Group Financial Controller (18 Month Fixed-Term Contract)

Group Financial Controller role, 18 month contract with a potential option to go permanent.

Looking for someone with exceptional attention to detail, that can manage a robust internal controls environment and thrives in an ever changing environment.

We have a love of big ideas, an ethos of collaboration, and a strong work ethic ingrained in our culture. Our business is built with an entrepreneurial mindset; our team has the freedom and autonomy to create positive change within our business. 

In Group Services, we are more than just a centralisation of functions, but rather, a collective of skills and capabilities focused on delivering value to the commercial, operational and strategic processes underpinning our people and technology. Continuous improvement and innovation is critical to our success.

As part of the M&C Saatchi Group we come together to realise BIG AMBITIONS. And ours is to be the most connected creative company by organising original thinkers in uncommon ways.

We celebrate people who embrace our values and BIG AMBITIONS and the opportunity is here now for an Group Financial Controller to join our team in Sydney in a 18 month fixed-term contract. 

The opportunity: 

Ensuring financial integrity is top priority. This role oversees robust internal controls, manages risk effectively, and enhances data quality for business. Reporting to the Chief Commercial Officer, the Financial Controller leads accounting, tax, treasury, payables, and compliance. They optimise processes with technology, foster team development, and promote a service excellence mindset, strengthening stakeholder relationships. Leadership, hands-on delivery, and strategic vision are key.

A snapshot of what you'll do:

• Lead the financial control of 10 business entities across Australia, New Zealand and Malaysia
• Complete the roll out and ongoing management of the internal control framework outlined by the UK to ensure a best practice controls and compliance environment
• Develop and manage a remediation plan where there are control deficiencies, including the timely escalation of any issues to the Chief Commercial Officer
• Work with the UK technical team to ensure financial reporting is technically compliant with the latest accounting standards
• Oversee the external audit and preparation of statutory accounts / tax returns
• Actively manage the Groups cash flow and working capital, including management of cash flow forecasting and payments as well as cash maximisation strategies
• Management of the Accounts Payable function, including oversight over supplier set up and changes, purchasing, payments, ledger review, supplier statement reconciliation and credit cards
• Leadership & management of Accounts Payable and Corporate teams

Your ideal experience:

• Bachelor (or higher) qualification in a relevant field of study (ie. Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, Economics, Business Law)
• Professional accounting qualification CA/CPA
• Previous experience with Mediaocean (BCC) / Netsuite would be favourable
• Previous experience with Sarbanes Oxley (SOX) would be favourable
• Min 3-5 years staff management experience, with a focus on leadership & development
• >10 years work experience, with a minimum 5+ years in Advertising & Media in a similar role would be favourable

Skills & Attributes:

• Leadership
• Inclusion & Diversity
• Decision Making & Initiative
• Self Awareness & Integrity
• Strategic thinking
• Commercial Awareness
• Building Relationships
• Persuading & Influencing
• Presenting & Communicating

What WE value MOST:

• Walk in different worlds
• Make Uncommon Sense
• Run Towards the Fire (except if there is an actual fire when we run away from it)
• Roll as one
• Be excellent to each other 

Best bits about working with us:

Our big benefits fuel our big ambitions. We’re here to support and encourage our people at every turn. Our commitment to your individual needs stems from our diverse Flexible Flexibility work approach, flexing to how you want to work and how you want to take your leave. You’ll be saying "hello holidays" with our flexible public holidays, summer half days and even extra leave for taking your leave. And, to further our support to you, Family First, Health and Wellness paid leave are on offer, along with our Work From Anywhere in the world initiative (so you can stay connected across the globe). Plus, you can join our inclusive community led networks, supporting things you care about and your cultural and social wellbeing.

We’re committed to building a diverse workplace and strongly encourage applications from First Nations people, people with disability, people from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds, mature age workers and LGBTQIA+ people. Our flexible work approach, employee-led diversity networks and inclusive career development approach all support and promote one of our core values ‘Walk in Different Worlds’ which helps describe our overall DE&I mission. If you require any adjustments throughout the recruitment process, please let our team know.

WHAT ARE YOUR BIG AMBITIONS?

We’d love to hear what your ambitions are and how we can help you realise them with us!