Financial Director for Local Planet

Brands and media platforms may be global, but business and people are still local. The top-down, centralised approach to international media does not work because local market circumstances and opportunities are not considered. We are the alternative media agency network. The best‑in‑class independent, owner‑managed agencies across the world fused together to offer all the benefits of a network, with a difference. Our local‑up approach brings together the skills, capabilities and perspectives that exist in media today to deliver where it matters…. on the ground.

What we’d like you to do:

• Take overall responsibility for the financial management of the Company, ensuring finance policies, processes and systems are efficient and robust.
• Manage the monthly management reporting cycle.
• Produce and present clear, accurate and timely financial reporting.
• Prepare and manage Annual budget and Quarterly reforecasts.
• Monitor, track and report on key income streams (Trademark Fees, Referral Fees, Client).
• Oversee cashflow management to ensure the Company maintains strong financial stability.
• Manage bank transactions, payments, reconciliations and cash forecasting.
• Ensure the timely and accurate processing of Accounts Receivable: invoicing, credit notes, debtor tracking and collections.
• Ensure the timely and accurate processing of Accounts Payable: supplier invoice approvals, posting, payment runs.
• Ensure the timely and accurate processing of Staff expenses: review, approvals and processing.
• Ensure Bank reconciliations: ensuring completeness and accuracy.
• Ensure strong controls and a reliable audit trail across all finance activity.
• Manage the preparation and submission of quarterly VAT returns.
• Liaise with external independent accountants and advisors to review and finalise statutory annual accounts.
• Ensure timely delivery of year‑end reporting requirements and maintain accurate documentation.
• Attend Board meetings and present financial updates.
• Prepare Board packs, financial summaries and supporting analysis for leadership review.
• Build and maintain strong working relationships with key internal and external stakeholders, including network agency Finance Directors.
• Maintain strong collaboration with third parties including accountants, advisors and service providers.
• Manage the collection of Joint Venture financial information.
• Assist in collecting, reviewing and summarising annual governance surveys from network.
• Manage monthly payroll processing and compliance, including RTI, pension administration and employee benefits.
• Maintain employee records including holidays, absences and timesheets.
• Support HR processes including new starter administration and documentation (right to work, onboarding), drafting employment contracts (as required), maintaining HR templates and staff handbook.
• Ensure compliance with relevant regulations (employment law, right to work, visas, health & safety), liaising with external bodies where needed.
• Manage the relationship with the Company’s outsourced IT provider and support effective operational coordination.

What we’d like you to bring:

• Proven experience in a senior finance role (Finance Director / Senior Finance Manager) with broad end‑to‑end responsibility, and UK Accounting background.
• Strong financial reporting and planning skills (management accounts, budgeting, forecasting, variance analysis).
• Excellent grasp of day‑to‑day finance operations, controls, and cashflow management.
• Confidence presenting financial updates to senior stakeholders and Board‑level audiences.
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple deliverables under deadlines.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to work effectively across an international network.
• Proactive, solutions‑focused mindset with strong attention to detail.