Financial Controller

Why we're hiring:

We are seeking a commercially minded Financial Controller to join WPP Media. This role will be responsible for leading and managing the month-end, quarter-end, and year-end close processes, ensuring all deadlines are met and reporting is delivered accurately and efficiently.

The successful candidate will maintain robust financial controls, drive continuous process improvements, and support the delivery of a streamlined and effective reporting function. This function provides timely and accurate monthly reporting to WPP, including P&L and balance sheet submissions, as well as high-quality management information to support business decision-making.

What you'll be doing:

Financial Reporting & Month-End Close

• Lead the month-end, quarter-end, half-year, and year-end close processes, ensuring accurate and timely financial reporting.
• Prepare and review monthly management accounts, including profit and loss statements, balance sheets, and supporting commentary.
• Deliver insightful variance analysis, identifying key business drivers and providing recommendations to stakeholders.
• Oversee revenue recognition processes, ensuring compliance with accounting standards and company policies.
• Ensure balance sheet reconciliations are completed accurately and on time, resolving outstanding items promptly.
• Support statutory reporting requirements and year-end financial submissions.
• Provide ad hoc financial analysis and reporting to support business decision-making.

Group Reporting & Stakeholder Management

• Prepare and submit monthly, quarterly, and annual reporting packages to the wider group finance function.
• Act as a key point of contact for regional and group finance teams, responding to reporting queries and information requests.
• Ensure reporting requirements are met accurately and within agreed deadlines.
• Support the implementation of new reporting processes and requirements as the business evolves.

Team Leadership

• Manage, coach, and develop members of the finance team, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Provide guidance and support during key reporting periods and critical deadlines.
• Build capability within the team by sharing technical knowledge and promoting best practice.

Controls, Compliance & Continuous Improvement

• Maintain a strong financial control environment, ensuring compliance with internal policies, corporate governance standards, and regulatory requirements.
• Support both internal and external audit processes, coordinating responses and ensuring timely completion of audit requests.
• Continuously review and improve existing processes, driving efficiencies, automation, and stronger financial controls.
• Contribute to finance transformation initiatives and ad hoc projects as required.

Business Partnering

• Partner with operational and commercial stakeholders across the business, building strong relationships and providing financial insight.
• Translate financial data into meaningful recommendations that support strategic and operational decision-making.
• Deliver analysis on business performance, trends, risks, and opportunities to help drive growth and profitability.

Team Leadership

• Manage, coach, and develop members of the finance team, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Provide guidance and support during key reporting periods and critical deadlines.
• Build capability within the team by sharing technical knowledge and promoting best practice.

What you'll need:

Essential

• Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, or CIMA).
• Previous experience in a Financial Controller, Finance Manager, or similar finance role.
• Strong financial reporting, accounting, and balance sheet management experience.
• Advanced Excel skills, including PivotTables, SUMIFS, XLOOKUP/VLOOKUP, and financial analysis.
• Experience leading, developing, and managing finance teams.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and reconciliation skills.
• Excellent organisational skills with strong attention to detail.
• Ability to prioritise competing demands and deliver to challenging deadlines.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• A proactive, hands-on approach with a positive, solution-focused mindset.
• Experience identifying and implementing process improvements and operational efficiencies.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a fast-paced environment.

Desirable

• Experience using Xero or other cloud-based accounting systems.
• Experience working with financial consolidation and group reporting systems.
• Experience within the media, marketing, advertising, technology, or SaaS sectors.
• Knowledge of internal controls, governance frameworks, and SOX compliance requirements.
• Experience supporting audits, finance transformation programmes, or systems implementations.

Who you are:

You're open: We are inclusive and collaborative; we encourage the free exchange of ideas; we respect and celebrate diverse views. We are open-minded: to new ideas, new partnerships, new ways of working.

You're optimistic: We believe in the power of creativity, technology and talent to create brighter futures or our people, our clients and our communities. We approach all that we do with conviction: to try the new and to seek the unexpected.

You're extraordinary: we are stronger together: through collaboration we achieve the amazing. We are creative leaders and pioneers of our industry; we provide extraordinary every day.

What we'll give you:

Passionate, inspired people – We aim to create a culture in which people can do extraordinary work.

Scale and opportunity – We offer the opportunity to create, influence and complete projects at a scale that is unparalleled in the industry.

Challenging and stimulating work – Unique work and the opportunity to join a group of creative problem solvers. Are you up for the challenge?

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.

WPP 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.

Please read our Privacy Notice (https://www.wpp.com/en/careers/wpp-privacy-policy-for-recruitment) for more information on how we process the information you provide.