Senior Financial Controller - WPP Media UK HQ

Description

About WPP Media

WPP is the creative transformation company. We use the power of creativity to build better futures for our people, planet, clients and communities. For more information, visit wpp.com.

WPP Media is WPP’s global media collective. In a world where media is everywhere and in everything, we bring the best platform, people, and partners together to create limitless opportunities for growth. For more information, visit wppmedia.com

Role Summary and Impact

Leadership role that embodies being a trusted and valued partner to the business.

• Financial Reporting & Control:

1. Oversee and manage the full reporting cycle, including month-end, quarter-end, half-year, and year-end close processes for Balance Sheet and P&L, ensuring accuracy, completeness, and timely delivery.
2. Maintain the integrity and accura cy of the general ledger and Balance Sheet reconciliations, proactively identifying and resolving discrepancies.
3. Provide clear, accurate, and insightful commentary on financial performance, including detailed variance analysis against budget and forecast .

• Compliance & Audit Management:

1. Ensure strict adherence to the Internal Control Framework, SOX, IFRS, and UK GAAP (statutory accounts), including timely sign-off of all SOX Controls.
2. Serve as the primary point of contact for all internal and external auditors, ensuring the timely provision of deliverables and effective management of audit processes.
3. Drive continuous improvement of SOX controls and the Balance Sheet reconciliation process.

• Business Partnering & Strategic Support:

1. Act as a trusted financial business partner to Commercial Finance teams, providing timely management information and supporting the achievement of financial targets by highlighting risks and opportunities.
2. Provide ad-hoc financial analysis and reporting as required by senior leadership (e.g., Market CFO, Director of Financial Reporting, Head of FP&A).

• Process Optimisation & Efficiency

1. Lead initiatives to drive efficiency and streamline financial reporting processes, adapting methodologies in line with evolving business and financial reporting requirements.
2. Collaborate closely with the Shared Service Centre (Finance Plus) to define processes, manage handoffs, and act as a key point of escalation for operational issues.

• Team Leadership & Development

1. Manage, Mentor and develop a high-performing financial reporting team, fostering a culture of continuous learning and improvement.

• Tax & Payroll Oversight

1. Oversee the review and approval of monthly payroll, quarterly VAT returns, and other annual tax submissions (e.g., Corporation Tax, PSA).

• Stakeholder Management:

1. Cultivate strong relationships with key stakeholders across the business (WPP Media, WPP & Finance Plus).

Skills and Experience

At WPP Media , we believe in the power of our culture and our people. It’s what elevates us to deliver exceptional experiences for both our clients and each other. In this role it will be critical to embrace WPP & WPP Media ’s shared core value s:

• Be Extraordinary by Leading Collectively to Inspire transformational Creativity.
• Create an Open environment by Balancing People and Client Experiences by Cultivating Trust .
• Lead Optimistically by Championing Growth and Development to Mobilize the Enterprise .

• Qualified Accountant (ACA, ACCA, or equivalent) with at least 8+ years PQE
• Can demonstrate strong leadership with ability to develop a team
• Excellent communication skills and stakeholder management
• Ability to coach and develop talent, bringing the best out in people
• Extremely organised with ability to prioritise and manage several deliverables as well as being adaptable to switch priorities if required
• Ability to concisely and clearly present information to financial and non-financial stakeholders

Life at WPP Media & Benefits

Our passion for shaping the next era of media includes investing in our employees to help them do their best work, and we’re just as committed to employee growth as we are to responsible media investment. WPP Media employees can tap into the global WPP Media & WPP networks to pursue their passions, grow their networks, and learn at the cutting edge of marketing and advertising. We have a variety of employee resource groups and host frequent in-office events showcasing team wins, sharing thought leadership, and celebrating holidays and milestone events. Our benefits include competitive medical, group retirement plans, vision, and dental insurance, significant paid time off, preferential partner discounts, and employee mental health awareness days.

WPP Media is an equal opportunity employer and considers applicants for all positions without discrimination or regard to particular characteristics. We are committed to fostering a culture of respect in which everyone feels they belong and has the same opportunities to progress in their careers.

We believe the best work happens when we're together, fostering creativity, collaboration, and connection. That's why we’ve adopted a hybrid approach, with teams in the office around four days a week. If you require accommodations or flexibility, please discuss this with the hiring team during the interview process.

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While we appreciate all applications received, only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

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