Client Finance Specialist

We are currently seeking a Client Finance team member to be based out of our Cincinnati studio. Could this be you?

About us:

As a company with studios across the globe, we power up the best minds from 31 teams in over 22 countries to create a unique skillset for each client. We spark ingenuity with global creative sprints that cross time zones and borders and spur on the best of our talent. That includes exceptional brand consulting and strategic design, brilliance in experience, retail and workplace design, and competition-smashing motion design. We are part of the WPP group.

The Role:

The Client Finance team member supports the Finance team with driving client forecast, revenue recognition, client budgeting and client project financial reporting. You approach projects with a flexible, innovative, service-oriented mindset, and a strong emphasis on system-based solutions. You possess an analytical mind, an ability to communicate complex ideas to senior business leaders, and a desire to make a meaningful impact. The ideal candidate will be an experienced Finance professional who has a passion and ambition to pursue a career in finance. You will be exposed to all aspects of the finance life cycle and be able to build up your knowledge of finance processes, whilst gaining experience working in a creative and professional office environment.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Landor & Fitch Fundamentals

• Ensures compliance with WPP group reporting requirements and deadlines
• Participates in multiple internal initiatives to help build our culture in support of our brand
• Role model for others in terms of energy, optimism, and drive for results

Management Accounting

• Prepare general ledger journals and accruals in order to capture all costs/revenue at the correct period of time. Review and reconcile the general ledger entries
• Prepare the month-end file
• Assist with the production of Corporate Management accounts
• Ownership of client and intercompany billing
• Monthly & quarterly review and reconciliation of P/L and B/S accounts
• Liaise with local finance teams to obtain commentary and transactional details

Global Reporting

• Prepare monthly variance reports between Actual and Forecast and understand the reason behind them
• Assist with global consolidation of Landor & Fitch results
• Assist with adhoc reporting for WPP
• Support the finance team with additional support as required

SOX

• Ensure that the required evidence is maintained at month-end for SOX compliance purposes
• Distribute SOX related correspondence to offices
• Manage quarterly gift register and Code of Conduct

Net Working Capital

• Prepare Net Working Capital monthly report
• Review aged submissions and assess whether provisions are required
• Assist in monthly NWC calls with the offices

Intercompany Reporting

• Full ownership of intercompany reporting and mismatches
• Review mismatch reports and help offices minimize ICO mismatches at month end and each forecast submission

 What we’re looking for:

Capabilities (Success Factors)

• Strong communicator
• Highly organized and skillful planner
• Strong time management skills due to working across different time zones
• Accuracy and attention to detail
• Ability to pre-empt, identify and respond to problems arising
• Personable, enthusiastic, and committed
• Keen desire to pursue a career in Finance

Required Experience

• 0-1 years' experience in similar role (creative agency experience a plus, but not required)
• Ideally studying towards ACCA or CIMA qualification
• Experience with SOX requirements

Systems

• Good knowledge of Microsoft Office applications, at least intermediate Excel skills (Pivots, Vlookup, etc)
• Previous experience with Maconomy desired

Finally - our commitment to Diversity & Inclusion:

We believe diversity brings creativity, which is at the heart of everything we do. We are actively engaging in creating an environment free of discrimination, where our people and their uniqueness can shine and be celebrated. We’re working to set a standard for the industry as a whole, creating a culture of equity and belonging. We may not be perfect, and we know there is work to do, but we regularly check with our teams and Employee Resource Groups on how we are doing, using their insight to frame our thinking and actions, so we can all do better, working as one Landor & Fitch.