Publicis Health is one of the four solution hubs of Publicis Group, the third-largest advertising and Media Company in the world, giving us unparalleled global reach.

We put our people first. Our people are motivated and curious, they have determination to constantly look for insights and build connections both within Publicis Health, the Group and across the world.

This is an opportunity to join Publicis Health as a WIP controller. You will be working directly with key account management staff within our UK agencies and members of the finance team and will be working directly on-site within the agencies, based in Baker Street, London. 

The main purpose of this role will be to business partner and assist the Publicis Health agency staff with successful management of project finances. You will ensure that work undertaken by the agency is properly recorded and accounted for and in particular, invoiced to the agency’s clients accurately and in a timely manner. In order to achieve this, you will develop a tight control over sales invoicing and WIP/cost management areas. You will also be responsible for preparation of job reconciliations for account management meetings and month-end reconciliations including accrued revenue and billing.

To be successful in this role, you will need to be a self-starter and someone who is used to working in an autonomous style. You must be able to work independently and still collaborate internally at the highest levels and relevant experience within a similar level role is essential. You’ll have a varied role which will involve managing multiple stakeholders and working closely with the account leads and account management staff, WIP Manager and commercial financial controller, at all times, so you’ll need to be proactive, thinking about future needs and keeping one step ahead.

Specific Job Criteria:

Financial Expertise

·       Monitors and analyses client project finances.

·       Undertakes regular project WIP/cost reviews with account management teams.

·       Prepares regular reports and analyses of project finances.

·       Issues client invoices and monitors client purchase order spend.

·       Prepares and posts journals such as WIP cost and time transfers, matching and allocations.

·       Understands and monitors balance of accrued and deferred revenue and work in progress (WIP). Proactively reduce these balances and escalate issues to WIP Manager.

·       Accounts receivable follow-up and liaising with credit control team to ensure minimal bad debt.

·       Ensures completeness and accuracy of backup documentation for revenue recognition and billing, including purchased order, client approval and purchasing contacts where applicable.

·       Prepares month-end reconciliations of balance sheet accounts such as accrued revenue, deferred revenue and client billing.

·       Looks after and manages the projects lifecycle in SAP. This includes job reconciliations and job closures.

·       Work with auditors - gathering and providing necessary information.

·       Ad hoc analyses as required.

·       Maintains and develops knowledge of regulatory environment and industry and evaluates agency financial processes and controls.

Skills and capabilities

·       Models a positive, approachable, and professional manner and demonstrates a willingness to work with internal clients to meet their needs.

·       Maintains trust and credibility with team members and clients by quickly responding to their needs - always following up and delivering high-quality work.

·       Readily adjusts priorities to respond to pressing and changing demands.

·       Uses others' time efficiently and appropriately (e.g. gathering input from team members).

The above list of duties and responsibilities is indicative. The individual is required to work in a flexible manner and to take on other tasks as may be required by the business. In addition, certain of the tasks listed here may be reassigned to other members of staff temporarily or permanently.

·       You will have prior experience in a similar level position, operating at a project accountant/analyst, WIP controller or finance assistant level.

·       We are ideally looking for experience of working within a marketing/advertising/creative agency or similar industry.

·       You should hold a degree-level qualification from an accredited college or university, ideally within finance or accounting.

·       Confident user of Excel and other Microsoft Office programs.

·       You are a result driven, proactive and highly organised self-starter.

·       We are looking for someone with commercial awareness and interested in adding value.

·       You will be personable, well-spoken, engaging and have the ability to develop internal relationships and present with a positive and persuasive style.

·       You should be able to demonstrate grace when working under pressure or to tight deadlines.

·       Experience of working with SAP/Maconomy will be advantageous.

·       You should be able to travel within Europe and globally as required.

At Publicis Health, we are united around one purpose: to create a world where people are equipped and motivated to take control of their health. We transform healthcare marketing and communications into healthcare engagement.  

We believe healthcare marketing is healthcare, fostering healthy conversations, healthy behaviours and healthy people. Publicis Health is a Dynamic Health Engagement Platform, an organising principle that seamlessly connects data, content and technology; is driven by marketing and business transformation; and offers our clients fluid access to world-class talent and game-changing capabilities.

With 40 offices and 15 brands across the globe, Publicis Health’s worldwide staff is comprised of more than 3,000 healthcare professionals who are experts in advertising and branding, data and analytics, strategic planning, service design, digital media and technology, science, and medicine. 

Publicis Health companies include Digitas Health, Discovery USA, Heartbeat, insync, Langland, Payer Sciences, PlowShare Group, Publicis Health France, Publicis Health Media, Publicis LifeBrands, Publicis Resolute, Razorfish Health, Real Science, Saatchi & Saatchi Wellness, and Verilogue. For more information, visit us at www.publicishealth.com.