About Us 

IPG Mediabrands is the media and marketing solutions division of Interpublic Group (NYSE: IPG). Mediabrands manages approximately $40 billion in marketing investment globally on behalf of its clients and provides strategic services and solutions across its award-winning, full-service agency networks UM and Initiative and through its innovative marketing specialist companies Kinesso, Magna, Orion, Rapport, Healix, Mediabrands Content Studio and the IPG Media Lab. Mediabrands clients include many of the world’s most recognizable and iconic brands from a broad portfolio of industry sectors. The company employs more than 13,000 marketing experts in more than 130 countries representing the full diversity of humanity. For more information, please visit our website: www.ipgmediabrands.com. 

Role Description 

The Commercial Finance Director will play a pivotal role in the strategic growth and financial health of the digital media agency. As a key member of the executive team, the Finance Director will be responsible for overseeing the financial operations, driving commercial performance, leading change management initiatives, and ensuring cost efficiency through restructuring and process improvements. This role will require a strong commercial acumen to maximize profitability, improve operational efficiency, and implement business transformation strategies.

This position reports to the CFO, is able to work independently and act as a trusted business partner to the Kinesso executive leadership. A key responsibility is to communicate effectively and proactively with the CFO, flagging areas of potential exposure or opportunity for the agency.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, and reporting processes to align with the company’s strategic goals.
• Develop and implement commercial strategies to improve profitability and support the business in maximizing revenue streams across digital and media services.
• Provide insight and analysis on financial performance, advising the leadership team on financial risks and opportunities.
• Ensure working capital optimization to maintain business health and growth
• Collaborate with business development and client teams to optimize financial performance through client profitability analysis, margin improvement, and cost-effective resource allocation.
• Lead change management initiatives related to finance, commercial processes, and business restructuring to improve operational efficiency.
• Champion business transformation and modernization, ensuring the adoption of digital finance tools and systems that streamline processes and improve reporting.
• Act as a change agent, working with various stakeholders to foster a culture of adaptability, efficiency, and innovation
• Responsible for the day-to-day financial, accounting, tax and legal operations of the various business units including budgeting, planning, reporting, client profitability management, working capital management, tax and legal statutory compliance & reporting, management of control environment and SOX compliance.
• Management and oversight of the entire book, bill, pay, reconcile process, managing the API connections and overall ensuring the continuation of automated processes, working directly with the local MTK lead
• Ensure implementation and maintenance of robust internal control procedures to enhance company control environment and ensure SOX compliance
• Create quarterly and annual P&L forecasts, ensuring compliance with guidelines, corporate policy, local legislation and corporate reporting deadlines
• Collaborate with department heads and executive leadership to align financial and operational strategies across the business.
• Actively participate in new business pitches, leading the negotiations for contractual Terms and Conditions and agency compensation.
• Assist in all client finance related needs including client audits
• Lead, mentor, and develop the finance team, fostering a high-performance culture focused on accuracy, integrity, and efficiency
• Manage media partner relationships from finance perspective
• Partner with other business units and help to manage the overall client relationship
• Lead and manage all legal and taxation affairs with the support and guidance of corporate lawyers and tax advisors.

Desired Skills and Experience

Experience

• Several years related work experience
• Media or Advertising experience highly preferred

Education

• Bachelor’s Degree in Finance/Economics/Business Administration majoring in Accounting and/or Finance
• Accounting qualification

Skills

• Commercial Acumen: Proven track record in managing the financial performance of a media or digital agency, with strong experience in pricing strategies, contract negotiation, and client profitability.
• Cost Efficiency & Restructuring: Expertise in cost-saving strategies, operational restructuring, and process optimization to improve profitability.
• Stakeholder Management: Experience interacting regularly with executives and senior managers involving complex situations, difficult decisions, or influencing and persuading other managers and peers
• Communication: Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to convey complex financial information to non-financial stakeholders.
• Strategic Vision: The ability to balance short-term financial needs with long-term business growth, driving the company’s vision forward.
• Problem-Solving: Proactive and innovative, with the ability to anticipate and solve financial, operational, and commercial challenges.
• Attention to Detail: High level of accuracy and attention to detail, ensuring that financial reports, forecasts, and budgets are meticulously prepared
• Hands on knowledge & experience in utilization of Financial and Accounting systems - General Ledger, budgeting and reporting. Media Ocean knowledge is preferred.
• Ability to work well under pressure and in an environment of change