Senior Finance Manager – Advertising Agency

About the role

The client is a leading global creative and marketing agency based in Sydney, seeking a Senior Finance Manager to lead its finance function for a confidential advertising client. This senior position will drive financial strategy, ensure compliance, and partner with business teams to optimise profitability.

Key responsibilities

• Lead, mentor and manage the finance team, establishing processes and documentation.
• Own month‑end close, general ledger integrity, WIP tracking, revenue recognition, budgeting and cash‑flow forecasting.
• Manage overheads, fixed assets, pre‑payments/accruals and apply IFRS standards, including IFRS 16 lease accounting.
• Prepare group consolidation packs for the overseas headquarters, handle inter‑company reconciliations and act as primary audit contact.
• Oversee Australian tax compliance (BAS, GST, FBT, corporate income tax) and manage transfer pricing, BEPS Pillar Two and Country‑by‑Country reporting.
• Partner with account service and production teams on job profitability, cost control, scope management and WIP releases.
• Automate manual workflows and improve financial reporting systems.

Required profile

• Australian citizenship or permanent residency.
• Proven experience in an advertising or creative agency environment with project/WIP exposure.
• CA or CPA qualification with 5+ years post‑qualification experience and demonstrated leadership.
• Strong technical expertise in IFRS, especially IFRS 16, and experience with consolidation reporting to an overseas parent.
• Hands‑on experience with Australian tax compliance and ability to handle transfer pricing and BEPS Pillar Two.

Required skills

• IFRS 16 lease accounting
• Advanced Excel (large data‑set manipulation)
• Consolidation reporting
• Australian tax compliance (BAS, GST, FBT, income tax)
• Transfer pricing and BEPS Pillar Two knowledge