Finance Director Northern Europe

SAMY is a global network of independent marketing and communications agencies, using research, technology, strategy, creativity, and performance to deliver impactful, data‑driven solutions and drive growth for brands. With over 1,000 employees in 15+ offices across 18 countries (Europe, U.S., Latin America) and operating in 55 markets, SAMY serves over 100 leading clients, specializing in award‑winning, end‑to‑end digital campaigns.

Role Overview

The Finance Director Northern Europe is a senior leadership role with full accountability for financial management across the UK, Germany, the Netherlands and the Nordics. The role combines strategic finance leadership with strong operational execution, ensuring financial discipline, scalable processes and robust governance across a complex, multi‑entity environment.

This position is part of the Group’s long‑term succession plan and is designed as a potential pathway to a Group CFO role within approximately three years.

Key Responsibilities

• Own and lead regional financial strategy, performance management, budgeting and forecasting.
• Provide full oversight of multi-country accounting, controlling, treasury, OTC and OTP processes.
• Ensure timely, accurate monthly and annual closings in line with IFRS and Group standards.
• Lead and develop regional finance teams and manage external advisors where applicable.
• Drive standardization, internal controls and the consistent adoption of Group Finance policies.
• Act as senior finance business partner to regional leadership and the Group CFO.
• Lead ERP and finance systems implementations, automation initiatives and process improvements.
• Support M&A activity, post-merger integration and organizational or structural changes.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong leadership skills with the ability to manage and develop senior finance professionals.
• Strategic mindset combined with a hands‑on, execution‑oriented approach.
• High level of financial rigor, governance and internal control discipline.
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills in international environments.
• Proven ability to lead change, transformation and systems‑driven finance projects.
• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics or related field; MBA or professional certification (CPA, ACCA) is a plus.
• 10–15 years of progressive finance experience in international, multi‑entity organizations.
• Strong IFRS knowledge; background in audit, transaction services or controllership highly valued.
• Proven experience leading ERP implementations (NetSuite strongly preferred).
• Experience in fast-growth, service-based or PE-backed international groups.
• Fluent English mandatory; German or Dutch required (both highly desirable).