Media Finance Manager

Walton Isaacson, LLC’s (“WI”) Media Finance Manager role serves as the central point of accountability for media billing, reconciliation, and financial accuracy across media operations. This role ensures that all vendor invoices, client billings, and reconciliations are completed on time, accurately, and in compliance with client agreements and company policies. The position partners closely with Media, Account Management, and external partners to streamline the end-to-end financial lifecycle of a media buy — from purchase authorization through client billing and cash flow management.

• Department: 9020 - Finance & Accounting
• Location: Culver City, CA - Hybrid (candidates must be able to work on-site Tuesday - Thursday [or additional days per the needs of the business] during designated work hours.)
• Reports To: VP, Controller
• Direct Reports: Media Billing & Accounts Payable Specialist
• Job Level: Manager
• FSLA Status: Salary, Exempt
• Employment Type: Regular Full-Time

Responsibilities and Essential Functions

Billing & Reconciliation

• Manage and execute the monthly billing cycle for all media buys — ensuring billing aligns with client approved budgets.
• Review and approve the reconciled vendor invoices within media and financial management systems.
• Oversee timely and accurate client billing submissions in accordance with client requirements and contractual deadlines.
• Manage intercompany billing and ensure invoices and revenue recognition align with monthly financial close.
• Reconcile discrepancies between client reporting submissions and client billing deadlines to ensure timely client billing and improved cash flow.

Process Management & Controls

• Maintain and improve documentation for the Media Finance workflow and standard operating procedures.
• Coordinate updates to client reporting to ensure all client reporting reflects actualized spending.
• Partner with Media and Account Management to review budget-to-actual reports, identify discrepancies, and confirm reconciled media spend.
• Develop tools and timelines to reduce the backlog of aged vendor invoices (>60 days) and improve reconciliation efficiency.

Financial Analysis & Reporting

• Prepare/review monthly reconciliations of planned versus actual spend.
• Provide variance analysis and cash flow summaries to leadership monthly.
• Support quarterly forecasting and accrual reviews.
• Partner with Finance and Account Management to produce client-facing reconciliation summaries.
• Create dashboards or reporting tools to track reconciliation status by vendor, campaign, and client.'

Leadership & Collaboration

• Supervise, train, and cross-train team members supporting media billing functions.
• Collaborate cross functionally with all teams involved to improve invoice accuracy and reduce discrepancies.
• Lead cross-functional process improvement initiatives to identify and adjust recurring blockers in reconciliation or invoice flow.
• Represent Media Finance in cross-functional reviews with Finance, Account Services, Media and external partners.

System & Tools

• Maintain working knowledge of media planning and buying platforms.
• Utilize financial systems for coding, approvals, billing, and payment workflows.
• Support implementation of documentation tools and change management processes to ensure accurate tracking of budget revisions and media plan updates.

Professional Conduct

• Demonstrate behavior consistent with WI’s standards of conduct.
• Duties may be modified or assigned at any time to meet the needs of the business.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field.
• Minimum 5-7 years of Media Finance experience, with a focus on billing and reconciliation.
• Deep understanding of media buying, planning, and billing cycles.
• Proficiency in financial systems and Excel.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills.
• Prior experience in media agency environment.
• Proficiency with platforms such as Prisma/Mediaocean and Maconomy.

Physical Demands

• Standing: 5% - 10%
• Sitting: 80% - 85%
• Reaching: 5% - 10%
• Lifting: 0% - 5%
• Bending: 0% - 5%
• Stooping: 0% - 5%
• Walking: 5% - 10%

Other Physical Requirements

• Prolonged periods of sitting and working at a computer.
• Frequent use of hands and fingers for typing, data entry, and operating office equipment.
• Ability to view computer screens for extended periods.
• Occasional light lifting of office materials (files, binders, laptop equipment up to 10 lbs.
• No travel required.

The salary range for this position is $105,000.00 to $130,000.00 (annualized, salary, exempt). Where an employee or prospective employee falls within this range will depend on, among other factors, actual pay ranges for current or former employees in the subject position; the associated discipline; market and budgetary considerations; tenure and standing with the company (for current employees); as well as the employee’s or applicant’s background, pertinent experience, and qualifications.

At WI, we are committed to cultivating an environment that promotes diversity, equity, and inclusion. We foster DEI in our workplace and are a global community that believes our unique qualities should be celebrated. We want everyone at Walton Isaacson to bring their authentic selves to work every day, irrespective of age, disability (including hidden disabilities), gender, gender identity or reassignment, marital or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, or sexual orientation.

Benefits Overview

• Medical: PPO, High-Deductible PPO, HMO (California Only)
• Dental: PPO, HMO (California Only)
• Vision
• Flex Spending Account ("FSA"/"DFSA"): Medical, Dependent Care
• Health Savings Account ("HSA"): For High Deductible PPO Medical Plan Only
• 401(K) Retirement Savings: 4% Company Match, Fully-Vested
• Flexible Time Off Policy
• Paid Holidays: Up to 10 Days + Year-End Break
• Electronic Expense Reimbursement
• Gym Reimbursement
• ...& MANY MORE!