Commercial Manager at Burson in Sydney, New South Wales, AU

Who we are:

Burson, part of WPP, is the global communications leader built to create value for clients through reputation. With highly specialized teams, industry-leading technologies and breakthrough creative, we help brands and businesses redefine reputation as a competitive advantage so they can lead today and into the future. When you work at Burson, you are part of a global community of lifelong learners who thrive at the edge of innovation.

WPP (LSE/NYSE: WPP) is the trusted growth partner for the world’s leading brands. We unite cutting-edge media intelligence and data solutions, world-class creativity, next-generation production, transformative enterprise solutions and expert strategic counsel in a single company – powered by exceptional talent and our agentic marketing platform, WPP Open, to help our clients navigate change, capture opportunity and deliver transformational growth. For more information, visit WPP.com

For more information visit bursonglobal.com and follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram.

More about the role:

At Burson, we’re redefining the future of communications through creativity, intelligence, innovation and impact. Based in Sydney, this role offers the opportunity to work within one of the world’s leading global communications agencies, partnering closely with senior leadership across the business to drive strong commercial and financial performance.

We are looking for an exceptional Commercial Finance Manager to provide strategic financial and commercial support across the Burson Australia business. This is a highly visible leadership role responsible for the financial stewardship of multiple P&Ls, while supporting the business through forecasting, budgeting, reporting, operational improvements and commercial decision-making.

You’ll work closely with senior stakeholders across the agency, acting as a trusted finance business partner and helping guide business performance through insightful financial analysis and strategic thinking. Supported by a Revenue Accountant, you’ll play a critical role in ensuring financial accuracy, operational efficiency and commercial success across the business.

This role is based in Sydney, Australia, with a salary range of $115,000 – $120,000 base salary + superannuation, depending on experience.

This role is ideal for someone who is commercially minded, technically strong, proactive and collaborative, with the ability to influence stakeholders and operate confidently in a fast-paced agency environment.

What you'll do:

• Lead the month-end financial reporting process across the Burson Australia business
• Own quarterly forecasting and annual budgeting processes
• Deliver accurate financial analysis, commentary and commercial insights to support strategic decision-making
• Partner closely with senior leadership teams as the key finance contact for the business
• Present monthly financial results and performance updates to stakeholders across the agency
• Support operational change initiatives and identify opportunities for process improvement and efficiencies
• Ensure compliance with internal controls, reporting requirements and Sarbanes-Oxley obligations
• Lead and support ad hoc commercial projects, group reporting requirements and finance system initiatives

Experience that contributes to success:

• Degree qualified in Finance, Accounting or a related discipline, with CA or CPA qualification preferred
• Strong commercial finance experience within a fast-paced, professional services or agency environment
• Advanced Excel skills with strong financial modelling and analytical capability
• Experience managing forecasting, budgeting and financial reporting processes
• Ability to interpret financial data and confidently explain financial concepts to non-finance stakeholders
• Strong relationship-building and stakeholder management skills across all levels of the business
• Highly organised with excellent attention to detail, initiative and problem-solving capability
• Experience working with finance systems, reporting tools and compliance environments such as Sarbanes-Oxley is highly regarded

You belong at Burson:

Our vision is for Burson to be the leading ‘academy company’ for creative communications professionals and emerging leaders. We provide a dynamic environment where ambitious colleagues come to elevate their skills, expand their networks, and ultimately, produce the best solutions for today’s leading brands. Our commitment to your growth is reflected in our robust benefits and people programs, which include professional development opportunities, mentorship programs with industry leaders, a vibrant and inclusive company culture fostering collaboration and innovation and packages designed to reward and retain top talent. We invest in our people because we believe their success is our success.

At Burson, we’re an agency of learn-it-alls. We recognize that the things we do best, creativity and communications, require a level of nuanced understanding. That’s why it’s imperative for us to hire extraordinarily talented people of all backgrounds and identities. Without that we can’t do the essential work of inspiring bold ideas, fostering constructive dialogue, cultivating meaningful experiences, and driving innovation and creativity for our partners. Your unique point of view—your talent—is what makes you a #BursonPerson, and it’s how we deliver exceptional results for our clients, together.

We believe the best work happens when we're together, fostering creativity, collaboration, and connection. That's why we’ve adopted a hybrid approach, with teams in the office around four days a week. If you require accommodations or flexibility, please discuss this with the hiring team during the interview process.

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