Finance Manager

Dragon Rouge is a global creative agency. We help brands and businesses to inspire, change and grow. Using insight, foresight and creativity we help our clients define strategies, create new products, new services and exceptional experiences. Founded in 1984 in France, we are the leading independent network. We combine local expertise and consumer knowledge with a global strategic vision of brand management. We believe successful brands go beyond expectation. Because creativity is at the heart of what we do, and because we're influenced by the spirit of generosity, we work hand in hand with our clients to build the brands that create more. Our people are diverse and multinational, chosen for their talent and attitude across our group. Entrepreneurship is an important ingredient, as is the freedom for talent to grow and develop. We are a global network with offices in Paris, London, New York, Warsaw, Hamburg, Sao Paulo, Shanghai and Singapore.

Role Overview

The Finance Manager is responsible for overseeing the agency's financial operations, ensuring robust accounting practices, effective financial controlling, and continuous improvement of operational efficiency.

The role combines hands-on accounting management with financial reporting, cash flow oversight, and business support. The Finance Manager acts as a key interface between the local leadership team, the global finance function, and external accounting partners, ensuring financial accuracy, compliance with group standards, and timely delivery of reporting.

Key Responsibilities

1. Financial Operations & Cash Management

• Raise and monitor client invoices in alignment with internal systems
• Track cash collection and proactively follow up on outstanding receivables
• Monitor cash flow position and anticipate short- and mid-term funding needs
• Prepare and update monthly cash forecasts
• Process, schedule, and control outgoing supplier payments
• Ensure accurate and up-to-date financial data within Paprika and Xero
• Maintain financial discipline and ensure deadlines are consistently met

2. Accounting & Bookkeeping

Client Accounting

• Manage invoicing reconciliation (Paprika vs Xero)
• Oversee cash collection and aging balance monitoring

Supplier Accounting

• Record purchases and manage bookkeeping entries
• Validate and process supplier invoices

Cash & General Ledger Management

• Manage cash payments and forecasting
• Perform general ledger accounting activities including:
• Accruals
• Prepayments
• Cut-off entries
• Ensure accuracy and integrity of financial records

3. Sales Administration & Operational Support

• Oversee job management processes, including time tracking and cost allocation
• Support consulting teams with proposals and purchase order management
• Conduct weekly invoicing review meetings with consulting teams
• Validate third-party and freelance expenses (PO control and invoice verification)
• Lead monthly closing activities locally
• Prepare and submit GM reports to the central finance team

4. Financial Controlling & Reporting

• Coordinate with the global finance team to ensure alignment on reporting standards, processes, and timelines
• Contribute to monthly closing and financial reporting cycles
• Prepare and update monthly rolling forecasts in coordination with central stakeholders
• Provide regular financial updates and performance insights to the leadership team
• Support ad hoc financial analyses and administrative tasks
• Identify opportunities for process optimisation and improved financial governance

5. External Coordination & Compliance

• Liaise with external accountants and advisors
• Support the preparation of year-end accounts
• Ensure compliance with local accounting regulations and group policies

Key Requirements

Experience & Technical Skills

• Proven experience in accounting
• Strong working knowledge of accounting principles and financial controlling
• Experience with Paprika and Xero (or comparable financial systems)
• Experience within a subsidiary of an international mid-sized group is highly desirable
• Part-qualified or qualified accountant (AAT, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent) is a plus

Competencies

• Strong organisational and time-management skills
• High level of accuracy and attention to detail
• Proactive, solution-oriented mindset
• Ability to work autonomously while maintaining strong coordination with global teams
• Effective communication skills with both internal and external stakeholders
• Ability to operate in a dynamic, fast-paced environment