As Director of Finance Shared Services, you will play a crucial role in overseeing and managing the centralized finance functions within Outbrain. This position is responsible for establishing and maintaining efficient and effective finance processes, systems, and services that support various divisions within Finance.

This role has a direct reporting line to VP, Finance Operations, based in London.

Talent Development and Team (On Site) Management:

• Lead as the On Site Manager for the finance function in Outbrain’s newly created Global Talent Center.
• Recruit, train, develop and retain a high performing finance shared services team.
• Set performance expectations along with Line Managers, provide feedback, and foster a culture of learning and growth.
• Identify and address skill gaps with Line Managers, conduct performance evaluations, and implement career development plans.

Leadership and Strategy:

• Develop and implement the strategic vision and goals for the finance shared services function.
• Provide leadership and guidance to the finance shared services team, fostering a culture of collaboration, excellence, and continuous improvement.
• Define and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure the effectiveness and efficiency of shared services operations.
• Collaborate with Senior Management to align shared services objectives with overall business strategies.

Financial Operations Management:

• Oversee the day to day operations of the finance shared services function, including (but not limited to) accounts payable, accounts receivable, general accounting and financial reporting
• Ability to troubleshoot and problem solve issues daily with other departments within Outbrain and external client needs
• Ensure timely and accurate processing of financial transactions and adherence to internal controls, policies, and procedures.
• Monitor and optimize financial processes to improve efficiency, productivity, and quality of deliverables.
• Coordinate with other departments, such as procurement and Rev Ops, to streamline cross functional processes and drive process improvements.

Stakeholder Management:

• Act as a point of contact and build strong relationships with business unit finance teams (in particular Line Managers), internal customers, and key stakeholders.
• Understand their requirements and expectations to provide high quality financial services and support.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to identify opportunities for standardization, centralization, and improvement in finance processes and systems.

Financial Systems and Technology:

• Evaluate, implement, and maintain financial systems, tools, and technologies to support shared services operations.
• Identify opportunities for automation and digital transformation to enhance process efficiency and data accuracy.
• Collaborate with IT teams to ensure the availability, reliability, and security of finance systems and data.

Compliance and Risk Management:

• Ensure compliance with financial regulations, accounting standards, tax laws, and internal policies.
• Implement and monitor internal controls to mitigate financial risks and safeguard company assets.
• Support internal and external audits, providing accurate and timely financial data and reports.

Continuous Improvement:

• Continuously evaluate shared services operations and identify opportunities for process improvements, standardization, and cost optimization.
• Lead or participate in finance transformation projects, system upgrades, and process reengineering initiatives.

What you’ll bring

• Extensive experience in finance leadership roles, including managing shared services finance functions
• Professional accounting designation (e.g. CPA) is highly desirable
• Prior experience acting as a business partner to business unit finance teams (Line Managers)
• Proficiency in financial systems and tools, with experience in implementing and leveraging technology solutions (Experience of working with NetSuite and/or Salesforce is required)
• Demonstrated ability to optimize financial processes, implement controls, and drive process improvements
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and collaborate effectively at all levels of the organization
• Strong leadership abilities, with a focus on talent development, team management and retention
• Ability to adjust priorities quickly under pressure to meet deadlines in a fast paced and constantly changing environment
• Proactive attitude – ability to take initiative to get things done
• Possess strong Microsoft Excel and IT skills
• Be motivated with an eye for process improvement
• Experience of working in international, publicly listed companies would be preferable
• Experience of working with advertising/marketing agencies would be a plus
• Supporting 2 days a week ‘working from home’ in UK time zone (2-10pm local time)