Job Title: Regional Head of Commercial Finance

Location: Hybrid- Offices based in London

Type Of Employment: Full-time/ Permanent

Industry: Technology/ Media/ IT

Function: Finance

The Company

The Channel Company is an entrepreneurial and creative, digital-facing organization on the cutting edge of media. We provide analyst-grade insight, business intelligence and content to specialist networks of business professionals around the globe.

We are passionate about our people, products and customers and our values are at the heart of our business; they define us, and they are how we conduct ourselves both as a company and as individuals. visit our website: https://www.thechannelco.com/

Role Overview

The Channel Company is looking for an experienced Regional Head of Commercial Finance to join our team. The Regional Head of Commercial Finance reports to the CFO and will be responsible for the management, growth and day-to-day financial operations and analysis across a portfolio of clients and EMEA/APAC regions. This individual will address all business affairs related to their region/clients including recommending any changes necessary to achieve goals and improve profitability.

Your main responsibilities will include:

• Work closely with CFO on adhoc projects i.e. ERP implementation, SalesForces and Workfront Integrations including timesheet, project management and project accounting/WIP setup
• TCC guru on all things Client Finance, including timekeeping, client profitability, staff plan/resource allocation, employee utilization, pricing strategy, client contract negotiation, etc.
• Partner with Business teams and FP&A to create annual and quarterly revenue forecasts and monthly Flash submissions ensuring compliance with guidelines and deadlines
• Accountable for proper forecasting, accounting, and recording of client Billings and Revenue in accordance with agency policies and GAAP
• Explain any variances in client financial performance vs. forecasts and targets
• Assist in all client finance related needs including client audits
• Partner with Legal/CFO on development of existing client MSA/SOWs (both new projects and annual renewals) and new business pitches ensuring contractual terms are in line with TCC requirements corporate best practices
• Maintain revenue tracker and drive the monthly revenue review process for % complete in partnership with account & project management team. Provide counsel and accountability related to change order management
• Work closely with account and project management teams to ensure proper scoping, including but not limited to confirming accuracy with rates, pricing, and business terms
• Lead quarterly client revenue forecast process with inputs from business/Account staff on a portfolio level & share guidance to all participating offices
• Partner with project management and account team to consolidate portfolio level staffing and provide guidance around staffing needs/FTE%
• Ensure that WIP is cleared in a timely and orderly manner, client documentation/PO’s are secured, and oversees duration of the project lifecycle. Includes preparation of ETC documentation and proper revenue recognition
• Provide visibility into key performance and operational efficiency metrics
• Finance business partners own the performance agenda including delivery of all financial metrics and ensuring a robust control and risk management environment.
• Deep interest in process improvement and work to automate reporting and improve data visualization
• Provide financial insights for recurring business reviews with key stakeholders
• Partner with Business teams and Legal on execution of third party vendor agreements
• Act as a key advisor, business partner and escalation point-of-contact to the Business teams for all commercial matters related to billing and financial reporting
• Develop strong working relationships with Accounting/ Business teams to insure smooth collaboration across shared accounts
• Assist the CFO in supporting the Business Leads to address concerns and/or business needs
• Partner with Business teams to maintain expert knowledge of clients’ commercial models,
• contractual arrangements, key strengths and opportunities
• Partner with Business Leads to maintain the optimal level of staffing across accounts with a focus on maintaining internal metrics
• Proactively document, follow up on, and close out any revenue, budgeting, billing, invoicing, or payment issues that pertain to Client(s) in a timely manner
• Work closely with Business teams and Accounting on client billing activity
• Ensure workflow procedures and monitors are in place to review and identify potential issues
• Ensure prompt cash collection and cash management within TCC guidelines
• Recommend and develop methods, techniques, and evaluation criteria for obtaining optimum financial results
• Work independently and be able to problem solve various types of issues and questions from key stakeholders within and outside the organization with minimal guidance and oversight
• Be a mentor, coach and effective leader overseeing a team of client finance managers and analysts
• Ability to interface with most senior leaders of the company and provide succinct answers suitable for management presentation rapidly.

What we value

• At least 7 years of related experience
• Media or Advertising experience highly preferred
• Knowledge of Monday.com or similar project management system preferred
• Strong Excel skills, including pivot tables, V-Lookups, etc.
• Able to create useful analysis from scratch
• Hands on operational experience ideally in a creative or media agency space
• Extreme attention to detail, process driven and resourceful
• Demonstrable problem solving and logical analysis skills
• Ability to extrapolate information to answer questions based on logical conclusions or assumptions
• Innately curious and eager to learn
• Working knowledge of US GAAP is required

What you can expect from us:

As well as working with the most interesting, talented and fun people in Media, we operate a culture where success is recognized. You will be supported throughout your career at The Channel Company, tailoring your development through management support, internal and external training courses, and on the job training.

Our employee perks & benefits:

• 35 hours of work per week

• Opportunity to join a growing business with lots of opportunities to influence.

• Hybrid/remote working

• Pension scheme with 5% employer contributions

• Life assurance scheme

• 25 days annual leave, increasing to 30 days

• International Temporary Remote Working Scheme

• Healthcare/Cashback plan – claim money back for health treatments (Dental, Opticians, and more); access to a virtual GP and wellbeing videos and advice.

• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) – Access to a 24/7 confidential support line

• Retail discounts and cashback on shopping

• Access to Gym discounts

• Employee referral scheme

• A tailored training and induction plan - we want you to succeed!

• Regular recognition rewards - be recognized and rewarded for day-to-day actions where you go above and beyond, and consistently deliver

• Volunteering days

• The opportunity to work within a globally diverse team

• The opportunity to learn new skills in an ever-changing and adaptable business