director
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 KennedyPearce Consulting.
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 KennedyPearce Consulting'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 KennedyPearce Consulting
✨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 KennedyPearce Consulting.
✨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 KennedyPearce Consulting 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 KennedyPearce Consulting 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.
