Finance Manager

The business has local accounting and finance teams in its regional studios, supported by a central Group Finance function based in Melbourne and headed by 7C’s global CFO.

This role plays a key role in commercial project accounting & management for the London studio and helps partner with studio leadership to help the studio meet its financial and commercial objectives.

Projects

• Attend and drive accuracy, accountability and thoroughness in the pre-WIP and WIP processes.
• Ensure studio processes accurately capture, forecast and account for project revenues, costs and profits/losses. In this regard, monitor billings, timesheet completion, and the timely recording of consultants and expenses.
• Ensure project forecasts for revenues and costs to complete are determined accurately each month to facilitate meaningful monitoring and reporting and timely actions.
• Coordinate project performance reporting focussing on actions and recommendations to improve profitability.
• Regularly review the % complete assumptions on important projects in the region.
• Ensure relevant financial aspects of contracts are recorded appropriately and regular review of WIP balances.
• Oversee and assist in the preparation of major bids, as required.
• Assist Group Finance in establishing the credit profile of new clients and lockup profile on key bids.
• Assist Regional Management Stream with project contract management.
• Oversee project financial process and where necessary engage directly with key stakeholders to optimise our commercial relationships and business position.

Financial Performance & Reporting

• Partner closely with studio leadership to drive studio growth while managing risks/headwinds
• Together with Regional Executive set, monitor and action strategies to deliver regional performance.
• Work with the studio leadership teams to meet studio KPIs and budgets.
• Work with and mentor Project Leaders to meet project financial performance.
• Work closely with the finance leadership in Dubai.
• Undertake analysis and reporting to support these outcomes.
• Deliver accurate, timely and meaningful reports that analyse and focus on pipeline, project, sector, studio and region profitability, growth and improvement.
• Assist your region to meet internal reporting timelines with accurate and reliable information, particularly meeting month end deadlines.
• Maintain income statement and balance sheet accuracy
• Complete the monthly reporting dashboards with commentary and insights to assist Group Finance in understanding the studio’s financial results and forecasts.
• Drive regular reviews of BST data to ensure its integrity. Understand the GL accounts and use them correctly.

Lock-up & Cash

• Lock-up – Report and manage regional lock-up to within set KPIs.
• Debtors – Assist studios to actively collect their outstanding invoices and to meet debtor day targets.
• Collections – Assist the studios to meet their monthly collections targets.
• Cashflow – Together with Group Treasury, oversee and own the preparation of the regional cash flow forecasts

Business Plans & Budget

• Work with the studios to deliver the business plans, budgets, forecasts and to meet the timeline.
• Work as the liaison between Group Finance and the studios.
• Prepare the regional business plan, budget and forecasts.
• Review charge out rates and pricing
• Undertake analysis and reporting as required by the regional executive and Group Finance.

Compliance & Risk

• Oversee compliance with regulatory requirements – tax, accounting, audit and legal.
• Ensure balance sheets are reconciled and understood.
• Work with Risk compliance leader on local insurance renewals/requirements
• Manage Rent reviews and R&D process
• In conjunction with Group Finance, understand and apply the applicable accounting standards.
• Oversee payroll delivery in the region (accurate processing, approval and reporting – salaries, allowances and expense reimbursement).
• Liaise with Group Finance regarding the external audit of the region. The objective is no material audit adjustments.
• Together with Group Finance, ensure adequate financial controls exist around AP, AR and Payroll.

Finance Team

• Develop and mentor your Finance team.
• Upskill studio in the understanding and utility of BST.
• Work with the studio to develop their understanding of finance, project profitability and project management.

Key Skills

• Accounting, Finance, Bachelor of Business or Bachelor of Commerce required
• Certified CPA/CA/CMA, highly desirable
• 10+ years’ experience in a Commercial or Financial Management role.
• Commercial experience (contract awareness; claims; cash; fees).
• Industry experience in professional service, architecture design, engineering or advertising is preferred.
• Project management experience is preferred.
• Strong Excel skills required

Personal Competencies

• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written
• Strong leadership skills.
• Proactive, collaborative and problem-solving skills
• Attention to detail.
• Flexibility and Resilience.
• A “can do” attitude and a team player.

Benefits we offer

In addition to working for a world-class design Studio, you will enjoy benefits such as:

• A balance between Studio and home working
• Access to global resources to enhance your learning and development
• Private healthcare and dental cover
• Annual discretionary bonus
• Company pension scheme

How to Apply

Please send your resume via this LinkedIn job post. Applications will be treated in the strictest confidence. We do not accept unsolicited resumes or names from agencies.

Mandatory Requirement: It is an essential requirement that applicants must have the legal right to work in the UK when applying for this position.

Due to the high volume of applications, we kindly ask that you refrain from following up on your CV submission, as this may slow down the process. We truly appreciate your interest in joining Woods Bagot, and should your application progress, we will be in touch directly. Thank you for your understanding.

All personal data collected by the Company will be kept confidential and only be used for recruitment purposes.

7C – Total Place Design Network

7C is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, colour, ethnicity, ancestry, religion, creed, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship status, marital status, disability, gender identity, gender expression, and Veteran status. At 7C, we are committed to creating an environment where difference is celebrated, valued and respected, practices are equitable, and our people feel like they belong. We accept that none of us is smarter than all of us. We believe building a diverse workforce is the foundation to creativity and innovative design – it is only by working together that we can realise the potential of our people, clients and communities around us. Through our inclusive leadership and our truly global studio network, you will find your voice and have the support and flexibility required to bring your whole self to work and build an exceptional career.