Manager, Client Finance

We are a Growth Invention company built to help the world’s most ambitious brands grow faster. Operating at the intersection of technology and marketing, we create what is next by pioneering ideas, acting fast, and moving further because standing still just is not in our DNA.

We are drawn to people who stay curious, move with intent, and never stop inventing. Our culture runs on three values: better together, relentlessly curious, and get sh*t done. It is how we work, how we grow, and how we make things that matter.

At DEPT®, you will find the freedom to explore, the space to collaborate, and the trust to make a real impact for our clients, for each other, and for the world we are helping to build.

The manager of client finance will be responsible for owning the end-to-end financial health of assigned client projects, with a particular focus on complex creative work and cross-functional engagements. This role will partner closely with client partners and delivery teams to ensure forecasts are accurate, budgets are realistic, and projects are delivered in line with financial targets. The ideal candidate will bring hands-on experience in forecasting, reporting, invoicing, and timesheet and budget reconciliation, along with the ability to interpret data, spot risks early, and communicate clearly with both finance and non-finance stakeholders to support sound decision-making and sustainable profitability.

Financial Management:

• →Strategic financial business partner to Client teams and Finance leadership helping to influence positive financial management and decision making supported by data
• →Development of monthly forecasts and annual Budget planning, with an ownership over revenue and expense planning, with oversight from Group Director and Executive Director
• →Partner with cross functional leads to develop strategies that drive profitable growth
• →Monitoring month-end close processes including but not limited to reviewing revenue recognition and journal entries, ensuring actuals are updated accurately and bringing forth any issues to be resolved for the following month
• →Draft or oversee preparation of financial reporting such as month end reports, and variance analysis. Recommending areas to improve reporting, where needed
• →Understand results and ability to respond to questions from Finance and Senior Leadership on key drivers impacting the P&L

Client Finance:

• →Partner with the Sales, Client, Operations and Legal teams in new business efforts including pricing client proposals, assisting in responding to RFP/Is and the development of budgets to maintain healthy margins 
• →Partner with Client leads, Legal and Finance leadership to review statements of work including analyzing and supporting the development of new pricing models or opportunities for increased revenue 
• →Review monthly, quarterly, and annual revenue versus the forecast to provide commentary and determine whether we met or exceeded financial goals, including the tracking of client margins and profitability
• →Partnering with Client leads to maintain a strong knowledge of the client's business models, contractual arrangements, health of the business, and growth opportunities
• →Liaise between DEPT entities on intercompany transactions inclusive of reviewing and helping to set up intercompany contracts and projects
• →Analyze, identify, and communicate areas of concern or suggested improvements within the Client Portfolio to both Finance and Client Leaders
• →Evaluate fees for client staffing plans and suggest staffing and margin recommendations with the support of Finance leadership
• →Ensure agency performance is consistent with contract obligations 

Other Responsibilities:

• →Serve as the initial FP&A point of contact for client audits
• →Lead development and delivery of regular and ad hoc reporting for client teams and senior leadership, as needed
• →Lead the development of process improvement initiatives with minimal oversight from Finance Leadership
• →Ensure adherence to reporting deadlines for both client and finance calendars

• Bachelor's degree in finance, accounting, or business preferred
• 2-4 years experience, 2 years experience in an Agency, preferred. 
  • Experience working at a Media or Creative Agency is a plus.
• Proven experience managing project financials end-to-end, including forecasting, budgeting, billing, and invoicing.
• Strong forecasting and budgeting skills, with the ability to assess the financial health and trajectory of client projects.
• Knowledge of GAAP and IFRS accounting principles and their practical application related to revenue accruals preferred (ASC 606, IFRS 15). 
• Experience with Financial Systems; such as Anaplan and Netsuite, is a plus
• Exhibit judgment on when to elevate issues and when to resolve independently
• Strong analytical orientation. Skills in financial analysis, including review of financial statements and analysis of key business metrics
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office with emphasis on Excel skills  and Google Product Suite software applications
• Forward thinking - challenges the status quo and proactively and creatively identifies opportunities for improvement
• Ability to effectively work and communicate with both finance and non-finance stakeholders
• Motivated self-starter; able to effectively manage workload, prioritize and streamline tasks to ensure accuracy and ownership in work/clients/practices.
• Strong interest, or proven experience, in AI, automation, advanced analytics and emerging Finance technologies

You will have to communicate with your team members abroad, therefore fluency in English and excellent communication skills (both written and verbal) are a must for this role.

DEPT® is an equal opportunity employer (EOE). We believe our work is its best when our people feel safe and free to be themselves. We’re committed to an inclusive and barrier-free recruitment and selection process and workplace, regardless of anyone’s identity, background, beliefs, lifestyle or disabilities. So tell us about any accommodations you need. It’s totally confidential and only used to make sure you feel fully supported at every step. 

DEPT® participates in E-Verify, meaning your Form I-9 information will be sent to the federal government to confirm you are authorized to work in the U.S. 

We are a B Corp-certified company passionate about purpose-driven work.  Our hope is that you can feel good about the contributions DEPT® is making to the world and we always have an open door for your ideas in making the world a better place. 

DEPT® is a Growth Invention company built to help the world’s most ambitious brands grow faster. Operating at the intersection of technology and marketing, our 4,000+ specialists deliver growth invention across Brand & Media, Experience, Commerce, CRM, and Technology & Data. We’re 50|50 tech and marketing, partner-led, and first to move. Clients include Google, Lufthansa, Coach, eBay, and OpenAI.

Learn more about DEPT®

At DEPT®, we take pride in creating an inclusive workplace where everyone has an equal opportunity to thrive. We actively seek to recruit, develop, nurture, and retain talented individuals from diverse backgrounds, with varying skills and perspectives.

Not sure you meet all qualifications? Apply, and let us decide! Research shows that women and members of underrepresented groups tend not to apply for jobs when they think they may not meet every requirement, when in fact they do. We believe in giving everyone a fair chance to shine. 

We also encourage you  to reach out to us and discuss any reasonable adjustments we can make to support you throughout the recruitment process and your time with us.

Want to know more about our dedication to diversity, equity, and inclusion? Check out our efforts here.

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