Exploring Finance’s Future in the Media & Creative Industry: Key Takeaways
By Finance

Cedar Recruitment hosted a Business Breakfast, bringing together professionals from the Media and Creative sectors to discuss key industry challenges and emerging trends. The event fostered meaningful conversations on pressing topics like the transformative role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in finance and the evolving strategies for talent attraction and retention. This collaborative environment provided attendees with actionable insights to navigate the unique demands of these dynamic industries. Below, we’ve compiled the key takeaways from these discussions, highlighting the emerging innovative approaches and forward-thinking strategies.

AI is transforming the finance function across all sectors, bringing innovations that enhance financial forecasting, data analysis, and compliance processes. While the technology is still evolving, it is already proving invaluable in delivering significant operational efficiencies. AI enables finance professionals to shift their focus from repetitive tasks to high-value strategic activities that drive business growth.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Finance – Unlocking Potential and Overcoming Challenges

  • Scalability: Successfully implementing AI requires aligning its use with business objectives, securing the necessary resources, and ensuring buy-in from stakeholders across the organisation.
  • Strategic Integration: By automating repetitive and time-consuming tasks, AI empowers finance teams to focus on activities like strategic planning, risk assessment, and decision-making.
  • Data-Driven Decision-Making: AI’s ability to process and analyse vast amounts of data provides actionable insights that improve forecasting accuracy and optimise resource allocation.
  • Enhanced Risk Management: AI-powered predictive analytics can proactively identify potential risks, including fraud detection and market volatility, giving finance teams a strategic advantage.
  • Customisation and Flexibility: AI tools are becoming increasingly adaptable, allowing businesses to tailor solutions to their specific needs and challenges.
  • Upskilling for the Future: As AI continues to evolve, training and upskilling finance teams will be critical to ensure they can effectively integrate and leverage these new technologies.

In summary, AI is reshaping the finance function, offering transformative tools that drive efficiency, strategic decision-making, and innovation. By addressing challenges such as scalability, stakeholder buy-in, and workforce upskilling, finance teams across the media industry can unlock AI’s full potential. As the technology continues to advance, embracing its capabilities will be essential for staying competitive and achieving long-term business growth.

Culture, Retention & Attraction: Navigating Talent Challenges in Finance for the Media and Creative Sectors

Attracting and retaining top finance talent in the media and creative industries is an ongoing challenge, especially as hybrid work models reshape workplace expectations. Businesses in these dynamic sectors are adopting innovative approaches to foster engagement, sustain company culture, and remain competitive in the fight for skilled professionals.

  • Hybrid & Flexible Work: Flexibility is a priority for attracting finance professionals, but its success depends on strong communication, a shared sense of purpose, and clear alignment with the fast-paced demands of the media and creative sectors.
  • Career Development: Investment in training, particularly in AI and data analytics, is crucial to ensuring finance teams remain future-ready and capable of navigating the technological transformation shaping these industries.
  • Well-being & Engagement: Beyond competitive remuneration, leaders are focusing on mentorship, career growth opportunities, and initiatives that promote work-life balance to keep finance teams engaged and motivated in this unique sector.
  • Managing Gen Z Expectations: For junior staff, balancing flexibility with in-office learning opportunities is vital. Businesses in media and creative industries must foster environments that promote both individual growth and collaboration. Emphasising in-person experiences, such as mentoring, networking, and cross-departmental collaboration, while respecting autonomy, creates mutual understanding. Structured hybrid models, transparent communication, and regular feedback help align Gen Z career goals with organisational objectives, ensuring professional development within an inclusive culture.

The media and creative sectors are evolving rapidly, and finance professionals must adapt to hybrid work dynamics, emerging technologies, and shifting workforce expectations. By embracing AI, prioritising development, and rethinking how to attract and retain talent, businesses can build finance teams that drive growth, innovation, and resilience in this fast-moving industry.

To speak to Cedar about points raised in this article, or Finance Recruitment in the Media and Creative Sector, please contact Jamie Gibb (Business Manager  – Qualified Finance), or Jamie Hall (Head of Interim Finance).