Finance Manager

At WPP we’re reinventing creativity on an ever-broader canvas, bringing together unrivalled talent, resources, and skills to provide an integrated offer of communications, experience, commerce, and technology for clients.

It’s our people who make the company, and what we do, extraordinary. We champion an open and optimistic workplace, where everyone has the chance to thrive and shine. We foster and celebrate an inclusive culture of belonging, one that embraces diverse thought and individual expression.

Find out more about us including some of the work we’re doing to build better futures for our people, planet, clients, and communities: https://www.wpp.com/about

YOUR ROLE IN A NUTSHELL:

The Finance Manager contributes to the success of WPP AUNZ by ensuring controllership, financial reporting and budgeting activities are delivered and contribute to the success of the WPP AUNZ (and other) Operating Companies. The role further contributes through relationship management and the provision of exceptional financial management services in a timely, efficient and effective manner. The contribution of the role to the success of WPP Finance is through the provision of exceptional service and issue resolution support to our stakeholders, enabling them to manage the financial aspects of their business.

WHAT YOU WILL SPEND YOUR TIME DOING:

The purpose of the Finance Manager role is to provide efficient and effective financial control, budgeting & reporting services to a core group of businesses within the WPP AUNZ. The role is responsible for information analysis (e.g. current processes, actual performance vs. budget and prior year, budget, etc.), preparation of operational results for publication to various constituents throughout company (management, operations, etc.) who rely on/benefit from the information to make informed business decisions. Key focus is to also ensure stronger integrity of the agency balance sheet and the operational effectiveness and consistency of the internal control environment.

Financial Accounting & Reporting functions - End to end management of the month-end and year-end closing processes and reporting requirements including but not limited to:

• Management of general ledger and all entries and account reconciliations in accordance with the group accounting policy
• Monitor adherence to the month-end close period to ensure duties are performed efficiently and effectively by the Finance teams
• Preparation of management and submission of financial reports in accordance with the group reporting timetable
• Ensure compliance with all tax reporting requirements including income tax, GST, and employment taxes
• Support the corporate reporting to prepare financial statements, financial reports and other annual external compliance reports
• Oversee issue resolution to business or corporate queries pertaining to the financial accounting and reporting of results
• Support the development and maintenance of a documented system of accounting policies and procedures
• Establish effective working relationships with Operating Companies (OpCo) Finance leaders and group corporate services
• Manage the integrity of the Financial Accounting & Reporting function in accordance with Sarbanes & Oxley Control processes (SOX)
• Coordinate and manage the annual external and internal audit cycles including planning, timelines, information management and responding to requests
• Leadership of and/or participation in ad hoc and continuous improvement projects, including simplification of reporting requirements

Budgeting & Forecasting

• Work with OpCo to prepare the annual budget, monthly and quarterly rolling forecast (RF) processes for supported OpCos including preparation of templates, commentary and management presentations for submission to Group
• Report to management on variances from the established budget, and the reasons for those variances

Business Partnering

• Primarily responsible for financial controls are in place for various OpCos.
• Working closely with OpCo’s for monthly, quarterly and yearly reporting
• Proactive involvement in OpCo meetings
• Early identification of warning signs (variances) and balance sheet risks
• Assist with analysing and controlling indirect Op Ex according to budget for OpCo’s

SKILLS & EXPERIENCE:

• 5+ years' experience in similar role/s with responsibilities managing internal and external stakeholders, ideally having experience in Media / creative / digital industries
• Excellent technical accounting skills
• Strong technology skills including expertise in MS Excel, database applications and various ERP systems
• A strong client service approach, quality control is key
• Confident in managing and building relationships both internally and externally
• Excellent written and oral communication skills - articulate
• High level of accuracy and attention to detail
• Ability to deliver outcomes with minimal direct supervision
• Well-developed commercial acumen (with a passion for ongoing learning and development in this area)
• Ability to meet deadlines under pressure and to adapt in changing environment
• Courteous assertiveness

HOW WE WORK:

At WPP, our people are at the heart of everything we do.

Our mission is to build and foster an inclusive culture of belonging, one that is equitable, tolerant, and respectful of diverse thought and individual expression

Our ambition is to create workplaces where our people feel not only that they have opportunities to thrive, but also that they are celebrated. A place where everyone has the opportunity to learn, grow and do amazing creative work, surrounded by leaders and colleagues who are inclusive, supportive, and kind. We believe that ultimately diversity and difference will combine to produce extraordinary creativity, manifested in the work we do for our clients and the impact we have on the world.

We support flexibility through our hybrid working model which offers the benefits of being together in the office and working from home. We encourage our people to work in ways that meet their needs and enable them to deliver great work.

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