At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial control and reporting for a global marketing agency.
- Company: Join TEAM LEWIS, a dynamic and award-winning global marketing agency.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, inclusive culture, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team committed to social innovation and community support.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on financial governance and strategic decision-making.
- Qualifications: Qualified accountant with strong financial control and reporting experience.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
The Group Finance Director will lead group financial control, reporting and consolidation across TEAM LEWIS entities, ensuring accurate, timely and compliant financial information. This role partners closely with regional finance leads and senior stakeholders to strengthen governance, improve processes, and support strategic decision-making across the business.
About TEAM LEWIS: We are a global marketing agency that has gone from start-up to multi-national in little over two decades. Our success is due to a combination of factors: talented people delivering award winning campaigns; expanding client relationships into new markets or services; making strategic acquisitions. The agency, its people and client campaigns have won many prestigious awards, including Cannes Lions, PRovoke Media, ICCO, European Excellence, PRCA Digital, Digital Impact, Global Digital Excellence.
At the heart of the business is the TEAM LEWIS Foundation (TLF). A non-profit charitable entity, funded by TEAM LEWIS, the TLF makes grants to support individuals undertaking charitable activities and charitable organisations in achieving their goals. The TLF promotes social, cultural, economic and environmental innovation that benefits society. It aims to strengthen the bonds between the communications industry, businesses, governments and non-profits. Since January 2021, the TLF has now supported over 2,000 causes all over the globe. Community charities are championed by TEAM LEWIS’ employees, who volunteer their time and skills to maximise the grants’ effectiveness.
Key Responsibilities:
- Group reporting, consolidation & close: Own the month-end close and group consolidation process, ensuring deadlines are met and outputs are accurate. Produce high-quality management reporting (P&L, balance sheet, cash flow) with clear variance analysis and commentary. Maintain and improve group reporting packs, KPIs and dashboards for leadership. Ensure consistent accounting policies and treatment across entities.
- Statutory accounts, audit & compliance: Lead year-end audit process and act as key contact for external auditors. Oversee statutory reporting requirements across relevant jurisdictions (with local support where applicable). Ensure compliance with accounting standards (e.g., IFRS/UK GAAP as applicable) and internal controls. Support tax and compliance deliverables in partnership with internal/external specialists (VAT, corporation tax, transfer pricing etc. where relevant).
- Financial control & governance: Strengthen financial controls, governance and balance sheet integrity across the group. Own key balance sheet reconciliations and ensure clear supporting documentation and audit trail. Identify control gaps, remediate risks, and implement improved policies and procedures. Drive consistency in intercompany accounting, reconciliations and settlements. Maintain, update, and suggest improvements to the Group model for cashflow forecasting and bank compliance purposes.
- Business partnering & decision support: Partner with senior leaders to provide insight on performance, cost management, and profitability. Support budgeting and forecasting cycles, ensuring robust assumptions and clear outputs. Provide ad-hoc analysis for strategic initiatives (growth, acquisitions, restructuring, new markets, etc.).
- Systems & process improvement: Champion automation and process improvements across reporting and close (including tools/templates). Ensure finance systems data is clean, controlled and fit for purpose; support systems upgrades/projects where required. Develop and document scalable processes to support a growing global organisation.
- Leadership: Lead and develop a high-performing finance team (directly or matrix-managed, depending on structure). Coach stakeholders on financial discipline, best practice and controls.
Skills & Experience:
- Qualified accountant (ACA or equivalent).
- Significant post-qualified experience in a group financial control/reporting role (multi-entity, ideally multi-currency).
- Strong consolidation, reporting and balance sheet control experience.
- Proven audit and statutory accounts ownership.
- Excellent technical accounting knowledge and ability to apply it pragmatically.
- Advanced Excel skills; strong analytical capability and attention to detail.
- Confident communicator able to influence senior stakeholders across functions and regions.
Desirable:
- Experience in agency/professional services or project-based revenue environments.
- Experience with international entities and intercompany/transfer pricing concepts.
- Experience improving close timelines, reporting quality and finance controls.
- Exposure to finance systems (e.g., Netsuite).
Note: This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of the responsibilities for this role. Other responsibilities may be added from time to time.
TEAM LEWIS is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating and fostering an environment focused on equality, empowerment, and respect. We strive to create an inclusive workplace that supports and celebrates our diversity. We continue to invest in our efforts to ensure that TEAM LEWIS is a place where everyone can thrive.
Group Finance Director in City of Westminster employer: TEAM LEWIS
TEAM LEWIS is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in the heart of London where innovation and collaboration thrive. With a strong commitment to employee development and a culture that champions diversity and inclusion, we empower our team members to grow both personally and professionally. Additionally, our involvement with the TEAM LEWIS Foundation allows employees to engage in meaningful charitable activities, making a positive impact on society while advancing their careers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Group Finance Director in City of Westminster
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance world, especially those who might know someone at TEAM LEWIS. A friendly chat can open doors that a CV just can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by diving deep into TEAM LEWIS's values and recent projects. Show us you’re not just another candidate; demonstrate how your experience aligns with our mission and how you can contribute to our success.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to discuss your past experiences in financial control and reporting. We want to hear how you've tackled challenges and improved processes in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email reiterating your enthusiasm for the role can leave a lasting impression. And remember, apply through our website for the best chance!
We think you need these skills to ace Group Finance Director in City of Westminster
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Group Finance Director role. Highlight your experience in financial control, reporting, and consolidation, as well as any relevant achievements that align with our needs at TEAM LEWIS.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter should tell us why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of how you've strengthened governance or improved processes in previous positions, and show us your passion for finance and leadership.
Showcase Your Technical Skills:Don’t forget to highlight your technical accounting knowledge and advanced Excel skills. We want to see how you can apply these skills practically, so include examples of how you've used them to drive improvements in your past roles.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. This way, we can ensure your application gets the attention it deserves and you can easily track your progress!
How to prepare for a job interview at TEAM LEWIS
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Group Finance Director, you'll need to demonstrate your expertise in financial control and reporting. Brush up on key financial metrics, consolidation processes, and the latest accounting standards like IFRS and UK GAAP. Be ready to discuss how you've applied these in previous roles.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
This role involves leading a high-performing finance team, so be prepared to share examples of how you've developed and coached teams in the past. Highlight your experience in influencing senior stakeholders and driving financial discipline across an organisation.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to handle complex financial situations. Think about past challenges you've faced in financial reporting or compliance, and how you successfully navigated them. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers.
✨Understand TEAM LEWIS' Values
Familiarise yourself with TEAM LEWIS and its commitment to social impact through the TEAM LEWIS Foundation. Be ready to discuss how your values align with theirs and how you can contribute to their mission while ensuring robust financial governance.