Associate Client Finance Director
Saatchi & Saatchi - Chicago, IL
posted 5 months ago
About the position
The Associate Client Finance Director at Saatchi & Saatchi plays a crucial role in overseeing the day-to-day operations of the Client Finance group. This position is integral to ensuring that the financial aspects of client relationships are managed effectively and efficiently. The Associate Director will be responsible for a variety of key functions, including client compensation and contracts, monthly and quarterly financial close processes, and comprehensive reporting on client profitability. The role requires a strong focus on collaboration with the Account team to develop fee proposals and strategies that align with agency objectives, ensuring that all financial agreements are secured in a timely manner. In terms of client compensation and contracts, the Associate Director will oversee the implementation of a standard rate card approach to pricing, ensuring that the agency remains compliant with contractual guidelines. This includes liaising with senior Account Management personnel to handle discussions related to compensation matters and ensuring that all client contracts adhere to agency best practices. The role also involves reviewing and approving journal entries related to revenue, accounts receivable, and work in progress, ensuring compliance with revenue recognition guidelines. The monthly and quarterly close processes will require the Associate Director to prepare Client Burn Reports and coordinate variance analysis for revenue and client direct expenses. Additionally, the position involves overseeing the monthly forecast for revenue and expenses, providing detailed analysis to the Finance Director, and ensuring that client P&L reporting meets agency management and Groupe requirements. The Associate Director will also be responsible for answering queries from Account teams and management regarding financial matters, maintaining a catalog of client-specific reporting requirements, and developing a standard approach to client audits. This role demands strong managerial skills, excellent organizational abilities, and a deep understanding of the agency's operating model and service offerings.
Responsibilities
- Oversee day-to-day operations of the Client Finance group.
- Develop fee proposals and strategies in collaboration with the Account team.
- Implement standard rate card approach to pricing and maintain rate structure.
- Ensure timely securing of signed compensation agreements.
- Review all Client contracts for adherence to best practices and obtain necessary approvals.
- Ensure compliance with current contractual guidelines for each client.
- Liaise with senior Account Management personnel on compensation matters.
- Review and approve all journal entries related to revenue, A/R, and WIP.
- Oversee preparation of Client Burn Reports and coordinate monthly variance analysis.
- Oversee monthly forecast for revenue and client direct expenses, providing related analysis.
- Manage monthly/quarterly client P&L reporting process to meet agency requirements.
- Answer questions from Account teams and management regarding financial matters.
- Maintain catalog of client-specific reporting requirements and ensure timely completion.
- Monitor client production and media budgets.
- Develop and document standard approach to client audits.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance.
- 7+ years of work experience, with prior agency experience required.
- Proficient in Office 365, including Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
- SAP experience preferred.
- Strong communication skills for interaction with Account Management and Client personnel.
- Excellent organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
- Understanding of Agency operating model and service offerings.
- Strong managerial skills.
- Ability to work independently and in a team environment.
Benefits
- Medical coverage
- Dental insurance
- Vision insurance
- Disability insurance
- 401k
- Paid time off
