Senior Finance Planning and Analysis Manager (Fixed-Term)

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.

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

ROLE PURPOSE:

The role of the Senior Finance Planning and Analysis Manager (Fixed-Term) is to manage the Head Office financial planning and performance, maintain and oversee the Head Office financial control framework and collaborate with key stakeholders to deliver monthly reporting and insights on performance.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES: 

The key responsibilities of the Senior Finance Planning and Analysis Manager (Fixed-Term) are as follows:

Financial Controller Accountability:

• Review and sign off on monthly P&L and key Balance Sheet reconciliations prepared by WPP Finance 
• Review and sign off on month end reporting, including completeness of commentary
• Review and sign off on other regular monthly reporting such as Intercompany reporting, Retainer Reconciliations, Payroll Reconciliations etc.
• Timely and accurate completion of monthly internal control requirements 

Month End Process and Monthly, Quarterly and Annual Reporting:

• Review P&L flash to understand results prior to finalisation of month end   
• Review variances between actual results and budget, provide commentary where required
• Review financial results to highlight issues and meaningful insights; engage in problem solving with the Financial Controller
• Review material expenditure accruals to ensure journals recognised is in line with Accounting and Group Standards 

Planning, budgeting & forecasting:

• Responsible for the overall Head Office budgeting and forecasting process and outputs
• Review first cut of budget prepared by Financial Accountant and Assistant Accountant and update where required based on business knowledge
• Finalise planning, budgeting and forecasting materials and outputs 
• Present budget/forecast to key stakeholders
• Provide secondary commentary on budget and forecast variances 

Control and Governance:

• Oversee the relevant Head Office financial control framework
• Assist in the Sarbanes Oxley audits of group companies
• Assist with the annual update of the Disaster Recovery Plan 
• Preparation and Sign off Quarterly reports: CSR, Client Profitability, Gift Registers, Balance Sheet Rec submission etc. 

Statutory reporting:

• Support statutory reporting requirements review; BAS, PAYG, FBT, Payroll Tax, Workers Comp and ABS
• Collaborate with Auditors & Finance team for Financial Audits
• Manage intercompany requirements (specifically with Hogarth) 

Support Global and Brand Reporting:

• Support with Global and Brand management reporting
• Deal with queries/requests from Global and regional Head Office reporting 

Leadership and mentorship of team:

• Lead and develop the Financial Accountant and Assistant Accountant by providing regular coaching, support and constructive performance feedback
• Hold regular performance evaluation meetings with any direct reports throughout the year, set SMART goals and create a professional development plan for their advancement
• Respond well to guidance and feedback from the Financial Controller and Head Office Finance Director
• Support Spectra Training and understanding by team of internal control and group accounting policies, including ongoing changes 

Finance Function Oversight:

• Work with Financial Controller to improve processes and work flows to ensure efficiencies are realised
• Ensure standardisation of core finance procedures across budgeting, reporting and controllership activities
• Approve requests for new suppliers
• Assist Financial Accountant with coding of supplier invoices without PO
• Ensure integrity of key and non-key balance sheet account reconciliations and timely identification and resolution of open items

QUALIFICATIONS AND TECHNICAL COMPETENCIES:

• Accounting Qualifications (CA/CPA/ACCA) preferred
• Ability to work independently as a committed member of the finance team.
• Approachable and confident approaching others
• Able to set and attain goals, inspire team performance 
• Ability to work to deadlines
• High levels of numerical logic 
• Ability to think strategically, influence and drive outcomes across multiple stakeholder groups
• Collaborative and astute - able to build trust and respect within our network; great instincts about how and when to pursue a particular agenda and how to build alliances and momentum
• Mentor direct reports and the wider business staff
• Good communicator
• Confident and professional approach 

EXPERIENCE:

• BCC Enterprise experience (preferred but not essential)
• Experience in fast paced Accounting environment
• 5+ years’ experience in an accounting role
• Good knowledge of accounting principles and procedures
• Experience of Sarbanes Oxley (SOX)
• Strong Excel skills, proficient with Word and PowerPoint 

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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