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Description
About WPP Media
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 partners together to create limitless
opportunities for growth. For more information, visit www.wppmedia.com
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.
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 Reporting & Control
Role Summary and Impact
Leadership of the controllership specialism at WPP Media, leading a team of c.60
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 providing
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.
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.
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 controllership 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.
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 work ethic within the team
and lead by example in prioritising training and career growth.
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 WPP Open. Champion
the application of AI to controllership tasks and ensure that successful innovation is consistently
applied across the team.
Essential Skills And Characteristics
Qualified Accountant (ACA, ACCA, or equivalent) with strong PQE
Significant and recent experience required from audit practice to be able to understand audit
approaches and challenges as appropriate
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 desirable
Key areas of interest:
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
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
DEI Champion: A genuine commitment to fostering a diverse, equitable and inclusive workplace
Client-Centric Mindset: A focus on delivering exceptional service internally and externally
WPP Media is an equal opportunity employer and considers applicants for all positions without discrimination
or regard to particular characteristics.
