Client Budget & Job Costing Manager

AGAR is a Experiential.  We leverage experiential design and communications, event production and technology to reach audiences and grow culture for companies, brands and communities. Founded on the premise that as the world grows more and more digital the value of a human connection and experience inherently increases, AGAR has been growing culture through immersive storytelling and sensory experiential design for more than a decade.

POSITION DESCRIPTION/

AGAR is seeking a Client Finance Manager in the Greater Cincinnati area with 5+ years experience in operations, job costing, financial tracking and reporting in an event/experiential agency, creative agency or architectural firm to oversee all financial aspects related to incoming and active projects. The Client Finance Manager will work closely with respective departments to lead the budgeting process of bidding vendors, anticipating expenditures and allocating hours needed based on the scope of each job while maintaining profitability and productivity benchmarks. The candidate will develop and/or review Statement of Work contracts and other legal client documentation.

This role will be integral in our day-to-day financial operations to ensure efficiencies and economies of scale are in place to best service our clients. The Client Finance Manager will monitor performance of active jobs by analyzing time logs, tracking expenses, reconciling budgets and providing client reports for Accounts teams. The candide will also assist in the development, refinement and implementation processes for financial controls and compliance measures with the VP of Operations.

WHO WE NEED/

With AGAR’s fast-paced business and quick budget turnaround time, the Client Finance Operations Manager must be highly detail oriented, self-starter with the ability to multitask the needs of both active projects and new business opportunities simultaneously. The candidate must be a collaborative team player with experience working with both technical and creative individuals. Experience with Quickbooks and business analysis tools such as project management and time tracking systems is required.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES/

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Fully job cost and build budgets based on project and creative briefs using vendor quotes, historical data and current market rates. Assist with project setup across systems and assign job numbers.
• Work with the department leads to forecast resources and hours needed to fulfill the project while meeting productivity benchmarks.
• Develop and/or review Statements of Work, change order documents, vendor contracts, MSAs and work with insurance agents to comply with document terms.
• Monitor productivity and efficiency. Review and approve weekly timesheets, analyze inefficiencies and make recommendations for the best course of action. 
• Build relationships with vendors, set payment terms and manage Accounts Payable with Bookkeeper.  
• Ensure expenses controls are in place and budgets maintain profitability. Track production, travel, staffing out-of-pocket costs. Oversee credit card program and activity, ensuring bimonthly allocations are completed by card holders. 
• Compile Client budget reports and complete audits as requested.
• Lead and support the job reconciliation process to close out jobs in a timely manner.
• Assist Bookkeeper and VP of Operations with the month-end or year-end close and reporting process
• Ensure quality control over financial transactions and financial reporting, questioning and analyzing data received to eliminate errors or breaches.
• Work with VP of Operations to document business processes and accounting policies to maintain and strengthen internal controls.
• Represent AGAR’s vision, mission, guiding principles, and core values.
• Embody AGAR’s quick and nimble way of executing work and knowing when there is a sense of urgency to meet client and project needs.
• Stay current with culture and industry trends and changing business processes.
• Participate in and contribute to weekly internal meetings, processes and company-owned events.

 
DESIRED SKILLS & EXPERIENCE/

• BS/BA in Business/Operational Management, Finance or Accounting
• 5+ years background or experience in financial/operation roles within experiential marketing, advertising, architecture or project based industries
• Extremely detailed-oriented
• Strong experience managing large budgets, tracking income and expenses in real time.
• Expert and master of Excel & Quickbooks Desktop
• Proficiency in Google Workspace and other Microsoft Office programs
• Must have strong analytical skills. Experience analyzing project management and time tracking software is preferred
• Quick thinker and self-starter, who can work independently and also collaboratively with individuals at various seniority levels
• Trustworthy with the ability to keep information confidential
• Must pass a background check and provide references from current and previous employers

OUR GUIDING PRINCIPLES

• Embrace Being Uncomfortable – The greatest learning moments occur when outside of your comfort zone.
• Be Quick Don’t Hurry – provide agile service without compromising quality of work.
• Constantly Curious – Immerse into experiences and thing outside the norm.
• All Hands on Deck, Always – No matter the nature of the job, we get it done together.
• Truth in Words and Actions – Take ownership and accountability.