Junior Finance Analyst - £38k

About Golin

Golin is a global public relations agency that helps companies create change that matters. Together, we discover powerful human truths that bind us, create with bravery and collaborate inclusively and obsessively. Inclusion is a core value for Golin and we are focused on establishing a culture that is intentionally inclusive, potently diverse and uncompromisingly equitable. Our expertise ranges from brand-building and cutting-edge digital content, to corporate reputation, disease awareness and measurement. Golin aligns earned-first, data-driven creative with the customer journey through our collaborative model to deliver maximum impact for clients. Our roster includes many of the largest FMCG, retail, food, healthcare, technology and consumer service companies in the world.

We Go All In, in everything we do. We’re especially committed to going all in for our people. Offering a hybrid working, flexible working and brilliant benefits that build a culture of happy people who are the best at what they do. 

We’re also proud of the work we do and our agency values, and even prouder when it is recognised by our peers. In the last year we’ve won two Cannes Lion Grand Prix’s and PRWeek’s large consultancy of the year. It’s a testament to our team’s excellent work and dedication to innovation and client service.

Job Overview

A Finance Analyst is an experienced finance professional who has a real interest in figures and be keen to learn about different aspects of Finance. This is a development role, so there’ll be lots to learn. Ideally you’ll have some experience of working in high volume data processing environment, where attention to detail is key. You will manage your own portfolio of clients, reporting to the Senior Commercial Finance Manager. You will support and assist billing, WIP, accounts payable and credit control management, ensure efficiency, accuracy and adherence to group policy. 

Core responsibilities and capabilities

nvoicing and SAP Maintenance

• Ensure all invoices for fees and costs are raised as per the client’s requirements

• Ensure that time is matched appropriately for all segments and practices

• Maintain client data forms

• Ensure that all new jobs are opened and codes provided to the practices, old jobs are closed down and any balances cleared

• Ensure that employees for the practice are maintained at the correct grade/rate

• Take responsibility for producing weekly missing timesheet reports for the business and ensure employees identified with missing time are notified and details communicated

WIP maintenance

• Ensure that no WIP items are outstanding over a period of 60 days and ensure that all WIP items are invoiced

• Provide monthly aged WIP reports with detailed commentary on action points for internal distribution including billable and non-billable budgets.

• Take responsibility for controlling and monitoring the WIP account for your portfolio of clients

• Support with resolving of issues & clearing of the Parked PO / invoices on suspense report

• Support for AP queries 

• Approve billable expenses

Revenue and Forecasting

• Attend revenue meetings and work closely with the agency team to ensure that the fee forecast is accurate and updated. Interrogate any changes and flag potential issues to the Finance Manager

• Ensure that all revenue is backed up by correct client documentation and ensure that revenue recognition is in line with Sarbox / IPG requirements

• Maintain on file all necessary documentation to recognise inter agency revenue

• Maintain overall revenue in accordance with the fee forecast and update Finance Manager with any discrepancies

• Assist with any audit queries

Business management

• Demonstrate an understanding of the overall business strategy

• Assist with the delivery of the finance business plan and deliver on the action plan

• Actively contribute and participate in finance team meetings

Skills and qualifications

• Proven billing experience within a PR, Media or creative industry

• Preferable experience using SAP

• Be used to working in a fast paced agency environment

• Excellent attention to detail

• A team player with a pro-active approach to getting tasks done

• Be a confident communicator used to dealing with multiple teams and stakeholders at various levels.

• Excel skills to v-lookup/pivot table level

 Behaviours

• Team player

• Self-motivated and confident

• Open communication

• Self-development

• Embracing change