Job Description

Role: Finance Manager
About the position
We are looking for an experienced Finance Manager to support our advertising agency's financial operations, reporting, and compliance. The role involves close collaboration with cross-functional teams and requires strong analytical and organizational skills. This role will also support operations across MENA region.
Key responsibilities
1. Financial Operations

• Support the Finance Director in day-to-day financial operations, including accounts payable/receivable, billing, and reconciliations.
• Monitor campaign costs, vendor invoices, and ensure timely settlements.
• Assist in preparing client billing schedules (retainers, project-based fees, media costs).

2. Budgeting & Forecasting

• Preparation of annual budgets, forecasts, and periodic re-forecasts.
• Track budget vs. actuals on campaigns and departmental spends.
• Support teams with cost estimates and budget planning for pitches and new projects.

3. Revenue & Cost Tracking

• Monitor Work-in-Progress (WIP) balances and accrued income.
• Track revenue recognition per project timelines, especially under IFRS 15.
• Ensure production and third-party costs are captured and billed accurately.

4. Reporting & Analysis

• Prepare monthly management reports and variance analysis.
• Provide financial data to account managers and project leads for performance tracking.
• Support profitability analysis by client, campaign, or service line.

5. Audit & Compliance

• Assist with internal and external audits by preparing schedules and supporting documentation.
• Ensure compliance with tax regulations, including VAT.
• Help maintain strong internal controls and adherence to company policies.

6. ERP/Financial Systems Management

• Work with finance systems (NetSuite) used in the agency.
• Ensure accuracy of entries and assist in system reconciliations and upgrades.

7. Team & Stakeholder Support

• Collaborate with account, production, and media teams to align financials with project delivery.
• Respond to queries from leadership, auditors, or external vendors.
• Support finance team members in daily tasks and serve as a point of contact in the Finance Manager's absence.

What We Offer
For the right team member, we will offer a competitive salary and benefits package which includes;

• Great holidays: 23 days annual holiday, plus birthday day off.

• Great flexibility: 4 days in office and Friday WFH, plus 10 days of working from

anywhere in the world.

• Great benefits: private healthcare plan and perks.

• Great professional development: a mentoring progamme at global level and

generous training budgets to support your career pathway, and

• Great fun: a blended working culture and celebration days to socialise, bond and

learn together.
About Us
We were born out of the need for strategic and brutally effective creativity in the region. With every successful campaign, we have grown and cherry-picked the best professionals to work with us from all over the region and the world. In 2012, we opened our Abu Dhabi office and expanded the team with our Dubai office in 2016. From these offices we manage a number of local and global brands in Europe, GCC and of course the UAE. Brutal Simplicity of Thought is the creative philosophy of M&C Saatchi. It defines the way we work and the work we produce. We believe: "It's easier to complicate than simplify. Simple ideas enter the brain quicker and stay there longer. Brutal Simplicity of Thought is therefore a painful necessity."
About M&C Saatchi Group
M&C Saatchi Group is a creative federation of companies who navigate, create, and lead meaningful change for clients across five specialist divisions connected through people, culture, data, technology and creativity, M&C Saatchi Group aims to unlock new value for clients and leave a positive impact on the world.
M&C Saatchi Group's work is informed by two core principles - Brutal Simplicity of Thought and Diversity of Thought. Together they guide how problems are solved and integrated specialist teams are built. Headquartered in London, M&C Saatchi Group have circa 2,500 employees globally of which 720 employees are UK based. Our operations span 23 countries with major hubs in the UK, Europe, Middle East & Africa, Asia and Australia.
M+C Saatchi Group was founded in 1995 and is now the biggest Independent creative agency group in the World. Founded on one core principle, Brutal Simplicity.

Skills Required