Group FD - Creative Agency

Group Finance Director - Creative Agency The Opportunity An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced and commercially minded Group Finance Director to join a successful and growing international brand experience, events, and communications group. This is a pivotal leadership role, offering the chance to shape the financial strategy of a dynamic, project-driven business operating across multiple entities and international locations. Reporting directly to the Group CEO, the successful candidate will play a key role in driving commercial performance, supporting growth ambitions, and providing strategic financial insight to the senior leadership team. The business delivers high-profile projects across sport, brands, entertainment, and live events, working with globally recognised clients and stakeholders. The Role The Group Finance Director will have full responsibility for the finance function across the Group, combining strategic leadership with hands-on operational oversight. Key Responsibilities Strategic Leadership & Business Partnering • Partner closely with the CEO and Senior Leadership Team to shape business strategy and drive performance. • Lead the annual budgeting process and long-range financial planning. • Provide insightful financial analysis to support decision-making and future growth. • Support mergers, acquisitions, and integration activity where required, including due diligence, modelling, and post-acquisition reporting. Financial Reporting & Control • Ensure timely and accurate monthly management reporting across all entities. • Oversee forecasting, trading performance reporting, and balance sheet management. • Maintain robust financial controls and the integrity of all financial records. • Lead statutory reporting, audit processes, and regulatory compliance. • Oversee tax reporting and compliance across multiple jurisdictions. Commercial Finance • Drive project profitability through effective management of margins, revenue recognition, WIP, and cash flow. • Monitor working capital and identify opportunities to improve financial performance. • Partner with operational teams to provide commercial insight and challenge. Leadership & Stakeholder Management • Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing finance team. • Build strong relationships across finance and non-finance functions. • Manage relationships with auditors, banks, advisors, and external stakeholders. Systems & Process Improvement • Drive continuous improvement of financial processes, controls, and reporting. • Lead finance systems and ERP development projects. • Champion automation and best-practice ways of working across the finance function. About You Qualifications & Experience • Fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA or CIMA). • Minimum seven years' post-qualified experience. • Previous experience within an agency environment is essential, including creative, marketing, communications, events, or related sectors. • Proven experience operating at Finance Director level or as a senior Financial Controller with full ownership of a finance function. • Strong experience managing multi-entity and multi-jurisdiction finance operations. • Solid understanding of project accounting, WIP management, and revenue recognition. • Exposure to M&A activity, transactions, or business integration would be advantageous. Skills & Attributes • Commercially astute with strong business partnering capabilities. • Confident operating at board and senior leadership level. • An inspiring people leader with experience developing high-performing teams. • Excellent communication skills, with the ability to translate complex financial information for non-financial stakeholders. • Highly organised and able to thrive in a fast-paced, project-led environment. • Advanced Excel skills and experience with finance systems and ERP platforms. • An interest in live events, sport, entertainment, marketing, or brand experience sectors would be beneficial. What's on Offer? • A highly visible leadership position with direct access to the CEO and senior stakeholders. • The opportunity to influence strategy and contribute to the next phase of business growth. • A collaborative and entrepreneurial culture. • Hybrid working with a central London base. • Competitive salary and benefits package. If you are a commercially focused finance leader looking for a role that combines strategic influence, operational ownership, and growth opportunities, we would welcome your application. Handle actively welcomes applicants from under-represented backgrounds - we pride ourselves on attracting the best talent for every opportunity through a commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion.