Associate Director - Bengaluru / Bangalore - Merkle BB

Description

The role is within the centralised FP&A function in the UK and will be responsible for all aspects of the centralised FP&A activities of the Media Practice Area. This includes the standardisation, automation and improvement of models and processes than underpin the FP&A objectives to provide further efficiencies.

In terms of specific accountability, the role, leading the UK media Bangalore offshore team, will be responsible for all forecasts, budgets and monthly analysis to provide insights and analysis covering key focus areas such as revenue, margin, costs and client profitability. The role will need to develop strong relationships with Commercial Finance Leads, Client Leads and Operational Finance to maximise profitability and reduce business risk. The responsibilities include ensuring forecasts and financial analysis are accurate, timely, forward-looking, aligned to business objectives and deliver high quality actionable insights to Market, Practice Area and Brand/ Channel Teams. They will be responsible for adapting all aspects of FP&A to reflect any changes in the Practice Area or the wider Business environment and be seen as the go to expert for all Media Practice Area FP&A matters. The role will report into Bangalore lead for planning CoE and will support in continuous improvement, automation and transformation initiatives for the Media FP&A function for UK FP&A.

Job Description:

Planning (Budgeting & Forecasting)

Responsible for the accuracy, completeness and timely submission of forecasts and budgets for the Practice Area together with associated insight

• Ownership of all models and processes used in the preparation, review and analysis of Practice Area forecasts (at Practice Area/Brand/Channel level), including identification of risk and remedial actions as appropriate
• Ownership of the budgeting and forecasting process for the Practice Area including establishment of timetables to meet the wider UK timetable, incorporating and co-ordinating relevant inputs from Commercial Finance and other stakeholders
• Ownership of build and roll-forward Practice Area forecasts and budget models, including improving and building integrations with source data systems such as D365, Salesforce, Workday and other service-line specific systems
• Build strong relationships with Commercial Finance and the business to ensure the timely delivery of forecasts that accurately reflect the business outlook. This includes facilitating key meetings with Commercial Finance and the business to understand the strategic direction, goals and performance of the Practice Area and ensure this is reflected in the budget and forecasts
• Liaise with Commercial Finance and Client Accounting to incorporate contractual changes (where applicable) and any foreseen risk and opportunities into the forecasts
• Participate in Practice Area-level target-setting with Commercial Finance with final sign off by Commercial Finance
• Ensure timely and accurate budget and forecast submission to SAC
• Partner with Commercial Finance to prepare content and analysis for presentations
• Support Commercial Finance in building out and delivering multi-year strategic plans

Reporting & Analysis (inc. Month End)

Deliver best in class financial information and analysis to both the Director of FP&A and Commercial Finance to facilitate more informed and data driven decisions

• Work with Financial Control to identify and remedy any gaps in accruals, determine monthly provisioning and propose re-allocation journals
• Work with Client Accounting and Assurance to ensure client reporting requirements are met
• Deliver timely and accurate actualisation of forecasts at month end using data from source systems
• Prepare month end reporting and analysis for review with Commercial Finance
• Work collaboratively with Commercial Finance team in preparation of presentation decks
• Ownership of current client revenue and models and reports providing insights and comparisons to Commercial Finance and Leadership
• Manage the ongoing development and maintenance of the relevant data sources to provide accurate insights into client performance
• Regularly deliver ad-hoc analysis to Commercial Finance and the wider FP&A teams to support continual improvement of profitability, working capital and cash conversion analysis across the business

Process Efficiencies

Underpinning all activities is a desire to improve current processes with tangible progress made across simplification, standardization and automation leveraging technology/AI where appropriate

Experience and Qualifications

• Qualified accountant (ACA/ACCA/CIMA or equivalent) with extensive experience in a similar finance role
• Some industry experience in financial planning and analysis preferable
• Experience of using business intelligence tools is helpful

Skills

• Forecasting and problem-solving mind set
• Advanced Excel and modelling skills, with demonstrable experience of and improving systems and processes
• Negotiation, influence and financial acumen
• Proven ability to work well in a fast-paced environment and manage and prioritise multiple, conflicting deadlines under pressure and navigate effectively amidst ambiguity and change
• Proven leadership and team management skills
• Demonstrate excellent communication and interpersonal skills across a wide range of stakeholders, exhibiting relationship building capabilities and influencing collaborative outcomes
• Possess a drive for continuous improvement and performance excellence in their area of responsibility