Commercial Finance Partner

Company Description

Publicis Groupe is a global leader in communication.

The Groupe is positioned at every step of the value chain, from consulting to execution, combining marketing transformation and digital business transformation.

Overview

The Commercial Finance Partner will work closely with the Agency/Business Unit Managing Director and the Commercial Director to envision and execute the Agency’s/Business Unit’s strategic plan to grow Revenues and Contribution Margin in line with Groupe targets.

The ability to communicate with and work with several different teams is essential, as this role deals with a shared service centre, Agency/Business Unit management and a regional finance team.

The Commercial Finance Partner shares and supports our company’s core values as the cornerstone of their work ethic & actively builds them into their team dynamic & way of work.

Responsibilities

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Business partner
• Controlling, budgeting and internal control functions
• Financial Management
• Finance Team People management
  
  

Business Partner

• Partner with the Agency/Business Unit Managing Director to execute business strategies.
• Assist the business with pricing, client contract management, supplier management, resource planning and all other financial and operations issues.
• Support business in negotiations by providing financial information (pricing, cost of resources and teams, targeted profitability); working and dealing directly with clients as and when necessary.
• Assist with RFP’s to protect the company’s interests and help close the deal with all pitches.
• Provide finance training to the Client Services team for job management, client management, and revenue forecasting.
• Work with the business to monitor new business growth pipeline and client health assessment.
• Client Reporting
• Catalyst for change - efficiencies, standardization, quality, operational agility and automation. The finance team should be the shining example of that.
• Advises on the business situation, increasing revenue, reducing costs and accelerating cash collection from clients
• Helps to define the most optimal way to deliver services to ensure quality service to clients and profitability for the Groupe
  
  

Budgeting And Internal Control Functions

• Aware of and track risk and advise leadership team on an ongoing basis of status and recommended course of action.
• Budgeting, monthly forecasting and handling of all analyses/comments to be provided to the Agency/Business Unit Leadership team.
• Monitoring client profitability and working with the business to address any low-margin or non-profitable clients
• Ensuring compliance with the Publicis Groupe operational and financial policies and processes including the use of standard toolsets and methodology, in accordance with the Publicis Corporate Policies
• Compliance with FMC requirements defined by the Groupe Internal Audit
• Working with the Job & Revenue Teams in managing the working capital improvement including the reduction of overdue receivables and of WIP, the acceleration of the billing process & the analysis of cash generation.
• Work with the Payroll Finance Team and Talent Team on Employee related matters including approval of hires and contracts.
  
  

Financial Management

• Organize the Finance function to achieve smooth running of the day-to-day Finance operations providing relevant and effective support to the business teams
• Instituting and/or maintaining sound financial processes and systems to facilitate optimum control and accurate time charging, as well as tracking of all jobs, to improve cash flow; overall, to improve the speed and accuracy of billings, the profitability of time cost-based work, and the rapidity of client payment
• Accurate and on-time production of monthly management accounts
  
  

Finance Team People management

• Manage the Finance Team and ensure clarity of objectives within the team and consistency in ways of working
• Ensure that all members of the finance team receive appropriate professional and job training and support those taking external professional qualifications.
• Motivates and manages the team to achieve excellent job performance.
• Responsible for completing or supporting others complete the annual performance appraisal within the finance team.
• Ensure that the finance team integrates with other teams in the business
  
  

Qualifications

• 4+ years experience in a similiar position, preferably within a Marketing / Advertising industry
• Bachelor's degree in finance, accounting, or related feild (Honours or CIMA / CA(SA) preferred)
• Knowledge of Excel, financial systems and business software
• Understanding of financial modelling, business case development and performance metrics
  
  

Additional Information

• Financially astute: Proven experience of managing P&Ls. Has been responsible for providing on-going accurate and meaningful financial information, propose business solutions which will allow the Agency Lead and management team to understand the business performance and take the appropriate decision to run the business.
• Commercial acumen: Demonstrated expertise in executing strategic initiatives that align with business objectives. Possesses a keen ability to assess market trends and opportunities, driving growth and competitive advantage.
• Talent oriented: Has successfully partnered with Divisional HR Head in managing headcounts, personnel costs, supporting HR reporting, restructuring initiatives and leading cross functional transformation.
• Operational Hands on, the person is deeply operational, understanding not only how to build strategies but working with the teams to execute them smoothly.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management: Proven ability to communicate financial insights and strategic recommendations clearly and persuasively to various stakeholders, including senior management, external partners and international matrixed organisation. Skilled at fostering strong relationships and collaboration across departments.
• Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple priorities: Thrives in fast-paced environments, effectively balancing competing demands and deadlines. Exhibits resilience and adaptability, ensuring high-quality outcomes under challenging conditions.