Financial Manager

Publicis West Africa

A multi-talented, culturally diverse agency based in Accra, Ghana, doing regional work in English, French and Portuguese for over 25 markets in Central West Africa. Our story is to reclaim Africa’s birth right as an inherently creative and expressive place through contagious ideas that transform business and industry.

Scope of the role

Publicis West Africa (PWA) is an important regional hub. The main languages that the agency works in are English, French & Portuguese. There are several local dialects (as well) across the markets we work in. However, it’s key to note that interactions, both spoken and via email, within the Publicis network agencies is in English. This role requires the individual to manage financial functions of the agency in Ghana. They should maintain a far sightedness in order to ensure that the funds are utilized in the most efficient manner. Their actions directly affect the profitability, growth and goodwill of the agency.

Responsibilities (include but are not limited to):

Day-to-day    

• Raise POs and run regular reports to see where supplier invoices are o/s
• Oversee billing process - run reports to check unbilled CEs and follow up with CS
• Manage cash flow and work in progress on a weekly basis
• Trail Balance: check balance sheet and income statement accounts weekly and resolve issues
• Prepare and submit payment schedules as per cash flow
• Debtors and creditors: manage sub-ledgers according to payment terms and cash flow allowances

Month-end     

• Run revenue report at month-end, check against forecast and comment on variances
• Accruals: accrue revenue and expenses accordingly
• Work in progress: run report on revenue closing and identify DR WIP balances
• Open PO’s: run report on revenue closing and identify open PO accruals on Chase and NAV
• Check trial balance: identify and rectify any issues
• Balance sheet: run report at month-end and provide commentary on variances
• Resfin reporting/PICT: update reports with commentary | Assist FC with reporting

Taxes  

• WHT: run reports and manage certification process for write-offs
• Levies: run reports and manage certification process for write-off

Ad Hoc           

• Assist PWA staff with Chase queries  
• Ensure co-operative relationships are maintained with Resources service providers 
• Supportive role to Publicis West Africa staff by assisting with administrative queries (i.e. Client follow-up, cost estimates corrections, issuing of credit notes etc.)
• Assist Chief Financial Officer with various reports (i.e. revenue/billing)
• Ensure client contracts are valid and signed and available (to access)   
• Monthly reports open and closed job bag: report deadline 1st week of the month
• Monthly reports time by client: report deadline 1st week of the month
• Monthly reports time by user: report deadline 1st week of the month
• Assist the Senior Vice President with costings for new business and projects
• Assist the Business Lead with client retainer fee calculations and periodic reconciliation
• Prepare revenue/cost/profitability projections and scenario planning,
• Assist the SVP in developing annual and long-term business plans
• Provide cost effective ways of paying for shared resources and facilities across markets
• Collaborate with Financial Auditors and Tax Advisors to ensure timeous delivery on audited financial accounts
• Build and manage Ghana Authority stakeholder accounts
• Manage the admin / finance support staff

Publics Groupe is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and prohibits any forms of Discrimination or Harassment. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all our employees in line with our Employment Equity Plan. All appointments will be based on qualifications, experience and best fit but preference will be given to all affirmative action candidates or designated groups.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Should you not hear from us within 2 weeks after submitting your application, please consider your application as unsuccessful.

Requirements / Experience / Skills

• A relevant tertiary qualification in Finance / Accounting
• Proficient in MS Office (i.e. Word / Excel etc.)
• At least 4 years’ experience as a Financial Manager in an Advertising Agency (or similar environment)
• Chase and NAV experience is essential
• Experience in leading / coaching / mentoring a team
• A good command of the English language (both verbal and written)
• Excellent organizational skills
• Excellent multitasking skills
• Comfortable in working across borders

Personality Attributes

• Team player with ability to work independently
• Ability to remain calm in a highly pressurized environment
• Mature and honest
• Confident
• Assertive (never aggressive)
• Reliable
• Resilient
• Problem solver
• Solution and deadline driven
• High EQ
• Ability to accept constructive feedback and learn from it
• Energetic, enthusiastic, and willing “to go the extra mile”