Client Finance & Operational Excellence Manager

This role is part of our Holding team based in Amsterdam and Rotterdam. As part of our team, you'll be immersed in a diverse environment, collaborating with experts in Sales Operations, Finance, Hospitality, Recruitment, People, and Marketing. We're the backbone of DEPT®, ensuring seamless operations and empowering Depsters to reach new heights. If you're hungry for success, eager to fuel business growth, and ready to embark on exciting ventures, join us!

JOB PURPOSE

We're looking for a Client Finance & Operational Excellence Manager/Lead to support our growing team in the Netherlands. This person will be the go-to expert for all things finance and operations, bringing structure, streamlining processes, and elevating our operational efficiency.

The ideal candidate is a proactive problem-solver who can manage a wide variety of responsibilities, from providing critical insights into client accounts to ensuring our internal operations run smoothly. You'll partner with stakeholders across the business and act as a true business partner, enabling management to make sound decisions and helping teams operate at their best.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Client Financial Management

• Design, implement, and own client-specific reporting needs.
• Partner with Account Management and Delivery teams to oversee all financial aspects of a client's portfolio.
• Lead the pricing of client proposals, assist in responding to RFPs, and develop budgets to maintain healthy margins.
• Review statements of work (SOWs) and master services agreements (MSAs) alongside Client leads and Legal teams.
• Analyze monthly, quarterly, and annual revenue on a client basis versus forecasts to determine profitability and provide commentary.
• Manage client purchase orders (POs), invoicing systems, and ensure timely billing of out-of-pocket expenses.
• Serve as the initial point of contact for client audits.
• Lead a team of Analyst(s) to help support the Client Finance function

Internal Financial & Operational Reporting

• Assist on forecasting and monthly reporting, helping project managers track their numbers and reviewing with leadership.
• Manage expense approvals and invoice processing
• Take ownership of operational excellence reporting, such as utilization and billability.
• Manage and track time entries, enforcing processes and checking on the “hygiene” of our internal admin systems.

Operational Excellence & Process Improvement

• Supplement global and regional policies with appropriate local policies and process improvements for the Amsterdam office.
• Lead the development of process improvement initiatives with minimal oversight from Finance leadership.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure smooth execution of day-to-day operations and efficient communication.
• Act as a central resource for data requests and internal operations across DEPT®, helping teams find the right contacts and information.

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

• At least 7+ years of experience of which at least 5 years in FP&A / Client Finance / Operation Excellence Analysts.
• Experience working in a service-oriented or professional services business.
• A university degree, preferably with a qualification in accounting (ACA, ACCA, or CIMA equivalent)
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to manage multiple stakeholders across various teams.
• The willingness to take initiative and work independently, leading projects from start to finish.
• Tech-savvy with excellent skills in Excel and Google Suite.
• Experience with financial systems, particularly for budgeting and forecasting, is a plus.
• Experience with Power BI or Tableau and big data models is advantageous.
• Happy to work to tight deadlines and travel nationally and internationally as needed.
• A strong interest in the practical applications of AI in a business context, with a proactive approach to embedding new technologies in your daily work
• Experience using generative AI or other smart tools in a professional or personal capacity to increase productivity and solve problems is a plus.

WE OFFER

• A flexible, hybrid working policy (2-3 days from the office, depending on location) and the opportunity to work from abroad for 13 weeks a year.
• 24 vacation days per year and the possibility to buy an unlimited number of extra vacation days.
• DEPT®/YOU Learning Menu and DEPT®/YOU Special Programs. Develop your skills with courses and programs tailored to your needs.
• Stay happy and healthy with a contribution to your health through the OpenUp platform, gym and wellness discounts, and healthy lunches at the office.
• Get a discount on your lease bike and ride in style. You can also enjoy hassle free-commutes with an NS Business Card.
• A reputation for doing good. DEPT® has been a Certified B Corp® since 2021 and named ‘Agency of the Year’ at both The Lovies and The Webby Awards.
• Awesome clients. Whether big or small, local or global — at DEPT® you’ll get the opportunity to work with clients of all sizes and across all industries. And we celebrate all of our successes together!
• The opportunity for possibility. We want to enable you to do what you do best and help you develop your skills further with training, development and certifications.
• Global annual DEPT® Cares Month in which employees come together and donate their skills to support local charities

WHO ARE WE?

We are pioneers at heart. What does that mean? We are always looking forward, thinking of what we can create tomorrow that does not exist today. We were born digital and we are a new model of agency, with a deep skillset in tech and marketing. That’s why we hire curious, self-driven, talented people who never stop innovating.
Our culture is big enough to cope and small enough to care. Meaning, that with people across 30+ countries, we’re big enough to provide you with the best tools, global opportunities, and benefits that help you thrive. While acting small by investing in you, your growth, your team, and giving you the autonomy to solve our clients problems, no matter where you are in the world.

DIVERSITY, EQUITY & INCLUSION

At DEPT®, we take pride in creating an inclusive workplace where everyone has an equal opportunity to thrive. We actively seek to recruit, develop, nurture, and retain talented individuals from diverse backgrounds, with varying skills and perspectives.
Not sure you meet all qualifications? Apply, and let us decide! Research shows that women and members of underrepresented groups tend not to apply for jobs when they think they may not meet every requirement, when in fact they do. We believe in giving everyone a fair chance to shine.We also encourage you to reach out to us and discuss any reasonable adjustments we can make to support you throughout the recruitment process and your time with us.