Initiative - Media Solutions Specialist

POSITION SUMMARY: The role of a Media Solutions Specialist is to maintain all client budgets/ media buys in the media system and act as a liaison between media planning buying teams, Initiative finance team and client’s Finance Marketing Operations team. They will be regarded as the subject matter expert in the overall data entry, maintenance and accuracy of the assigned account. The candidate will be responsible for client/vendor billings and reconciliation in coordination with the Initiative finance team to ensure timely maintenance of account payables.

This role requires regular interaction and collaboration with the media team, Initiative finance team, Interpublic’s Shared Services team and media vendors. The successful candidate will posses and exhibit a high degree of professionalism in their conduct and communications.

RESPONSIBILITIES

: Act as part of a centralized team that coordinates budget control reports (BCRs), holistic spend tracking and spend forecasts for Executive level reporting – with extensive use of Excel Tableau. Operate as part of a team to ensure media buys are entered accurately in the applicable media system and questions and answers process are adhered to. Coordinate with the Initiative finance team to review draft billing and to obtain appropriate approvals from media planning buying teams prior to submitting client invoices.

Investigate and follow-up on discrepancies with appropriate team members to ensure clearance. Liaise with the media team and the Initiative finance team on media purchase authorizations (MPAs) and billing questions. Liaise with media vendors on accounts payable issues including discrepancy management and invoice coding.

Liaise with shared services team to ensure billings and payables issues are resolved in a timely manner. Assist the overall team as needed on ad hoc projects and assignments relating to team operations.

QUALIFICATIONS

: Professional or Educational background in Marketing or Advertising would give leverage to this application. (University graduate with a preference in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration or Marketing). Mid / Intermediate level of Financial or Accounting or related experience, preferably in a media agency or related industry (marketing, advertising, or technology) Proven experience and strong familiarity in media finance systems such as Media Ocean / DDS and Prisma is an asset Highly developed organizational skills with a strong attention to detail and accuracy Ability to manage high data entry volume Excellent communication skills (both written and verbal) and works well in a team setting Excellent interpersonal skills; strong internal and client relationship skills.

Ability to work collaboratively as well as independently Ability to manage confidential data with a high level of discretion Exhibit a high degree of professionalism in conduct and communications Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word,Excel and PowerPoint) and Tableau System Experience with finance reporting automation practices (Preferred but not required) Initiative unlocks business growth for the world’s most ambitious brands. We believe in the power of media to reshape our industry and orchestrate a brand’s entire consumer experience, by balancing both what unites people and what makes them different. When brands unite people in culture, they build Fame, and when brands connect individuals to their unique journeys, they build customer Flow.

Initiative builds Fame and Flow for brands like Amazon, RBC, LEGO, Nintendo and Canada Goose. Media responsibility is at the forefront of everything we do, whether it’s creating media plans that reflect the diversity of our communities, promote brand safety, and foster sustainability. Our agency celebrates diversity in an inclusive environment where all of our 9,000+ strong talent across 90+ markets feel seen, heard, and valued.