Financial Reporting and Controls Manager

Leo Burnett is a communications agency powered by its HumanKind operating system, with the belief that creativity, data and technology work together to transform human behavior and drive prosperity for clients. Part of Publicis Communications, Leo Burnett Worldwide is one of the world's largest agency networks with 85 offices and more than 8,000 employees. The global agency works with some of the world's most valued brands including Samsung, Bank of America, Campbell’s, Aldi, Wingstop, Nintendo, Kellogg’s, Firestone, Purina, and UnitedHealthcare among others.

Summary and Scope of Position:

This individual will pay a key role in the management of the Agency’s Financial Reporting and Controls department. Responsibilities will include but are not limited to the coordination of monthly intercompany activity, supervising the month end general ledger close as well the monthly financial reporting to Publicis. The Manager provides assurance that the general ledger is in compliance with GAAP and the Publicis Corporate Policies (JANUS). This individual will also play a key role in the annual and interim external financial statement audits. The Manager will also supervise the Financial Reporting and Controls staff (on-shore and off-shore, Costa Rica), which includes the management of development plans and career planning.

Manager works independently and self analyzes their data and reports. The Manager works to identify issues, develops POVs, and offers ideas to their manager that can drive results to meet and/or exceed targets and to create efficiencies. This position interacts with and builds relationships with agency staff at all levels.

Responsibilities:

General Ledger

• Assist in review and approval the all balance sheet account reconciliations as prepared Re:Sources
• Ensure compliance with GAAP, IFRS, JANUS and Agency Finance Policies
• Assist in managing the month end close process and ensure that journal entries and other adjustments are processed before the monthly submission deadlines with proper supporting documentation
• Review financials daily during month end close to ensure accuracy
• Quarterly deep review of balance sheet to assist in identifying potential risks or opportunities
• Approve job journals and WIP transfers
• Assist their manager with any new system implementations related to the General Ledger
• Assist Job Management team in researching issues on jobs

Financial Reporting

• Supervise the preparation of the monthly Balance Sheet and P&L in the required format for upload into the Hyperion Reporting System
• Ensure the accuracy of the Hyperion reporting schedules that are sent to Publicis for consolidation
• Review and present the monthly operating results with the leadership team
• Assist in managing the Financial Reporting and Controls process in compliance with all of the identified Internal Control (FMC) requirementsAssist their manager with any new system implementations related to Financial Reporting

Audits

• Lead external E&Y audits for Year-End, hard closes and revenue testing
• Lead Publicis Internal audits
• Lead Financial Monitor Control, Test of Control and Walk-Through audits
• Assist with earn-out audits

Intercompany A/R and Payables Processing

• Ensure all reconciling items are investigated each month
• Ensure the confirmation reconciliation reports are reviewed and assist analysts in resolving discrepancies highlighted by the HFM IC report
• Ensure that the intercompany confirmation and payment process is working appropriately and all imbalances are resolved

Other

• Identify opportunities for process improvements and assist the Associate Director of Financial Reporting and Controls and the US Lead on drafting common and efficient processes across US Marketing Services
• Train and mentor staff to ensure continuous professional development and result oriented mindset
• Collaboration with Client Reporting/FP&A and Job Management teams on process improvements between teams
• Prepare and maintain job descriptions for direct reports
• Perform other special projects as necessary

Education/ Work Experience

• Bachelor degree in Accounting or Finance, CPA preferred
• 7 to 10 years relevant work experience with preference for service industry and public accounting background
• 2 years of direct managerial experience
• Proficiency with Microsoft applications specifically Excel and Word

Knowledge /Skills

• Knowledge of general accounting principles
• Strong communication skills and ability to work with a wide range of people
• Excellent organizational, analytical and problem solving skills
• Ability to work independently as well as in a team environment
• Ability to supervise direct reports
• Ability to learn quickly in a fast paced environment
• Self-motivator, out of the box thinker with passion to drive reengineering throughout Finance
• SAP knowledge, preferred

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.