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Executive Director Finance

VML

Department: Finance

Location: New York, NY, United States

Requisition ID: 8981

Who We Are:

At VML, we are a beacon of innovation and growth in an ever-evolving world. Our heritage is built upon a century of combined expertise, where creativity meets technology, and diverse perspectives ignite inspiration. With the merger of VMLY&R and Wunderman Thompson, we have forged a new path as a growth partner that is part creative agency, part consultancy, and part technology powerhouse. 

Our global family now encompasses over 30,000 employees across 150+ offices in 64 markets, each contributing to a culture that values connection, belonging, and the power of differences.  Our expertise spans the entire customer journey, offering deep insights in communications, commerce, consultancy, CRM, CX, data, production, and technology. We deliver end-to-end solutions that result in revolutionary work. 

Who We Are:

At VML, we are a beacon of innovation and growth in an ever-evolving world. Our heritage is built upon a century of combined expertise, where creativity meets technology, and diverse perspectives ignite inspiration. With the merger of VMLY&R and Wunderman Thompson, we have forged a new path as a growth partner that is part creative agency, part consultancy, and part technology powerhouse.

Our global family now encompasses over 30,000 employees across 150+ offices in 64 markets, each contributing to a culture that values connection, belonging, and the power of differences. Our expertise spans the entire customer journey, offering deep insights in communications, commerce, consultancy, CRM, CX, data, production, and technology. We deliver end-to-end solutions that result in revolutionary work.

Location: New York Preferred; Hybrid - 4 days onsite

Position Overview: VML is seeking an Executive Director of Financial Planning & Analysis to drive financial strategy, deliver actionable business insights and support growth initiatives.  The ideal candidate will have strong financial acumen, be able to tell a story with data, and lead a team of high performers in a fast-paced environment with many priorities.

Key Responsibilities:


Agency Operations:

  • Direct annual budgeting and quarterly reforecasting processes
  • Lead preparation of month end results presentations
  • Monitor, report, and analyze full time and freelance costs
  • Partner with Controllership to create and maintain financial models for revenue forecasting and profitability analysis
  • Partner with Client Finance to analyze client performance and provide insights on project performance, revenue forecasting, profitability, and resource utilization.
  • Partner with Operations and Resource Management to support resource allocation decisions across clients and capabilities.
  • Support M&A activities and integration of acquired agencies
  • Monitor industry trends and competitive landscape


Team Leadership:

  • Lead and develop a team of high performing FP&A professionals.
  • Build strong relationships with regional leadership.
  • Establish and maintain strategic partnerships with Global FP&A team and WPP Finance to ensure alignment on reporting standards, methodologies, and group-wide initiatives.
  • Drive adoption of financial planning tools and processes

Required Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, or related field; MBA preferred
  • 10+ years of progressive finance experience, with 5+ years in leadership roles
  • Experience in advertising, professional services, or related industries
  • Strong understanding of agency business models and revenue streams
  • Experience with public company financial reporting and SEC requirements
  • Advanced financial modeling and analytics skills
  • Excellent communication and presentation abilities
  • Experience with enterprise financial systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, Workday)

Technical Skills:

  • Advanced Excel and PowerPoint skills
  • Experience with financial planning software (e.g., Anaplan, Adaptive)
  • Proficiency in data visualization tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI)


Benefits:

  • Competitive base salary and annual bonus
  • Equity compensation plan
  • Comprehensive health and wellness benefits
  • 401(k) with company match
  • Generous PTO and paid holidays
  • Professional development opportunities
  • Global mobility opportunities

VML is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic.

To apply, please submit your resume and cover letter to [email address] with the subject line "Executive Director, FP&A Application"

 

The base salary range for this position at the time of this posting is indicated below. Individual compensation varies based on job-related factors, including location, business needs, level of responsibility, experience, and qualifications. We offer a competitive benefits package, click WPP Benefits for more details.

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$155,000—$390,000 USD

At VML, we are committed to fostering an all-inclusive work environment that is both rewarding and career-forward. Our Inclusion, Equity & Belonging initiatives, alongside the VML Foundation, reflect our dedication to giving back and making a positive impact in our communities and beyond. Our people are the heartbeat of our organization—creators, doers, innovators, makers, and thinkers—who drive not just marketing, but meaningful experiences that resonate in every action and interaction. 

VML is a WPP Agency. For more information, please visit our website, and follow VML on our social channels via Instagram, LinkedIn, and X. 

When you click "Submit Application", this will send any information you add below to VML. Before you do this, we think it's a good idea to read through our Recruitment Privacy Policy. California residents should read our California Recruitment Privacy Notice. This explains what we do with your personal data when you apply for a role with us, and, how you can update the information you have provided us with or how to remove it.

When you click "Submit Application", this will send any information you add below to VML. Before you do this, we think it's a good idea to read through our Recruitment Privacy Policy. California residents should read our California Recruitment Privacy Notice. This explains what we do with your personal data when you apply for a role with us, and, how you can update the information you have provided us with or how to remove it.