Senior Finance Manager – Financial Planning and Analysis

Company Description

Publicis Groupe, known for its world-renowned creativity, best in class technology and data assets, and digital and consulting expertise, is one of the world’s largest communications groups. With 80,000 staff in over 100 countries, the Groupe has capabilities in Creative, Media, Digital Business Transformation and Production.

 

As a Connecting Company for the Connected Age, Publicis Groupe is able to deliver winning solutions for clients through the Power of One - driven by a common purpose, a powerful spirit, shared behaviours, great character and a relentless focus on our clients.

Overview

As a Senior Finance Manager for Financial Planning and Analysis (FP&A), you will act as a strategic partner to the Finance Director and leadership team, driving financial performance, operational excellence, and long-term business growth. You will oversee complex financial planning processes, provide high-level insights and recommendations, and ensure compliance with Groupe standards and regulatory requirements. This role requires strong leadership, advanced analytical skills, and the ability to influence decision-making at senior levels.

Responsibilities

Strategic Financial Leadership

• Lead the preparation of annual budgets, rolling forecasts, and long-range financial plans in alignment with business strategy.

• Provide in-depth financial analysis and scenario modeling to support executive decision-making.

• Partner with senior leadership to identify growth opportunities, optimize costs, and improve profitability.

Financial Reporting & Analysis

• Oversee monthly P&L and Balance Sheet reviews, ensuring alignment with forecasts and budgets.

• Drive variance analysis and deliver actionable insights to senior stakeholders.

• Ensure timely and accurate submission of Groupe reporting requirements (e.g., Client Social Responsibility, Client Profitability, S-Form).

Operational Excellence & Internal Controls

• Lead coordination of month-end close activities in partnership with the finance support team to ensure timely and accurate submissions.

• Strengthen internal controls by reviewing documentation, identifying gaps, and ensuring compliance with Group policies.

• Champion process improvement initiatives across finance functions to enhance efficiency and reporting accuracy.

Stakeholder Management

• Serve as the primary finance point of contact for senior HQ stakeholders, CFO, Finance Operations, Commercial Finance, and Business Partners.

• Review and approve complex financial requests, reports, and funding submissions.

• Build strong cross-functional partnerships with commercial, operations, and shared services teams to support business objectives.

Audit & Compliance

• Oversee coordination with internal and external auditors, ensuring adherence to accounting standards, tax regulations, and audit requirements.

• Mitigate financial risks by ensuring compliance with Groupe standards, legal requirements, and best practices.

Team Leadership & Development

• Mentor and coach Finance Managers and Analysts, building a high-performing FP&A team.

• Develop talent by providing guidance, feedback, and opportunities for career growth.

• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

Soft Skills

• Strategic thinker with strong business acumen.

• Ability to influence and engage senior leadership with data-driven recommendations.

• Strong leadership and mentoring skills, with a collaborative approach.

• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and decision-making abilities.

• Exceptional communication and presentation skills.

Industry Knowledge

• In-depth knowledge of multinational finance operations, audit, and compliance practices.

• Strong understanding of global and regional financial reporting standards.

• Experience in the advertising, media, or production industries is a strong advantage.

• Familiarity with Publicis Groupe reporting frameworks and requirements is a plus.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, or related field (CPA, CMA, or MBA preferred).

• 8–12 years of progressive experience in FP&A, accounting, or financial management, ideally in multinational or shared services environments.

• Proven track record of managing financial planning cycles, complex reporting, and executive-level stakeholder management.

• Expertise in ERP and financial systems (SAP, Hyperion, or equivalent) and advanced Excel/financial modeling skills.

• Strong leadership experience managing teams and driving cross-functional collaboration.

• Deep understanding of P&L, Balance Sheet management, cash flow forecasting, and internal controls.