Regional Controller

Chicago
Infrastructure – Finance /
Full-Time /
Hybrid
Regional Controller

Summary

The Zeno North America Controller is a high profile and challenging position interacting with staff and leaders from various departments, both regionally and internationally within Zeno and Daniel J. Edelman Holdings, Inc. (“DJEH”).  The candidate must be well organized, forward-thinking, and possess excellent communication and analytical skills in addition to in-depth knowledge of accounting, internal controls, financial systems, foreign currency concepts and practices on a regional and global scale.     


The position reports dually to the Zeno CFO and the DJEH Controller.


Duties and Responsibilities

Accounting, Financial Reporting and Controls

    • Monitor and support accounting operations for Zeno entities in North America.
    • Partner with DJEH Finance team in North America and globally, as required, for AP, billing, tax, treasury, AR and contracts to ensure accuracy of financial reporting.
    • Coordinate the monthly financial close process and preparation of financial reporting packages, including revenue, journal entries, account reconciliation and analysis.
    • Review and provide guidance on multi-book ledgers within the global financial system, where applicable, including US GAAP and statutory reporting for accounting and tax.
    • Ensure balance sheet account reconciliations for the markets and regional are completed and reviewed on a monthly or quarterly basis. Ensure reconciling items are cleared appropriately.
    • Plan and conduct quarterly balance sheet review meetings with the Zeno CFO which also covers compliance with the various financial system exception reporting. This includes review of all accounts and any accounts designated with additional reporting requirements (i.e. client deposits, unbilled AR, WIP). Ensure balance sheet accounts are supported by proper documentation/information.
    • Ensure compliance with DJEH policies and procedures including the review and submission of quarterly checklists. 
    • Ensure the analyses of accounting information and preparation of financial statements and reports are completed in an accurate and timely manner.
    • Work closely with regional senior management and the Internal Audit and Compliance department to implement and maintain strong internal controls.
    • Provide guidance and support as needed for the annual external audits and filing requirements.
    • Assist with M&A activity, including due diligence and accounting for acquisitions.
    • Assist with the roll out of financial systems in the region.

Financial Management, Planning & Analysis

    • Participate in the annual budget and monthly forecasting process for Regional Cost Center entities in the US and other regions as required.  Manage costs, accounting and reporting for these entities.
    • Provide monthly reporting on the US financial performance including monthly discussion of and commentary on variances to budget and prior month forecast for the Zeno regional cost centers (US and Zeno Global Shell departments).
    • Manage US and global agency investment budgets in partnership with agency leaders.
    • Provide guidance within the region regarding proper accounting for transactions as required.  Seek assistance from the Zeno CFO, the DJEH Controller and others as necessary.
    • Provide an accounting overview for the region on a quarterly basis to include a discussion on matters of emphasis and risk, significant balance sheet fluctuations, changes in working capital. impacting the use of cash and a listing with comments of significant amounts on the balance sheet.
    • Assists the Zeno CFO with ad hoc projects.

People Development and Leadership

    • Together with the Zeno CFO, ensure high caliber finance team is in place for the region.
    • Assist in recruiting, interviewing and selecting Zeno personnel.
    • Contribute to performance appraisal process for direct reports, peers and managers.
    • Build strong working relationships and communications as well as provide the appropriate support across a broad disparate region.
    • Engage in team building activities.
    • Engage in conflict resolution and problem solving.
    • Demonstrate professional behaviors and high ethical standards in all endeavors.
    • Participate as an active member of the Zeno global finance team.

Qualifications

    • 8+ years of experience in finance and US GAAP accounting with several years in a senior level or managerial position.
    • Credible experience in accounting, financial reporting and controls, financial planning and analysis. 
    • Possess strong time management skills with hands-on experience and a “can-do” attitude.
    • Willingness to get into the details. 
    • Be able to advocate for and drive continuous improvements.
    • Collaborate with other functional areas to implement changes.  
    • Possess proficiency in financial accounting and reporting systems.
    • Possess proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint. 
    • Experience with a US-based multinational organization a plus.
    • CPA is preferred.  
$112,000 - $160,000 a year
Pay range: $112,000-$160,000/year USD
 
An employee’s pay position within the salary range will be based on several factors including, but not limited to, relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, seniority, geographic location, performance, travel requirements, revenue-based metrics, any contractual agreements, and business or organizational needs. The range listed is just one component of DJEH’s total compensation package for employees. Other rewards may include annual bonuses, a Paid Time Off policy, and region-specific benefits.
 

#LI-KI1 #LI-Hybrid
ABOUT US
Zeno Group is the fiercely independent and global, integrated communications agency, born from PR. We bring together the boldest and brightest talent to help clients across industries and sectors unleash the power of strategic communications. Guided by our "Fearless Pursuit of the Unexpected," we push the boundaries to achieve real business value and societal impact for clients. Winner of the industry’s most coveted awards including the 2024 PRWeek U.S. Outstanding Large Agency of the Year, 2023 PRWeek Purpose Agency of the Year, 2022 PRWeek Global Agency of the Year, 2022 PRovoke Best Large Agency to Work For in North America and a three-time winner of PRWeek’s Best Places to Work. Zeno has also been previously recognized by the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity. Zeno is a DJE Holdings Company.
 
ABOUT OUR BENEFITS 
Healthy, happy employees make Zeno better, so we have programs that support physical, mental and financial wellness. Our culture and benefits are designed to promote flexibility, celebrate diversity and support work/life balance. We offer a variety of medical, dental and vision insurance with prescription plans, as well as short and long-term disability. Our Be Kind to Your Mind program focuses on mental health, providing a paid subscription to Headspace and access to mental health providers and other services through a best-in-class employee assistance program. Employees are encouraged to bring their authentic self to Zeno and participate in our employee resource groups which build communities for sharing and support. And while we love our work, we believe in the restorative power of time off with generous vacation, paid holidays and self-care time. Employees are supported in their pursuit of financial wellness with a 401(k) plan, pretax flexible spending accounts, tuition assistance, life insurance and free access to a certified financial coach. And our unique ZenoFit program provides a monthly allowance to fund activities in your personal life that bring you joy and keep you healthy. These and other benefits are available to non-temporary employees in the US. 

Zeno Group, Inc. provides equal employment opportunities to applicants and employees. Employment decisions are made on the basis of job-related criteria without regard to race, ethnicity, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, age, genetic information, national origin, disability, military, or veteran status, or any other classification protected by applicable law. We invite all applicants to voluntarily self-identify their race, ethnicity, and gender. Submission of the information on this form is strictly voluntary and refusal to provide it will not subject you to any adverse treatment. Information obtained will be retained in a confidential file and separate from personnel records. This information may only be used in accordance with the provision of applicable federal laws, executive orders, and regulations. If you want more information about any of the sections, please check with a company representative.