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 Finance Manager for Financial Planning and Analysis (FP&A), you will play a key role in supporting the Finance Director in delivering accurate financial insights, ensuring compliance, and enabling effective decision-making. You will be responsible for managing forecasts, budgets, reporting, and audits while driving process improvements and maintaining strong stakeholder relationships across the business and Groupe.

Responsibilities

Financial Planning & Forecasting

• Lead the preparation of rolling forecasts and annual budgets ("commitments") with guidance from the Finance Director.

• Provide financial analysis and insights to support strategic decision-making.

Financial Reporting & Analysis

• Conduct monthly reviews of the P&L and Balance Sheet during month-end close to ensure alignment with budgets and forecasts.

• Identify variances and action items in collaboration with the finance support team.

• Manage completion of Groupe reports such as Client Social Responsibility, Client Profitability, and S-Form.

Month-End Close & Internal Controls

• Partner with the finance support team to ensure timely and accurate month-end close submissions to Publicis Groupe.

• Review internal control documentation prepared by the finance support team to ensure quality and adherence.

• Autonomously manage recurring workflows and operational finance tasks.

Stakeholder & Audit Management

• Support the Finance Director in addressing requests from HQ stakeholders, CFO, Finance Operations, Commercial Finance, and Finance Business Partners.

• Review and approve various requests from stakeholders, shared service centers, and finance teams (e.g., G&A funding requests, balance reports).

• Coordinate with internal and external auditors, ensuring compliance with accounting standards, tax regulations, and internal controls.

Process Improvement & Business Support

• Support management on financial and operational issues.

• Develop and implement process improvements to enhance efficiency and accuracy in financial planning and reporting.

Soft Skills

• Strategic thinker with a proactive approach to problem-solving.

• Strong leadership, collaboration, and team management abilities.

• High level of integrity, accountability, and adaptability.

• Clear and persuasive communicator with strong presentation skills.

• Ability to influence stakeholders and drive consensus in complex situations.

Industry Knowledge

• Solid understanding of financial planning and accounting practices in multinational organizations.

• Awareness of evolving financial regulations, audit requirements, and compliance standards.

• Familiarity with the advertising, media, or shared service industries is a strong advantage.

• Knowledge of financial reporting requirements specific to Publicis Groupe is a plus.

Qualifications

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

• 5–8 years of progressive experience in FP&A, accounting, or financial management, preferably within a multinational or shared service environment.

• Strong technical knowledge of financial planning, reporting, and analysis, with a solid understanding of P&L and Balance Sheet management.

• Proficiency in financial systems, ERP platforms, and advanced Excel skills (experience with SAP, Hyperion, or similar tools is an advantage).

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with keen attention to detail.

• Ability to manage multiple priorities, work independently, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to collaborate across functions and geographies.

• Experience in audit coordination and compliance with accounting standards and internal controls.