Finance Operations Manager

Description

Position at GroupM

Job Title: Finance Operations Manager

Overview of the Role

As the Finance Operations Manager at Essence MediaCom, you will be responsible for the overall strategy, leadership, and optimisation of working capital performance across the agency. Reporting to the Finance Operations Business Partner at GroupM, you will lead a team of Senior and Junior Client Finance Analysts, driving best-in-class financial processes, robust controls, and continuous improvement initiatives. You will collaborate with key stakeholders—including GroupM, client account teams, commercial leads, and the shared service center—to deliver outstanding results in cash conversion, debtor management, and financial compliance. Your leadership will directly impact business growth, client satisfaction, and the financial health of Essence MediaCom.

Reporting of the Role

This role reports to the Finance Operations Business Partner, GroupM.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Stakeholder Management

• Define and drive the agency’s working capital strategy in alignment with GroupM objectives and financial targets.
• Act as the primary point of contact for all NWC matters for Essence MediaCom, representing the agency in GroupM forums and with senior stakeholders.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key business partners, including client teams, commercial leads, shared service centers, and external auditors.

Net Working Capital Management

• Oversee all aspects of working capital, including cash conversion, aged debtors, and unbilled positions, ensuring continuous improvement and alignment with GroupM targets.
• Lead the delivery of accurate, timely, and insightful financial reports and analytics to support business decision-making.
• Proactively identify and resolve complex NWC issues, collaborating with internal teams and external partners as required.
• Set and monitor KPIs for NWC performance across all business units, ensuring accountability and transparency.

Process Improvement & Transformation

• Lead agency-wide initiatives to enhance financial processes, including billing, collections and reconciliation .
• Oversee the onboarding of new clients and implementation of new systems or process enhancements, ensuring seamless integration and adherence to best practices.
• Champion a culture of continuous improvement, leveraging technology and innovation to streamline processes and drive efficiency.

Controls, Compliance & Risk Management

• Ensure a robust internal control environment, with strong compliance to contractual, regulatory, and GroupM requirements.
• Lead and coordinate internal, external, Sarbanes Oxley, and client audits, ensuring all documentation and controls are in place.
• Identify and mitigate financial risks, promoting a culture of accountability and financial discipline across the agency.

Team Leadership & Development

• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing team of Senior and Junior Client Finance Analysts.
• Set clear objectives, provide regular feedback, and support professional growth and succession planning.
• Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and high-performance team culture.

Measures of Success

• Sustained improvement in agency-wide NWC metrics (cash conversion, aged debtors, unbilled positions).
• Successful implementation of process improvements and transformation initiatives.
• High levels of team engagement, development, and retention.
• Positive audit outcomes and strong compliance with GroupM and regulatory standards.
• Enhanced stakeholder satisfaction and improved financial performance across business units.

Skills, Behaviours, and Experience Required

• Extensive experience in finance operations, working capital management, and process improvement, ideally within media, advertising, or a related sector.
• Proven ability to lead and develop finance teams in a complex, matrixed environment.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and project management skills.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management abilities, with confidence to influence at senior levels.
• Deep understanding of financial systems, controls, and compliance requirements.
• High level of resilience, adaptability, and a passion for continuous improvement.

About Essence MediaCom

Essence MediaCom is “The Breakthrough Agency”, leveraging the full spectrum of communications to drive outstanding results for our clients. With over 1,200 staff across the UK and a client roster including, DFS, Tesco, and Cancer Research UK, we are the UK’s leading agency by billings. Our “People First, Better Results” philosophy ensures a supportive, engaging, and development-focused environment for all employees, with a commitment to training, flexible working, and a vibrant workplace culture.

Essence MediaCom is a member of WPP, the world's largest marketing communications services group, and part of GroupM, WPP’s consolidated media investment management arm.

We welcome conversations about flexible working for all roles at Essence MediaCom and GroupM.

(Please note this is a UK based role and requires individuals to have the right to work in this location)

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