Finance and Operations Controller PR and Influence

Ogilvy; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 600 000 - 800 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading public relations firm in Johannesburg is seeking a finance and operations controller to enhance agency efficiency. The role involves managing client profitability, overseeing financial operations, and supporting the leadership team. Candidates should have a commerce degree, at least five years of experience in consulting or PR, and strong analytical and Excel skills. This position offers opportunities for growth and leadership development.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in consulting or advertising/communications.
• Ability to handle complexity and meet tight deadlines.
• Personal and team leadership capabilities.

Responsibilities

• Manage business unit profitability and day-to-day financial operations.
• Supervise client revenue recognition process.
• Assist in preparing the annual operating plan budget.

Skills

Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Strong analytical skills

Strong Excel skills with complex data

Team player and high achiever

Education

Graduate degree in commerce or CIMA

Tools

ERP systems

WorkBook software

Job description

Overview

Ogilvy South Africa Public Relations is looking for a finance and operations controller responsible for monitoring and improving overall agency efficiency. This person will report into the National PR&I Managing Director and Ogilvy SAs Financial Director.

Main Responsibilities

Commercial :

• Work with the MD, FD and leadership team to manage business unit profitability with regards to current and new clients, manage day-to-day financial operations.
• Manage client, job and product profitability analysis and reporting by overseeing the monthly client and team profitability process to ensure accurate data by clients and jobs; interact with leadership team to analyse actual vs forecasted client profitability.
• Identify and take necessary actions to correct client service teams and their clients delivering low profitability.
• Align resourcing to clients to ensure efficient utilisation of staff and identify low productivity / low billability among staff.
• Support Global reporting, and analysis for key clients,
• Implement and monitor key financial and operational KPIs ( time sheet completion and accuracy, utilisation, billability and staff cost salary ratios, contribution levels).
• Provide guidance and support on client pricing across retainers and project work to ensure consistency, accuracy and profitability.
• Interrogate the customer forecast to ensure detailed, accurate and up to date forecasting. Question and explain variances at each month end to ensure forecasting remains accurate.
• Supervise and administrate client revenue recognition process, deferred revenue accrued revenue and WIP process in accordance with WPP policies.
• Administrate the customer and Ogilvy processes to maximise Net Working Capital, by ensuring timely invoicing and adherence to NWC Policy. No PO, No Work.
• Improve core commercial finance processes where needed,
• Handle annual budgeting and quarterly forecasting; administer and review all financial plans and compare to actual results with a view to identify, explain, and correct variances as appropriate.
• Assist the, MD, CFO and FD in preparing the annual operating plan budget to be presented to Ogilvy EMEA & WWP.
• Support the MD, CFO and FDs in engaging around issues and trends in financial operating models and delivery. Identify opportunities to target growth areas within clients and the market.

Operational :

• Work with MD, FD and Business Technology team to ensure systems compliance and adoption by the team.
• Drive client onboarding process with finance and operations.
• Analyse data and system reports and alert MD, FD and Business Technology Director to any issues or issues as relates to systems.
• Maintain internal controls to ensure ICF compliancy in partnership with the group compliance manager.
• Work on key Ogilvy projects that pertain to operations and finance to ensure efficiency of the business,

Candidate Profile

• Educated, comm graduate / CIMA or equivalent qualification.
• 5 years+ working experience in either consulting or advertising and communications / public relations environment (International companies would be a positive).
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Knowledge of fully integrated financial / ERP system. (Working knowledge and experience of WorkBook software would be an advantage)
• Strong Excel skills with the ability to work with complex data
• Personal and team leadership skills, with proven ability to build, influence & sustain relationships at all levels of the organisation.
• Strong analytical skills.
• Able to handle complexity and achieve results.
• Ability to work to tight deadlines.

Attributes

• Can-do attitude!
• Team player and high achiever
• Loves to learn new things and share this with the team
• Has patience
• Sees the bigger picture but knows that attention to detail is vital