You’ve spotted the opportunity. Sent the CV. Secured the interview.
You’re evaluating salary, title, responsibilities – all the usual boxes. But there’s one thing even finance pros sometimes overlook: culture.
And in a marcomms or creative agency? That oversight can cost you. Big time. Because culture in these environments isn’t background noise – it’s the operating system.
If you’re joining a finance team within a creative agency, you’ll be the numbers brain behind the big ideas. But if the vibe is off – if communication is chaotic, expectations unclear, or the pace unbearable – your spreadsheets won’t save you.
Here’s how to spot whether the agency’s culture will work for you, not against you:
1. Know What Keeps You Focused and Fulfilled
Before you assess them, assess yourself.
Do you like autonomy, or do you thrive with structure? Do you prefer clean processes or are you flexible in the face of creative chaos? Can you handle moving parts – or do you need a roadmap?
Think back to a time when you were on top of your game. What helped? What hurt? Understanding your non-negotiables helps you see red (or green) flags faster.
2. Go Beyond the ‘About Us’ Page
Yes, check the agency’s website. But don’t just skim the service offerings – dig into their people section, their values, their leadership bios.
Ask yourself:
- Do they talk about cross-functional collaboration – or is it all creative, creative, creative?
- Do they mention finance, operations, or internal teams at all?
- Is there evidence that finance is seen as a partner, not just a gatekeeper?
Creative agencies that value business smarts will make that clear. If finance barely gets a mention, it might say a lot about where you’ll stand in the org.
3. Check Their Digital Pulse
Creative agencies live online – and their social media can say a lot about how they operate.
- Is it all glitter, awards, and pitches, or do they showcase their people?
- Do they talk about operational wins – like new systems, process improvements, or team expansions?
- Can you spot signs of work-life balance, inclusion, or team support?
Then go deeper. Platforms like Glassdoor can tell you what current or former employees say. Look for patterns, especially around leadership, internal communication, and collaboration across departments.
You’re looking for clues:
Do non-creative teams feel respected?
Is finance looped in – or left cleaning up after the party?
4. Read the Room During Interviews
When you’re interviewing on Zoom or Teams, observe more than you ask.
Do people seem relaxed, overworked, energized? Are the interactions polished or genuinely collaborative? Are non-client-facing teams mentioned positively?
Look out for:
- Do they seem to value process and ideas?
- Does leadership speak with clarity, or all creative fluff?
- Do they mention finance without apology – like it’s a strength, not a necessary evil?
Also, how does the space feel? Open, siloed, energized, tense? Even a quick office tour can speak volumes about how the team actually works together.
5. Ask the Questions That Matter
Yes, ask about budgets, KPIs and systems. But also ask about how the finance team is perceived and included. Try:
- How does finance collaborate with the creative and client teams?
- What tools and systems are in place – and what’s changing?
- How involved is the finance team in strategic decision-making?
- How would you describe the culture between departments?
- Are there opportunities for growth beyond traditional finance tasks?
- What’s one challenge the finance team faces regularly – and how is the agency working to improve it?
You’re not just after stability – you’re after influence. These questions help you gauge if your role is strategic or siloed.
Bottom Line: Don’t Just Join a Brand. Join a Culture That Has Room for Yours.
Working in finance at a creative agency means balancing logic with agility, structure with speed. It’s not for everyone – and that’s okay. But if you find the right cultural fit, it can be exciting, fast-moving, and full of opportunities to make a visible impact.
So don’t settle for just “cool clients” or “big names.” Look for a place that respects what finance brings to the table – and gives you the space to bring your whole brain to work.