At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial strategy and ensure robust financial controls for a fast-growing agency.
- Company: Join a dynamic media trading agency with a focus on real-world impact.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, private healthcare, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Enjoy a supportive culture with a focus on wellbeing and career progression.
- Why this job: Be part of a leadership team driving growth and innovation in the media industry.
- Qualifications: Qualified accountant with experience in finance at a senior level, preferably in media or agency.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 90000 £ per year.
- Finance / Leadership Cardiff / London (Hybrid) Full-time DOE
- About This Role
R4 is a media trading, planning and activation business built around how media actually works in the real world.
We work with a growing roster of national and global brands, and with billings set to exceed £10M this financial year, we are scaling fast — and we run on process.
Workflow discipline sits at the heart of how we operate, and we’re now looking for a Finance Director to bring that same rigour, expertise and stewardship to our finances at board level.
You will own the financial strategy, controls and commercial performance of the agency, working directly with the leadership team.
Responsibilities
- Strategic financial planning, budgeting and rolling forecasts aligned to agency growth
- Acting as the financial conscience of the business — challenging, advising and safeguarding
- Management Accounts & Controls
- Production and oversight of timely, accurate monthly management accounts
- Managing the relationship with our external accountants, driving query resolution efficiently and owning year‑end
- Robust reconciliation disciplines across multiple bank, card and merchant platforms
- Revenue recognition and deferred income treatment on retained and media‑billed clients
- Client and project profitability analysis — spotting the margins and the leaks
- Pipeline analysis and conversion modelling to predict resource and cash requirements
- Commercial review of client contracts, procurement and supplier terms
- Maintaining and refining our financial stack (Xero, Pleo, Stripe) to ensure clean, audit‑ready data
- Implementing better billing and collection cycles to ensure cash stays ahead of growth
- Driving automation and workflow discipline within the finance function
Requirements
- Qualified accountant (ACA / ACCA / CIMA) with significant post‑qualified experience at FD or senior finance level
- Agency, media or professional services background strongly preferred, you understand billings vs revenue, deferred income and client profitability
- Genuinely process‑driven: you build systems that scale, not workarounds
- Hands‑on and detail‑strong, but able to operate strategically at board level
- Confident managing external advisers, banks and HMRC
- Direct communicator who resolves issues cleanly and moves things forward
- What You Get
- Competitive salary (we're open to discussion for the right person)
- Genuine flexibility in how and where you work
- A seat at the top table of a fast‑growing independent agency with global‑brand clients
- A strong, supportive team and a leadership culture that values expertise
- 25 days annual leave, plus UK bank holidays
- Private healthcare is available after the successful completion of probation
- Company pension scheme, with employer contribution
- Company laptop and full working setup provided
- Training and professional development support, aligned to progression
- Regular team and company events
- Wellbeing support, including mental health awareness initiatives
- Flexible working where appropriate, once core responsibilities are embedded
- #J-18808-Ljbffr
Finance Director in Cardiff employer: R4 Advertising
R4 Advertising is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where innovation and collaboration thrive. As a Financial Director, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the financial strategy of a rapidly growing agency, with opportunities for professional development and a culture that values both hard work and a sense of humour. Located at the heart of the media industry, R4 provides a unique chance to work with ambitious brands while enjoying the benefits of a supportive team dedicated to achieving measurable success.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Director in Cardiff
✨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 R4 Advertising. 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 Finance Director in Cardiff
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 R4 Advertising.
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 R4 Advertising'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 R4 Advertising
✨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 R4 Advertising.
✨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 R4 Advertising 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 R4 Advertising 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.
