Finance Manager - 6 month FTC

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

Working at WPP means being part of a global network of more than 115,000 accomplished people in 110 countries. WPP has headquarters in New York, London and Singapore and a corporate presence in major markets worldwide.

We create transformative ideas and outcomes for our clients through an integrated offer of communications, experience, commerce, and technology.

WPP and our award-winning agencies work with most of the world's biggest companies and organisations – from Ford, Unilever and P&G to Google, HSBC, and the UN. Our clients include 61 of the FTSE 100, 307 of the Fortune Global 500, all 30 of the Dow Jones 30 and 62 of the NASDAQ 100. WPP are the leader in the Bloomberg Gender Equality Index and 20th in the FTSE 100 rankings for Women on Boards.

WPP is undergoing an exciting global transformation, streamlining processes and driving cost efficiencies. Enterprise Technology (ET) is at the heart of this evolution, delivering vital services to our extensive network of creative agencies. We're seeking a Finance Manager to join our HQ team and play a key role in optimizing our payroll and intercompany cost management.

About the Role:

As a Finance Manager within the ET division, you'll report to the HQ Finance Controller and be instrumental in ensuring the accuracy and efficiency of our global payroll and Intercompany Time of Staff (ICTOS) reporting. This is a fantastic opportunity to make a tangible impact, documenting existing processes, identifying improvement areas, and implementing innovative solutions.

Your Responsibilities:

• Payroll Management:
  • Analyse payroll deductions, pensions, benefits, and tax implications, ensuring accurate accounting treatment.
  • Reconcile monthly payroll changes, collaborating with HR and payroll providers globally.
  • Prepare and post payroll journal entries, conduct balance sheet reconciliations, and perform variance analysis.
• Intercompany Time of Staff (ICTOS) Reporting:
  • Coordinate with agencies across our network to validate and process ICTOS recharge costs.
  • Calculate and accrue ICTOS costs, resolving discrepancies and ensuring accurate documentation.
  • Maintain a comprehensive database of ICTOS costs by employee, encompassing multiple currencies and regions.
• Financial Reporting:
  • Review monthly/quarterly payroll and headcount movements within our Group consolidation system.
  • Collaborate with Finance Business Partners, FP&A, Shared Service Centre, and other HQ teams to ensure alignment.
• SOX Compliance and Controls:
  • Review and update payroll Master Data charges, ensuring data integrity.
  • Document and maintain evidence of control performance.
  • Review and approve payroll reports and disbursement schedules.
  • Serve as the primary point of contact for internal and external auditors.

What We're Looking For:

• Preference for a Qualified Accountant (ACA or equivalent) with proven experience in audit, internal audit, or a large international/FTSE 100 organization.
• Understanding of payroll processing, accounting principles, and financial reporting.
• Analytical and problem-solving skills, with a proactive approach to process improvement.
• Proficiency in MS Excel and Power BI.

What We Offer:

• Be part of a transformative period in a leading global creative network.
• Opportunity to make a significant contribution to the efficiency and effectiveness of our financial operations.
• Collaborative and supportive work environment.
• Competitive salary and benefits package.

WPP is an equal opportunity employer and considers applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, religion or belief, sex, age, national origin, citizenship status, marital status, military/veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, physical or mental disability. We believe in creating a dynamic work environment that values diversity and inclusion and strives to recruit a diverse slate of candidates to help us achieve that goal.

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