Edelman Intelligence is a fast growing (6% growth last year) Insights and Research agency with a unique twist. We are part of Edelman, the world's largest independent communications marketing company, but with a boutique agency spirit amongst the 35 people in the team. We are therefore working within a truly integrated global network on some of the world's biggest and most exciting clients: Microsoft, GE, GSK, Kellogg's, Unilever (Dove, Knorr, TRESemmé, etc.), Shell, Disney, Heineken as well as public authorities, governments and charities.

Edelman Intelligence is a global, full-service, method neutral market research agency that provides clients with strategic insights to make their communications and engagements with the world the smartest they can be. Edelman Intelligence conducts truly varied work: thought leadership, CSR research, measurement, strategy and audience understanding, influencer work and much more. We work across a variety of sectors: healthcare, technology, digital, consumer/brand, corporate, public affairs, etc. We are a growing agency, with offices in the US, Europe and Asia. Edelman Intelligence has been shortlisted at the Market Research Society (MRS) Awards for three consecutive years for the UK team's work on both international and social research.

The Role

As a Finance Manager you will be responsible for the financial management of the Edelman intelligence including oversight of revenue recognition, financial reporting, forecasting and process compliance.

We are looking for a confident candidate who has excellent interpersonal communication skills to partner with the Edelman Intelligence team. We need this individual to have strong time management skills and be highly organised.

You will be part of an engaging, fast-paced environment, working with a dynamic team.

Key Responsibilities

Pricing Contracts

• Review and approve client budgets and upload into financial systemPartner with account teams in pricing client proposals, responding to RFP/I's and developing budgets (with oversight)
• Ensure that projects are managed in accordance with contracts; create summary sheets (contract cheat sheets) for account teams
• Ensure written client agreement is obtained (via contract, letter of agreement, signed SOW, etc.) for all work and are appropriately archived and classified.

Financial Management Analysis and Planning

• Responsible for financial management of a department including oversight of revenue recognition, financial reporting, forecasting and process compliance
• Review monthly fee detail
• Analyse monthly revenue for accuracy and explain significant variances to budget or forecast
• Provide senior management with monthly financial package describing results to date, forward projections compared to budget and commentary around noticeable trends
• Prepare management reports and identify and communicate areas of concern and suggested improvements to account staff and management (e.g., client profitability, utilization, over/under service, missing time, revenue risk and staffing plans)

Revenue Recognition

• Review monthly fees for accuracy and compliance with Edelman Revenue Recognition policy
• Billing/Cash Flow Management
• Facilitate monthly billing - liaison between account staff and billing department and review billing reports.
• Review time and expense write-offs and unbilled WIP
• Ensure processing of service orders timely
• Work with local leadership to minimize risk exposure surrounding accounts receivables and credit requirements of clients
• Accountable for timely and valuable AR collection status commentary and liaison with Accounts Receivable

Project & Resource Mgt

• Supervise project set up process for department and perform Business Manager role for larger or more complex projects.
• Drive profitability by working with department's management and account teams to improve client and resource management
• Review staffing utilization, realization, and capacity and proactively communicate meaningful observations to GM's.

People Development

• Engage in team building activities
• Train account staff on internal finance systems, procedures and financial project management
• Ensure performance expectations, career development plan and SMART goals are set and reviewed annually during the formal performance review process for all direct reports

Key Candidate Expectations

• Bachelor's degree in FIN or ACC or equivalent experience
• Previous experience in of FIN or ACC
• Advanced knowledge of financial systems (e.g. PowerPoint, Adaptive Planning, PSA) and strong Microsoft Excel skills
• Excellent written, oral and interpersonal communication skills
• Client service oriented and fosters positive working relationships
• Well organized with strong time management skills and attention to detail, follows through on multiple projects and juggle conflicting priorities in a fast paced environment
• Strong financial analysis and management skills; good business acumen
• Able to articulate financial concepts in layman's terms
• Must also take initiative and is a self-starter

If you are interested in this opportunity, please do get in touch and apply now.

*Edelman is an EEO/AA employer

Salary is competitive. Benefits include large holiday allowance (with an extra 1 for your birthday and we also close over Christmas), Pension, Healthcare benefits, free daily breakfasts, Thursday office drinks, subsided massages, flexible working hours and many more!

Also open to job sharing and part-time working.