Vice President Finance
12+ years | Dutch fluency | experience within marketing or advertising services | business partnering | FP&A | team management | commercial finance
A leading organization operating within the creative and commercial services sector is seeking a highly experienced finance executive to lead its financial operations. This is a search for a strategic leader with a proven track record in financial management within advertising, marketing, or related service industries.
Please note: Experience in the advertising, marketing, or agency services sector is a strict requirement. Applications without this background will not be considered.
Key Responsibilities:
Oversee core finance functions across the region, including:
- Financial Control – Ensure accurate financial reporting and compliance.
- FP&A – Deliver strategic insights through forecasting, budgeting, and performance analysis.
- Client Finance – Partner with commercial teams to support client profitability and new business.
- Operational Excellence – Drive process improvements and monitor operational KPIs.
- Serve as a key member of the regional leadership team, providing financial guidance and performance oversight.
- Lead and develop a finance team of approximately 18 FTEs, including offshore resources.
- Drive financial strategy, planning, and reporting to support regional objectives.
- Collaborate with commercial and growth teams on financial modeling for new initiatives.
- Ensure compliance with internal controls, statutory requirements, and group policies.
- Manage working capital, cash flow, and key financial metrics including WIP, DSO, and DPO.
- Represent finance in cross-functional initiatives and global projects.
Required Experience & Qualifications:
- Minimum 12 years of progressive finance leadership experience, with a strong focus on accounting, reporting, planning, and client finance.
- Mandatory background in advertising, marketing, or agency services—including knowledge of agency models, commercial agreements, and project-based accounting.
- Proven experience managing senior stakeholders and presenting financial insights at executive level.
- Strong understanding of cost drivers and revenue models in service-based industries.
- Accounting certification required; experience with private equity or buy-and-build strategies is a plus.
Skills & Attributes:
- Strong leadership and team development capabilities.
- High proficiency in financial systems, data analysis, and reporting tools.
- Ability to challenge assumptions and apply industry knowledge to forecasting and planning.
- Excellent communication skills, with the ability to explain complex financial concepts to non-financial stakeholders.
- Resilient, hands-on, and adaptable in a fast-paced, evolving environment.
