Finance Manager

Edelman is a voice synonymous with trust, reimagining a future where the currency of communication is action. Our culture thrives on three promises: boldness is possibility, empathy is progress, and curiosity is momentum. 

We are in relentless pursuit of an equitable and inspiring workplace that is respectful of all, reflects and represents the world in which we live, and fosters trust, collaboration and belonging.

Edelman is seeking a smart and professional Finance Manager with solid financial, analytical, and planning skills to support our Finance Team. The Finance Manager role is responsible for the financial management of large complex clients, partnering with senior management on staffing, forecasting, and pricing of the business.

Responsibilities:

• Serve as the Finance Manager on larger or more complex projects or clients including contract and pricing negotiations (with oversight).
• Supervise team of 1-2 finance professionals.
• Review and approve client budgets
• Partner with account teams in pricing client proposals, responding to Requests for Proposals/Information, and developing budgets (with oversight)
• Facilitate negotiation of client and vendor contracts between clients/vendors, account staff/senior management, and legal department, including full review of all business terms (with oversight)
• Ensure that projects are managed in accordance with contracts; create summary sheets (contract cheat sheets) for PR teams
• Ensure written client agreement is obtained (via contract, letter of agreement, signed scope of work, etc.) for all work and is appropriately archived and classified.
• Assist PR teams with monthly project budget to actual tracking and other required client reporting
• Coordinate data collection for client audits
• Communicate with clients regarding budgets, billing, and accounts receivable issues
• Maintain a catalog of required client reporting and ensure timely completion
• Review monthly fee and expense detail
• Provide commentary on variances of actual revenue to budget and forecast
• Develop annual operating budgets and maintain accurate monthly/quarterly forecasts
• Prepare management reports, identify and communicate areas of concern, and suggest improvements to account staff and management (e.g., client profitability, utilization, over/under service, missing time, revenue risk, and staffing plans)
• Review monthly fees for accuracy and compliance with Edelman Revenue Recognition policy
• Facilitate monthly billing – liaison between account staff and billing department and review billing reports.
• Review time and expense write-offs and unbilled WIP
• Accountable for timely and valuable AR collection status commentary and liaison with Accounts Receivable
• Supervise project setup process for the department and perform Business Manager role for larger or more complex projects.
• Contribute to performance appraisal process for peers and managers
• Supervise and train Finance personnel and be accountable for their work
• Train PR staff on internal finance systems, procedures, and financial project management
• Set achievable goals and tasks, delegate opportunities, and provide resources for staff to meet their goals; consistently measure and reward goal achievement
• Ad hoc requests and projects

Basic Qualifications:

• At least 5+ years of relevant experience in FIN or ACC
• A bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience
• Advanced knowledge of financial systems (e.g. PeopleSoft, SAP, or any other ERP system) and strong Microsoft Excel skills

Preferred Qualifications:

• MBA or public accounting experience is a plus
• Professional services industry experience preferred
• Well-organized with strong time management skills and attention to detail, follows through on multiple projects and juggles conflicting priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Strong financial analysis and management skills; good business acumen
• Ability to articulate financial concepts in layman’s terms 
• Self-starter who takes initiative
• Excellent written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills
• Client service-oriented and fosters positive working relationships
• Demonstrates behaviors consistent with Edelman’s values, Code of Ethics and Business Conduct
• Sets and pursues challenging personal goals and for staff
• Leads by example, demonstrates proven strong work ethic
• Committed to continuous learning and building your technical and leadership skills through training
• Helps motivate and coach teams to produce quality work and meet client objectives
• Share best practices, good ideas, and mistakes freely to establish trust, transparency, and teamwork

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An employee’s pay position within the salary range will be based on several factors including, but not limited to, relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, seniority, geographic location, performance, travel requirements, revenue-based metrics, any contractual agreements, and business or organizational needs. The range listed is just one component of DJEH’s total compensation package for employees. Other rewards may include annual bonuses, a Paid Time Off policy, and region-specific benefits.

Edelman offers a wide range of benefits: medical and dental insurance, vision, 401K, life insurance, disability insurance, paid time off, travel assistance and wellness programing. 

Edelman is committed to diversity, equity and inclusion and proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We welcome and encourage racially and ethnically diverse people, members of the LGBTQ community, veterans, parents, individuals with disabilities and members of any and all protected classes to apply.