Groupe Client Finance Lead - Publicis Groupe

Publicis Groupe is one of the world’s largest communications holding companies, present in over 100 countries and employing about 80,000 professionals.. The Groupe is positioned at every step of the value chain, from consulting to execution, combining marketing transformation and digital business transformation.

Our clients compete in the platform world, a horizontal marketplace between creators and consumers, between speakers and listeners, between buyers and sellers. To thrive in the platform world, companies must continue to innovate their products and business models.

Four imperatives (1. Real Identity, 2. Dynamic, Diverse and Disruptive Creativity 3. Smart Media and 4. Direct Relationships) via our suite of world-class agencies, are necessary for modern brands  to win in the platform world.

At Publicis Groupe, we’ve invested in capabilities across these four imperatives our clients need to unlock growth.  As the only one who can architect, build and orchestrate end to end solutions, not only do we have a proven record of building bespoke models for clients and leading expertise across all major industry categories, we are able to offer our talents more opportunities to grow and benefit from a richer learning experience. We call this Power of One.

Never has our vision and drive for Power of One been as demonstrable as in the role of the Global Client lead. The role of a GCL is essential for driving growth, for understanding and leading our clients’ own transformation through delivering the true scale of our agencies’ capabilities. A GCL sets the vision, builds a culture of collaboration and curates a team of experts from our whole Groupe to deliver on that promise. They are true leaders with responsibility for revenue, profitability and leading the relationship with our clients. We could not be more committed to delivering excellence.

Powered by a 80,000-strong network via Marcel, our AI-based platform, we are also able to provide our clients and talents instant access to resource, knowledge for any need, any time, in any market.

This role provides a unique opportunity to work alongside the Global Client lead on an important client for the Groupe.

The Groupe Client Finance Lead (GCFL) is a senior finance role charged with providing overall financial and commercial leadership on Publicis’ Global Client Accounts.

It is principally and fore mostly a role that sits in partnership with and support to, the Groupe Client Lead of the account (GCL).  

The objective of the role is simple - to support the achievement of profitable growth of Publicis’ business with Clients across all capabilities (Creative, media, digital, technology and data). This should be achieved through the application of excellent commercial and financial management on the business, driving the needs of the client’s financial health and growth through the matrix of brands, solutions and geographies.

The GCFL must also ensure objectivity and consistency in representing Publicis Groupe’s best interests, with no internal bias for any one Brand within the Groupe.

Provide financial oversight and management of the Global Client to which this role is accountable. Effectively manage all key internal and external deliverables as appropriate.

• Partner with Global Client Leader (GCL) to develop annual client plan in alignment with strategy and growth targets
• Partner with GCL to maintain expert and fluid knowledge of client’s business models, contractual arrangements, key strengths, and opportunities. 
• Continually advise business partners and finance leadership on issues within the client portfolio that impact the business, escalating as necessary and appropriate.
• Work with GCL/Client team to negotiate Global retainer  and any other Global assignments.
• Supporting and advising on global negotiations
• Run monthly business reviews with the GCL/Client leads with the client.
• Act as day to day interface with finance and procurement contacts at the client,
• Provide a single point of finance connectivity both internally and externally surrounding the client’s business for Publicis
• Manage FX and tax implications of cross boarder invoicing, seeking support from Publicis Groupe treasury & tax departments as is required
• Liaise on client finance matters with Groupe brands and other Groupe companies servicing clients
• Maintain focus on client profitably; identify underperforming grands/units, disciplines and work across Publicis matrix to implement corrective action to improve profitability
• Monitor client account net working capital (especially overdue) and work with client and Publicis Treasury to maintain an acceptable level within the parameters of our agreement
• Provide thorough analysis and insights and communicate appropriately
• Actively seek out and create solutions to solve problems before they escalate
• Work with GCL to demonstrate continued improvement in Publicis value proposition for the client

• Lead in partnership with GCL and key internal stakeholders,  all aspects of client finance management including contract and/or SOW negotiation, fee negotiation, audits, pricing and client finance dispute resolution with the aim of increasing revenue and maximizing profitability

• Review financial reporting and provide business analysis to the GCL as is required
• Work with units and worldwide reporting teams to ensure integrity and accuracy of Client account financial reporting in HFM

CRITICAL SKILLS

• Highly numerate graduate with either professional qualification (CPA / CIMA or equivalent) or MBA preferable
• At least 10 years business experience,
• Global experience is preferred, time in alternate markets or overseas posting a plus
• Strong analytical, communications and negotiating skills
• Relentless hunger to achieve results and grow business
• Able to identify opportunities to sell the Groupe proposition & solutions, intuitively understands the art of up-selling and cross-selling to drive and unlock new opportunities
• Experienced and demonstrated success in a highly matrixed structure
• Communicates clearly, accurately and succinctly both verbally and in writing
• Excellent interpersonal skills including ability to work across different cultures and financial systems
• Previous senior level experience in a demanding financial / client finance role involving contract negotiation
• Has confidence and credibility to manage senior level client procurement and financial relationships as well as senior internal stakeholders

Our Publicis Groupe motto "Viva La Différence" means we're better together, and we believe that our differences make us stronger. It means we honor and celebrate all identities, across all facets of intersectionality, and it underpins all that we do as an organization. We are focused on fostering belonging and creating equitable & inclusive experiences for all talent.

Publicis Groupe provides robust and inclusive benefit programs and policies to support the evolving and diverse needs of our talent and enable every person to grow and thrive. Our benefits package includes medical coverage, dental, vision, disability, 401K, as well as parental and family care leave, family forming assistance, tuition reimbursement, and flexible time off.

If you require accommodation or assistance with the application or onboarding process specifically, please contact hrcompliance_usms@publicis.com.

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

Veterans Encouraged to Apply

This is the pay range the Company believes it will pay for this position at the time of this posting. Consistent with applicable law, compensation will be determined based on the skills, qualifications, and experience of the applicant along with the requirements of the position, and the Company reserves the right to modify this pay range at any time. For this role, the Company will offer medical coverage, dental, vision, disability, 401k, and paid time off. The Company anticipates the application deadline for this job posting will be 7/16/2024.