Finance Manager

About Us

We are a New York-based independent advertising agency with approximately 70 employees. As a collaborative, project-based organization, we are seeking a hands-on Finance Manager to oversee our day-to-day accounting operations, strengthen financial processes, and serve as a trusted accounting resource for leadership and the broader agency.

This role reports directly to executive leadership and serves as the senior accounting professional within the organization. The ideal candidate is comfortable operating independently, supervising a small accounting team, partnering across departments, and balancing strategic thinking with day-to-day execution.

Position Summary

The Finance Manager is responsible for overseeing the agency’s accounting operations, financial reporting, client billing, cash management, and month-end close while ensuring accurate financial records and efficient accounting processes.

This is a highly hands-on role that combines traditional accounting responsibilities with agency finance operations. The successful candidate will supervise a team of three and serve as the primary accounting resource for the agency, providing guidance on accounting treatment, client billing, revenue recognition, accounts payable, accounts receivable, banking activity, and financial processes.

The ideal candidate has experience within an advertising, marketing, media, or other project-based professional services organization and understands the unique financial operations of an agency environment.

Key Responsibilities

Accounting & Financial Operations

• Lead the monthly close process and ensure timely and accurate financial reporting.
• Review journal entries, account reconciliations, and general ledger activity.
• Prepare monthly financial reports and supporting schedules for leadership.
• Maintain accurate accounting records and financial documentation.
• Coordinate with the agency’s external CPA firm on year-end financial statements, tax filings, and other accounting matters.
• Assist with budgeting, cash flow planning, and financial analysis as needed.
• Ensure accounting records are maintained in accordance with company policies and generally accepted accounting principles.

 Client Finance & Agency Operations

• Oversee client billing and revenue recognition processes.
• Review project setup, billing structures, funding, and job profitability.
• Monitor work-in-process (WIP), deferred revenue, accrued revenue, and unbilled balances.
• Partner with Client Finance, Account Management, Production, and Operations teams to resolve billing and accounting questions.
• Provide guidance on the accounting treatment of client, vendor, and project-related transactions.
• Help ensure accurate project reporting and timely client invoicing.

Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable & Cash Management

• Oversee accounts payable, accounts receivable, billing, and payment processing.
• Review vendor setup and payment approvals.
• Monitor client collections and aging reports.
• Assist with daily banking activity, cash management, and cash flow forecasting.
• Support banking relationships and financial operations.

Team Leadership

• Supervise a team consisting of two Billing Specialists and one Accounting Analyst.
• Serve as the primary accounting resource for the department by providing guidance on accounting policies, billing, accounts payable, accounts receivable, banking activity, and financial processes.
• Review work for accuracy and completeness while supporting the professional development of team members.
• Develop and document accounting procedures to improve consistency, efficiency, and internal controls.

Process Improvement

• Identify opportunities to improve accounting workflows and operational efficiency.
• Recommend and implement process improvements and automation where appropriate.
• Maintain strong financial controls and accounting documentation.
• Support ongoing enhancements within the Advantage agency management system.

Business Partnership

• Partner with agency leadership to support financial decision-making.
• Provide insight into project profitability, cash flow, revenue recognition, and operational performance.
• Collaborate with departments across the agency to ensure accounting processes support business needs.
• Serve as a trusted accounting advisor and problem solver across the organization.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
• CPA preferred but not required.
• 7+ years of progressive accounting experience.
• Previous experience within an advertising agency, marketing agency, media agency, or other project-based professional services organization strongly preferred.
• Previous supervisory or team leadership experience.
• Strong understanding of:
  • General ledger accounting
  • Month-end close
  • Client billing
  • Revenue recognition
  • Accounts payable
  • Accounts receivable
  • Cash management
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills.
• Experience with Advantage agency management software is strongly preferred.
• Excellent communication, analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently while managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

What Success Looks Like

• Accurate and timely month-end close and financial reporting.
• Efficient client billing and revenue recognition processes.
• Well-managed accounts payable, accounts receivable, and cash flow.
• Strong internal controls and well-documented accounting procedures.
• A supported and well-trained accounting team.
• Improved accounting processes and operational efficiencies.
• A trusted accounting partner for agency leadership and cross-functional teams.