Group Director of Financial Reporting and Control - WPP Media UK

Description

About WPP Medi a

WPP is a creative transformation company. We use the power of creativity to build better futures for our HR,

planet, clients and communities. WPP Media is WPP’s global media collective. In a world where media is

everywhere and in everything, we bring the best platform, HR, and part ners together to create limitless

opportunities for growth. For more information, v isit om

The UK is the largest market within the WPP Media EMEA region, where 4,500+ HR are employed within the

WPP Media ecosystem. Marquee UK key clients include the likes of Amazon, BT, Tesco, Coca Cola, Bayer,

Dell, Unilever, M&S, Ford, Nestle, Mazda, Danone and Colgate.

We have a bold ambition: to make WPP Media UK the undisputed leader in our industry, the place where

everyone aspires to work and build a thriving career.

The Opportunity

WPP Media is transforming! We are evolving our business operating model, our ways of working and placing

data, technology and AI at the heart of everything we do for our people and our clients. As part of this

transformation journey, we are evolving our Finance function and capabilities, to partner with the business to

deliver our overarching growth strategy. This is an opportunity to support the UK Chief Financial Officer in

transforming our Controllership function to be a future facing, data driven, technologically advanced

capability that strategically supports WPP Media.

This finance leadership role will oversee the evolution of our UK Controllership function in collaboration with

the CFO UK and be a passionate advocate for an exceptional employee journey, and the architect of a truly

high-performing culture.

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Reports to: WPP Media UK CFO

Primary collaborators: UK Finance Leadership Team, being Director of FP&A, Chief Commercial

Finance Officer, Finance Director of Operations and Finance Director of Proprietary Trading

Direct Reports: Agency Senior Financial Controllers (8), Head of Financial Reportin g & Control

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Role Summary and Impact

Leadership of the controllership specialism at WPP Media, leading a te am of c.60

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Financial Reporting: Accountable for the on-time completion of financial reporting in line with the

WPP Reporting Calendar, which comprises monthly, quarterly, half-yearly and annual submissions.

Statutory Audit: Accountable for on-time delivery of Group audit, statutory audits and SOX p roviding

oversight and guidance to the Senior Financial Controllers supporting each statutory audit, and as the

main point of escalation for external auditors when issues or delays arrive.

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Balance Sheet Integrity: Accountable for the robustness of the UK market balance sheet. Lead

monthly balance sheet reviews with each Senior Financial Controller to ensure that IFRS and WPP

Accounting Policies are being followed and that aged or subjective balances are being proactively

managed.

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Control remediation: Co-ordinate controllership team delivery of Internal Audit, Sox Testing and

Trading Audits (the latter in relation to controllership activities only). Lead the remediation of

deficiencies noted in the aforementioned audits.

Controllership Strategy: In partnership with the UK CFO, define the strategy for controller ship in the

market, including defining roles and responsibilities both within the controllership specialism, and

where the team partners with other financial specialisms such as Operations, Commercial and FP&A.

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Resourcing: Ensure that the team is adequately resourced, and that workload is balanced across the

team, escalating hiring needs to the UK CFO. Promote a high-performance wo rk ethic within the team

and lead by example in prioritising training and career g rowth.

Taxation: Accountable for the accurate and on-time submission of tax deliverables, e.g. Corporation

Tax returns, VAT Returns and PSA submissions. Partner with experts in Direct and Indirect tax to apply

best practice to the UK market. Lead in taking a proactive approach to tax risk management.

Technical Accounting: Accountable for the application of IFRS and WPP Accounting policies in UK

market. Responsible for drafting or reviewing technical accounting papers on areas of judgement.

Enhance the creation and storage of this documentation to serve as a reference point for the team.

Process: leads initiatives to enhance operational efficiency within financial reporting, reviewing

existing processes and implementing innovative solutions to streamline practices.

Technology: Embrace the application of the AI tools available to the team via WP P Open. Champion

the application of AI to controllership tasks and ensure that successful innovation is c onsistently

applied across the team.

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Essential Skills and Characteristics

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Qualified Accountant (ACA, ACCA, or equivalent) with strong PQE

Significant and recent experience required from audit practice to be able to understa nd audit

approaches and challenges as appropriate

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Ideally experience within Media, Advertising or equivalent

IFRS Accounting

Ability to influence key senior stakeholders across finance

Strong analytical skills, proactive and investigative mindset

Desire for continuous learning & improvement

Experience of Auditor transition is desi rable

Key areas of interes t:

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AI Innovation & Implementation: Exposure to, or a natural curiosity in, how AI can be used in HR to

drive efficiency, data-driven decision-making, and enhanced employee experiences.

Team Leadership & Development: Proven ability to lead, coach, and develop high-performing

people teams, with a focus on elevating capabilities and fostering a culture of curiosity and

continuous learning

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Driving Organizational Change: A successful track record of leading and implementing change or

new processes initiatives within finance and across the broader organization

Complex Stakeholder Management: Exceptional ability to navigate and influence diverse internal

and external stakeholders

Excellent Communication Skills: Strong verbal, written, and presentation skills, adaptable to

various audiences

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DEI Champion: A genuine commitment to fostering a diverse, equitable and inclusive workplace

Client-Centric Mindset: A focus on delivering exceptional service internally and ex ternally

WPP Media is an equal opportunity employer and considers applicants for all positions without discrimination

or regard to particular characteristics.