Director, Commercial Finance

About the position

The position at GroupM involves serving as a Finance subject matter expert for a diverse portfolio of clients. The role requires collaboration in a fast-paced environment to provide financial rigor and strategic insight for business decisions affecting both the client portfolio and Wavemaker. Responsibilities include ensuring proper forecasting, accounting, and recording of client Billings and Revenue in accordance with Wavemaker policies and GAAP, leading contract negotiations, and managing global client relationships. The role also emphasizes staff development and accountability, as well as proactive management of budgeting, billing, invoicing, and payment issues. The position offers opportunities for career growth within Wavemaker and its parent company, GroupM.

Responsibilities

• Establish role as Finance subject matter expert for a portfolio of clients from diverse industries and with diverse business models.
• Work within a highly collaborative and fast-paced environment to provide financial rigor and strategic insight around business decisions that affect both client portfolio and Wavemaker.
• Maintain accountability for proper forecasting, accounting, and recording of client Billings and Revenue consistent with Wavemaker policies and GAAP.
• Lead the development and negotiation of Client contracts and compensation agreements with minimal supervision.
• Serve as key point of contact with Legal team during contract negotiations involving client portfolio.
• Partner with client leads to maintain expert and fluid knowledge of client's business models, contractual arrangements, key strengths, and opportunities.
• Advise business partners and Wavemaker Finance Leadership on issues within client portfolio that impact the business.
• Manage and coordinate global client relationships by working closely with other Wavemaker offices.
• Develop, train, and motivate staff while holding them accountable for achieving results.
• Partner closely with GroupM Controllers department to ensure proper and accurate recording and reporting of financial and accounting transactions.
• Proactively document, follow up on, and close out in a timely fashion any budgeting, billing, invoicing, or payment issues.
• Interface with Finance and Procurement contacts at clients as well as Wavemaker Planning and Buying teams.
• Frequent one-on-one meetings with Group Director, Client Finance and CFO to discuss client operations.
• Partner closely with Wavemaker company GroupM to ensure prompt cash collection.
• Support the new business team with RFP responses and pricing as needed.

Requirements

• BS or MBA in Finance or Accounting.
• 10+ Years' experience in Finance or Accounting.
• Experience working through contract negotiations.
• Strong knowledge of Finance and Accounting principles, including Financial Modeling, Budget and Profitability analysis, Variance Analysis, and Financial Reporting.
• Demonstrated skill with Microsoft Excel performing complex data analysis including Pivot Tables and Macros.
• Experience working within a matrix environment supporting multiple business partners.
• Demonstrated ability to build strong working relationships and be inclusive of ideas.
• Communicates clearly, accurately, and succinctly both verbally and in writing.

Benefits

• Competitive benefits package