Client Business Manager (Finance)

Golin Los Angeles is looking for a Client Business Manager will play an integral role in the financial and operational oversight of key client accounts for the Golin Western Region. The Client Business Manager will work closely with the client account team (including executive client leaders) and will work to ensure the business management of accounts runs efficiently. The Business Manager is a result driven, team player that works in conjunction with Account Leads and client stakeholders.The business manager will serve as the subject matter aspect in guiding the local account team on financial matters and is responsible for all aspects of client projects (initiate, plan, execute, close).  This role will work directly with client finance liaisons to provide timely, accurate and insightful analysis on budget management. 

The Client Business Manager will report to our VP Finance. As part of the Los Angeles employees’ Hybrid work policies, the Client Business Manager will be required to go in office 2 days a week.  

Who We Are:

Golin is a progressive public relations agency with expertise ranging from brand-building and cutting edge digital content, to corporate reputation, healthcare advocacy and measurement. Our roster includes many of the largest consumer brands in the world. Golin aligns earned-first, data-driven creative with the customer journey, to deliver maximum impact for clients and reach a profoundly diverse global market. We Go All In, in everything we do. We're especially committed to Go All In for our people.

With best-in-class work that has earned worldwide attention and awards, including the 2024 SABRE Best Large Agency of the Year, 2024 PRovoke Media Best Large Agency to Work For, and 2024 PRWeek U.S. Agency of the Year, there is no better time to join an agency redefining the role of PR and helping companies create change that matters.

What You'll Do :

 

Client Finance

• Interact with the account team on a day-to-day basis, including but not limited to weekly flash reporting, variance analysis, and attending internal account team meetings.
• Partner with Account teams to ensure revenue forecasts & staffing plans are up-to-date and accurate.
• Manage all scopes to ensure programs are being executed within scope and on budget and provide updates on budget vs. actual spend to account leaders, client, and agency finance leaders.
• Work closely with account teams to prepare and create project proposals, estimate vendor costs, establish timeframes, and set up internal project trackers. Assis account teams with vendor management as needed.
• Liaison with IPG legal staff as needed for vendor and client contracts.
• Responsible for managing project financial lifecycle, including estimates, status reporting, revenue forecasts, invoicing, etc.
• Manage Interoffice Agreements.
• Provide detailed budget trackers/reports to clients monthly in conjunction with monthly invoicing.

 

Analysis & Reporting

• Work with local finance leaders to prepare revenue estimates for mid-month and end-of-month flash reporting.
• Review aged WIP and partner with IPG billing team to manage the application of fees and out-of-pocket expenses against client invoices.
• Review employee utilization.
• Manage and monitor billing process, working closely with IPG billing team to ensure that billing is completed & submitted in a timely manner.
• Monitor AR status and follow-up with clients on aged balances.

 

Additional Responsibilities

• Review monthly revenue postings during month-end close and propose adjustments as needed to ensure compliance with revenue recognition requirements.
• Assist local finance team with quarterly budget reforecasts.
• Provide finance training/onboarding to new hires.
• Provide support to local account staff with questions on expense reports and purchase orders.
• Monitor AR status and follow up with clients on aged balances.
• Ensure all contracts and other contract-related documents, are managed & saved in the agency contract folder.

 

What You Have:

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance or Accounting with 4-6 years of experience
• Strong Knowledge of MS Excel
• Experience in a professional services industry is preferred
• Knowledge of SAP is a plus but not required
• Excellent written, oral and interpersonal communication skills. Strong communication skills with all business partners internally & externally are critical.   
• Ability to prioritize, multi-task and resolve issues
• Well-organized, detail-oriented, energetic, proactive, independen