Finance Director United Kingdom & Ireland

DEPT® is a Growth Invention company built to help the world’s most ambitious brands grow faster. Operating at the intersection of technology and marketing, our 4,000+ specialists deliver growth invention services across Brand & Media, Experience, Commerce, CRM, and Technology & Data. We’re 50|50 tech and marketing, partner-led, and first to move. Clients include Google, Lufthansa, Meta, eBay, and OpenAI. We have been certified B Corp and Climate Neutral since 2021.

JOB PURPOSE:

We are seeking a highly experienced and strategic VP of Finance for the UK and Ireland (UKI) market. This critical leadership role is responsible for driving financial performance, ensuring operational excellence, and providing strategic counsel as part of the UKI leadership team. The VP will report directly to the SVP of Finance, EMEA, and be accountable for the financial health and compliance of the UKI market, leading a team of approximately 6 FTE.

WHAT YOU’LL DO:

• Leading the following functions within UKI:
• FP&A - Provides strategic financial insights through budgeting, forecasting, modelling and performance analysis, turning data into clear “stories” and actionable insights for stakeholders. 
• Client Finance - Provide client and commercial teams with strategic and financial support on client-related and new business initiatives.
• Operational Excellence - Streamline internal processes and systems to ensure smooth execution of internal projects and client delivery, monitor operational KPIs and escalate concerns to relevant Client/Delivery teams

• Support the Financial control function within UKI:
• Preparation and analysis of financial statements to provide an accurate picture of a business's financial health.
• Statutory financial statements and tax compliance of UKI corporate entities to ensure timely filing and quality assurance.
• Part of the UKI leadership team, working alongside the Head of Market and stakeholders, ensuring they are supported and challenged in assessing performance against financial and data-led KPIs
• Report directly to the SVP of Finance, EMEA and work alongside other market VPs & Directors of Finance to create a cohesive finance team and focus on finance-wide initiatives.
• Responsible for people management and team development (approx. 6 FTE)
• Develop and implement financial strategies and plans to support the UKI market
• Provide accurate and timely financial reports, forecasts, and insights to senior management and stakeholders.
• Collaborate with regional, client and growth teams to develop financial models and projections for new commercial initiatives.
• Monitor industry trends and competitive landscape to identify opportunities and risks related to the UKI market.
• Lead the financial planning and budgeting process for the UKI market, ensuring alignment with overall company goals.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with external partners to negotiate favourable terms and drive cost efficiencies.
• Responsible for ensuring Group Policy and Procedure is applied in all areas of finance in UKI.
• Responsible for compliance with the internal control environment/framework set by the Group. 
• Accountable for:
• All non-billable costs management versus the budget and forecast 
• Lock-up/WIP/DSO days targets and management
• DPO days, targets and management
• Working capital management overall
• Cash conversion targets
• Provide leadership and mentorship to the finance team, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and professional development.
• Support EMEA and global with financial and commercial opportunities and ad hoc projects

WHAT YOU’LL BRING:

Hard Skills:

• Leadership skills in an organisation within a fast paced and ever changing environment
• Solid accounting, reporting, analysis skills
• Affinity with data, systems 
• Knowledge of Agency model and commercial agreements
• Knowledge of cost drivers and revenue models for marketing agencies
• Ability to challenge management on assumptions and be able to apply industry and economic environment knowledge to forecasting

Soft Skills:

• Lead team members with a keen interest in developing their skills and maintain a trusting team environment
• Ability (and willingness) to handle peaks and down time during the reporting cycles.
• Clear communication skills and ability to explain accounting concepts in an understandable manner to non-accountants 
• Solid project management skills and ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines in a fast paced environment
• Constructive cooperation with other disciplines and non-financials. 

Qualifications:

• Accounting certification
• 12+ years of working experience with responsibilities covering accounting, reporting, forecasting and planning and  client finance
• Experience with private equity and a buy and build strategy is a plus, as well as experience with project accounting
• Managing senior stakeholders and presenting information in a clear and concise manner.
• Leadership skills with a can-do mentality in getting “hands dirty”. 
• Ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment
• A strong work ethic, ability to meet deadlines
• Solid interpersonal skills with proven ability to develop and maintain effective business partner relationships at all levels of the organisation. International experience is an asset.

WE OFFER

• A flexible, hybrid working policy (2 days from the office, depending on location) and the opportunity to work from abroad for 13 weeks a year. 
• 24 vacation days per year and the possibility to buy an unlimited number of extra vacation days.
• DEPT®/YOU Learning Menu and DEPT®/YOU Special Programs. Develop your skills with courses and programs tailored to your needs.
• Stay happy and healthy with a contribution to your health through the OpenUp platform, gym and wellness discounts, and healthy lunches at the office.
• Get a discount on your lease bike and ride in style. You can also enjoy hassle free-commutes with an NS Business Card. 
• A reputation for doing good. DEPT® has been a Certified B Corp® since 2021, has been named a Great Place To Work since 2022 in the Netherlands and named ‘Agency of the Year’ at both The Lovies and The Webby Awards.
• Awesome clients. Whether big, small, local or global — at DEPT® you’ll get the opportunity to work with all of them. And we celebrate all of our successes together!
• You can discover even more employee benefits here.

WHY DEPT®?

We are a Growth Invention company built to help the world’s most ambitious brands grow faster. Operating at the intersection of technology and marketing, we create what is next by pioneering ideas, acting fast, and moving further because standing still just is not in our DNA. We are drawn to people who stay curious, move with intent, and never stop inventing. Our culture runs on three values: better together, relentlessly curious, and get sh*t done. It is how we work, how we grow, and how we make things that matter. At DEPT®, you will find the freedom to explore, the space to collaborate, and the trust to make a real impact for our clients, for each other, and for the world we are helping to build.

DIVERSITY, EQUITY & INCLUSION 

At DEPT®, we take pride in creating an inclusive workplace where everyone has an equal opportunity to thrive. We actively seek to recruit, develop, nurture, and retain talented individuals from diverse backgrounds, with varying skills and perspectives. Not sure you meet all qualifications? Apply, and let us decide! Research shows that women and members of underrepresented groups tend not to apply for jobs when they think they may not meet every requirement, when in fact they do. We believe in giving everyone a fair chance to shine. We also encourage you to reach out to us and discuss any reasonable adjustments we can make to support you throughout the recruitment process and your time with us. Want to know more about our dedication to diversity, equity, and inclusion? Check out our efforts here.