We are looking for a Financial Controller with the ability and willingness to be the sole finance figure in a satellite office (with support from UK Finance team). This role is hands-on and will have exposure to a wide array of finance tasks, such as business partnering, client/supplier management, management accounts preparation and employer tax filings.

This full-time role is based in New York working closely with the US portfolio Business Directors, and reporting into the Global Head of Finance (UK) and Managing Director (US).

ABOUT THE ROLE

The Financial Controller is responsible for managing the day-to-day activities of the finance department and for ensuring that the appropriate systems and internal controls are in place to keep the entity in good financial health.

They work alongside the Americas MD to provide them with a timely and clear picture of the portfolio financial performance and assisting their ability to make considered, financially-aware decisions that enhance performance. They build financial awareness within the BU across Account Management so that it becomes a core skill.

Responsibilities

• To partner the MD to optimise finance/business decisions that improve financial performance of the BU.
• To prepare the monthly management pack for the BU – ensure that MD has a full understanding of the figures/KPIs & feels empowered to present this pack (with you, as ‘one voice’) to the CEO.
• Assist in preparation of the monthly rolling forward-look forecasts that provide robust visibility of future performance.
• To track time utilisation, ensuring in line with targets, working with MD/BDs to rectify if not.
• Business Partner to project leads and helping them to manage their project finances (e.g. management of project budget sheets to ensure margins and 3^rd party spend are in line with budget).
• To ensure the MD is aware of the financial health of projects in their portfolio.
• On top of revenue forecast, ownership of cost forecasting of staffing and overheads – ensuring that spend is within budget and the MD / HoF are aware of any movements.
• Responsibility for US Inc payment runs - ensuring that the PLC supplier onboarding process is followed and suppliers are paid in line with payment terms. Ensure the payables ledger is in order.
• Review/approval of employee expenses / supplier invoices and ensure costs are coded to the correct projects and cost categories.
• Review of payroll, monthly payroll reconciliation and ensuring employer filings are done. Assist the Ops/HR team with any employer payroll queries.
• Active management of cash flow of the business.
• Conducting first review of supplier contracts.
• Ensure timely client billing and that invoices are paid in line with client payment terms.
• Responsible for all matters in respect of employer taxes, and other corporate filing requirements, working alongside the Tax Team.
• Assisting project leads on RFPs for existing clients.
• Assist in defining rate cards and working on commercial pricing for new tenders.
• Work on ad hoc projects and assist the HoF and FD with analysis.
• Assist with the annual audit.
• Building and documenting coherent, robust processes and ensuring that these are effectively communicated across the agency.
• Lead on value-adding initiatives (e.g. system enhancements, agency training, KPI development).

ABOUT YOU

You bring (experience and qualifications):

• CPA/CFP/ACCA qualification (or International equivalent)
• Expertise in a similar working environment.
• Fluent in written and spoken English.
• Practical understanding of financial accounting and commercial business.
• Prior experience in US payroll / employer filings.
• Experience in financial and operational systems.
• Excellent oral and written communications skills (English).
• Proficient in all components of Microsoft Office.
• Attention to detail and proactivity in all aspects of the job

WHAT WE OFFER

M&C Saatchi offers a competitive benefits package including: 25 vacation days, 401k match, annual pay reviews, flexible working, and WFH opportunities. Salary is dependent on experience but ranges from: $135,000 - $155,000. All candidates must have the ability to work in the US; we are unable to sponsor any work visas for this role.

The M&C Saatchi Group has pledged its commitment to create a company that values difference, with an inclusive culture brought to life through equity with business-wide activity across people, culture, industry, and society. As part of this, M&C Saatchi Group continues to be an Equal Opportunity Employer which does not and shall not discriminate, celebrates diversity and bases all hiring and promotion decisions solely on merit, without regard for any personal characteristics.

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