Burson, part of WPP, is the global communications leader built to create value for clients through reputation. With highly specialized teams, industry-leading technologies and breakthrough creative, we help brands and businesses redefine reputation as a competitive advantage so they can lead today and into the future. When you work at Burson, you are part of a global community of lifelong learners who thrive at the edge of innovation.
WPP (LSE/NYSE: WPP) is the trusted growth partner for the world’s leading brands. We unite cutting-edge media intelligence and data solutions, world-class creativity, next-generation production, transformative enterprise solutions and expert strategic counsel in a single company – powered by exceptional talent and our agentic marketing platform, WPP Open, to help our clients navigate change, capture opportunity and deliver transformational growth. For more information, visit WPP.com
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We are seeking a strategic and commercially minded Finance Director to partner closely with senior leadership and client-facing teams in a fast-paced public relations environment. This role goes beyond traditional accounting—focused on driving profitability, improving financial discipline, and supporting sustainable growth across our client portfolio.
The ideal candidate understands agency economics, thrives in a professional services model, and can translate complex financial data into clear, actionable insights for non-financial leaders.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic & Commercial Finance
- Serve as a trusted finance partner to executive leadership and practice leads
- Support decision-making around pricing, staffing, client mix, and growth initiatives
- Evaluate new business opportunities, contract structures, and investment trade-offs
Revenue, Margin & Client Profitability
- Oversee revenue recognition for retainers, project-based work, and performance-based fees
- Monitor utilization, realization, and margin performance across teams and clients
- Identify scope creep and margin erosion early; partner with account leads on corrective actions
- Lead client profitability analysis and support renewals, renegotiations, and exits when needed
Budgeting, Forecasting & Reporting
- Own the annual budget and rolling forecast process
- Translate pipeline, staffing plans, and client dynamics into accurate financial projections
- Deliver clear variance analysis and narrative reporting to leadership
Cash Flow & Working Capital
- Manage billing cadence, WIP, AR, and collections in collaboration with billing and client teams
- Improve cash flow through optimized payment terms and collection strategies
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, or related field (MBA or CPA preferred)
- 8–12+ years of progressive finance experience in PR, advertising, consulting, or professional services
- Strong FP&A and commercial finance background
- Deep understanding of agency economics (utilization, realization, scope, retainers)
- Experience partnering with senior, non-financial stakeholders
- Advanced Excel and financial modeling skills; experience with ERP and reporting tools
What We’re Looking For
- Strategic thinker with strong execution skills
- Comfortable pushing back and asking hard questions—constructively
- Clear communicator who can simplify complex financial concepts
- Proactive, hands-on leader who thrives in a dynamic environment
#LI-YA1
Our vision is for Burson to be the leading ‘academy company’ for creative communications professionals and emerging leaders. We provide a dynamic environment where ambitious colleagues come to elevate their skills, expand their networks, and ultimately, produce the best solutions for today’s leading brands. Our commitment to your growth is reflected in our robust benefits and people programs, which include professional development opportunities, mentorship programs with industry leaders, a vibrant and inclusive company culture fostering collaboration and innovation and packages designed to reward and retain top talent. We invest in our people because we believe their success is our success.
At Burson, we’re an agency of learn-it-alls. We recognize that the things we do best, creativity and communications, require a level of nuanced understanding. That’s why it’s imperative for us to hire extraordinarily talented people of all backgrounds and identities. Without that we can’t do the essential work of inspiring bold ideas, fostering constructive dialogue, cultivating meaningful experiences, and driving innovation and creativity for our partners. Your unique point of view—your talent—is what makes you a #BursonPerson, and it’s how we deliver exceptional results for our clients, together.
We believe the best work happens when we're together, fostering creativity, collaboration, and connection. That's why we’ve adopted a hybrid approach, with teams in the office around four days a week. If you require accommodations or flexibility, please discuss this with the hiring team during the interview process.
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