Company

Position Summary

The Finance Director is a senior level position working in close partnership with the company’s VP, Finance and CEO and will be held responsible for ALL aspects of the company’s financials, the following being a general overview of the major areas.

Key Responsibilities

Budgeting & Forecasting

• Working closely in partnership with the entity VP, Finance, CEO and associated Client Business Partners, the Finance Director is fully responsible for the submission of the company’s Forward Plan, Annual Target/Budget, and re-forecasts, and to respond to any follow-up questions and additional requests coming from MB Canada Exec/MB North America/IPG groups. 
• Working closely in partnership with the entity VP, Finance associated Client Business Partners, the Finance Director will present quarterly detailed client and company results to the CEO, with the common aim to assist in achieving MB Canada group targets as set by MB North America/IPG. 

Client Commercials & Profitability

• Provide value-added analysis and recommendations on improving the company’s financial performance by conducting deep dives into client profitability and associated reporting. 
• Track and enforce adherence to direct expense budget targets by client. 
• Work with Client Business Partners to drive additional client revenue streams, including Research & Analytics/ Orion/ Matterkind/ Reprise.
• Track all variable-based compensation components in applicable client contracts to ensure the company achieves the payout metrics; propose commercial proposals/models for other client contracts.
• Prepare and drive client contract renewal discussions with the entity VP, Finance, CEO and Mediabrands Legal, revising and amending Master Agreements as required, with the aim of increasing year-over-year revenue or improving the staffing mix against the client agreed-to scope of work. 
• Work with the VP, Finance and CEO on new business pitches and new compensation agreements. 

Full Balance Sheet and P&L Responsibility

• Ensure that revenue is booked by the MB Rev Rec team accurately, obtaining and providing all necessary persuasive evidence documentation to substantiate accruals/deferrals in accordance to IPG revenue recognition policy.
• Investigate, explain, and resolve all revenue variances as applicable (actuals against forecast, budget, prior year, etc.).
• Ensure there are no issues with client billings; creating and enforcing new procedures as necessary to accommodate new client needs or improve operational efficiencies.
• Ensure client-related working capital is managed appropriately and constantly improved upon by reviewing and following-up on outstanding A/R, monitoring any slippage on taking cash discount opportunities, and targeting to attain the optimal A/P balances.
• Work with the Omaha Shared Service G/L team to ensure all month-end provisions are properly booked, and all B/S accounts are reconciled appropriately with sufficient back-up.
• Coordinate with local tax firm and IPG tax team all necessary tax filings (income tax, sales tax, etc.); prepare provisions as required for quarter-end/year-end close.

Business Controls

• Stay abreast of all applicable changes to IPG standard policies and procedures (SP&Ps) and ensure compliance is maintained at the local company level.
• Responsible for coordinating all aspects necessary to pass periodic internal or external (including client) audit testing, and to correct any deficiencies discovered as a result therefrom.

Managerial Duties

• Provide direction and leadership to, as well as proper development of, a team of four Client Finance Analysts.
• Provide training to Sr. Business Analyst reporting to the VP, Finance.

Desired Skills & Experience

• CPA or equivalent certification/educational background.
• 3 – 5 years of experience in a senior finance role, having managed a team.
• Must be highly proficient with computer systems and associated application tools such as Excel. DDS, SAP, Hyperion systems experience would be an asset.
• Experience within the Media or Advertising industry would be an asset.
• Tax and Legal experience would be an asset.
• Excellent leadership, interpersonal, teambuilding, and problem-solving skills.
• Must be a skilled communicator, with well-developed verbal, written and presentation ability.
• Will need to be an accomplished manager of time as well as possessing the ability to delegate effectively.

Employment Transparency

IPG Mediabrands is the global media arm of Interpublic Group (NYSE: IPG). Today, the network manages $39 billion in marketing investment on behalf of its clients, employing over 10,000 marketing communication specialists in more than 130 countries.

A proven entity in helping clients maximize business results through integrated, intelligence-driven marketing strategies, IPG Mediabrands is committed to driving automated buying, pay-for-performance and digital innovation solutions through its network of media agencies which in Canada includes UM, Initiative and Media Experts. Its roster of specialty service agencies including MAGNA, Matterkind, Reprise Digital, Orion and Kinesso, offer technologies and industry moving partnerships that are recognized for delivering unprecedented bottom line results for clients.