Commercial Finance Director

KennedyPearce Consulting; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 126,000 - 154,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading creative agency is looking to hire a Commercial Finance Director to define financial strategies ensuring profitability and operational efficiency. The ideal candidate should possess a qualified accountant status with a minimum of 10 years' experience and be skilled in team leadership, financial reporting, and forecasting. This role involves leading the finance team, managing budgets, and guiding compliance with financial regulations. The position is based in London, with an expectation of 3 days in the office.

Qualifications

• Proven record improving agency margins, forecasting accuracy, and financial accountability.
• Deep understanding of revenue recognition, rate card management, and working capital flows.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the finance team and improve relationships with all teams.
• Define and lead financial strategies for revenue growth.
• Produce timely and accurate monthly management accounts.
• Support contract negotiations and monitor revenue by client.

Skills

Financial strategy

Team leadership

Forecasting

Budgeting

Financial reporting

Education

Qualified accountant (Min 10 years PQE)

Job description

KennedyPearce Consulting provided pay range chores? Actually, the heading for this section is retained.

This range is provided by KennedyPearce Consulting. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more.

Base pay range

Direct message the job poster from KennedyPearce Consulting

Base to £140,000 plus bonus and benefits

My client is growing, award winning creative agency looking to hire a new Commercial Finance Director to help define the financial strategy of the business, ensuring profitability, operational efficiency, KPI’s, forecasting, reporting and strong governance across all regions. Main duties include.

• Lead and develop the finance team (4-5 staff) and improve working relationship with all other teams.
• Define / lead the financial strategy in support of revenue growth and margin expansion in all markets.
• Provide clear commercial insight and recommendations for investment, hiring, product development and market expansion.
• Lead scenario modelling, long-term planning and sensitivity testing to support strategic decisions.
• Operate as a trusted partner to the Global COO, with active input into business direction and performance management.
• Own the annual budgeting process and monthly re-forecasting cycles across all departments.
• Produce timely, accurate monthly management accounts, cashflow statements and Management reporting packs.
• Ensure scopes, retainers, rate cards, and pitches are commercially robust.
• Improve pricing discipline, profitability modelling, discount governance, and revenue recognition processes.
• Support contract negotiation including terms, SOWs, and margin protection. Pricing deliver? Actually we continue.
• Monitor revenue by client, category, and department to optimise mix, growth, and lifetime value.
• Own and report on key agency metrics including but not limited to revenue, gross margin, staff cost ratio, utilisation, billability, and overhead efficiency.
• Work with resource leads across all The Creative Agency offices to forecast staffing requirements.
• Strengthen production and freelance cost management with clear approvals, usage planning, and supplier controls.
• Maintain robust cashflow forecasting and ensure effective working capital management.
• Manage banking relationships, FX exposure, funding facilities, and insurance coverage.
• Oversee risk frameworks including compliance, tax, legal and financial governance.
• Ensure compliance with local accounting standards, statutory reporting, and regulatory filing.
• Manage year-end accounts, audit processes, tax submissions, and relationships with external accountancy firms.
• Maintain internal controls, financial policies, documentation, and audit trails.

To be considered for this highly commercial Finance Director role within the media / creative agency sector you should be a qualified accountant (Min 10 years PQE). Proven record improving agency margins, forecasting accuracy and financial accountability. Deep understanding of revenue recognition, utilisation, rate card management and working capital flows.

For more information on this permanent opportunity based in London (3 days a week in the office), please email an up-to-date resume to [e-mail]

Seniority level

Director

Employment type

Full-time

Job function

Finance

Industries

Broadcast Media Production and Distribution