Internal Audit Assistant Manager

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 100,000 talented people dedicated to doing extraordinary work for our clients. We operate in over 100 countries, with corporate headquarters in New York, London and Singapore.

WPP is a world leader in marketing services, with deep AI, data and technology capabilities, global presence and unrivalled creative talent. Our clients include many of the biggest companies and advertisers in the world, including approximately 300 of the Fortune Global 500.

Our people are the key to our success. We're committed to fostering a culture of creativity, belonging and continuous learning, attracting and developing the brightest talent, and providing exciting career opportunities that help our people grow. 

Why we're hiring:

WPP is seeking an Assistant Audit Manager to support our  EMEA and South Asia Team team and play a key role in shaping our future. In this role, you'll leverage your audit, risk, and compliance expertise to conduct operational audits across our diverse businesses, gaining valuable exposure to various areas of WPP. This is a unique opportunity to make a real difference by identifying opportunities for improvement and driving positive change.

We're looking for candidates with a strong background in Operations, Financial, Commercial, and Compliance auditing. You'll need to be able to analyse complex business processes, identify risks (including regulatory, organisational, policy, and technological), and develop meaningful findings. Excellent communication skills and a strong commercial understanding are essential.

Location: London 

Travel: Up to 30% (availability required)

Reporting to the Regional Sr. Director of Internal Audit, EMEA and South Asia, you will play a critical role in:

• Risk Assessment and Audit Execution: Developing, planning, and executing internal audits to evaluate the effectiveness of risk management and control environments across group functions, operating companies, and major business change programs.
• Risk Identification and Documentation: Assessing and documenting key risks within assigned audit areas.
• Audit Program Development: Creating tailored audit programs and testing steps based on identified risks.
• Communication and Reporting: Preparing and communicating clear and concise audit observations and recommendations to stakeholders.
• Root Cause Analysis: Identifying and documenting the underlying causes of audit findings to drive effective remediation.
• Relationship Management: Building and maintaining strong relationships with senior local finance and operational staff.
• Special Investigations: Participating in special investigations as required.
• Remediation Monitoring: Tracking and monitoring the implementation of corrective actions to address audit findings.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct Internal Audits: Execute internal audits for assigned cycles, reviewing financial controls and testing compliance with internal control policies, procedures, regulations, and applicable laws.
• Assess Compliance and Effectiveness: Evaluate compliance with policies, plans, standards, international best practices, and local laws, ensuring they effectively support operational objectives and project goals.
• Maintain Confidentiality: Exercise discretion in reviewing records to protect sensitive information.
• Manage Multiple Assignments: Effectively manage multiple audit assignments concurrently.
• Deliver Projects on Time: Deliver audit projects on time, meeting deadlines for planning, execution, and reporting.
• Review Audit Team Work: Review the work of the audit team to ensure key risks are adequately addressed.
• Apply Lessons Learned: Utilise prior experience to identify and apply previously captured lessons learned and best practices.
• Identify Efficiency Improvements: Identify and recommend opportunities to improve efficiency within audit processes.
• Contribute to Post-Audit Reviews: Participate in after-action reviews to capture lessons learned and improve future audits.
• Prepare and Present Audit Reports: Prepare and present reports to the Regional Head of Audit on audit results, significant risk exposures, and control issues.
• Maintain Audit Documentation: Ensure timely completion of internal audit work papers and audit programs, documenting risks, issues, and recommendations in TeamMate.
• Support Ad Hoc Assignments: Support occasional ad hoc assignments, including investigations.

What you'll need:

We're seeking a proactive and insightful Audit professional who can translate risks into business issues and drive effective solutions. You'll be a sharp evaluator of risk, enjoy investigating complex issues, and possess strong time management skills.

Essential Skills and Attributes:

• Risk Management Expertise: Proven experience in risk assessment, audit execution, control design, and risk prioritization.
• Analytical Acumen: Strong analytical skills with the ability to analyse data, identify meaningful observations, and provide detailed assessments.
• Communication & Collaboration: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a proven ability to build relationships and work effectively across cross-functional teams.
• Project Management Skills: Strong project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and deliver results on time.
• Problem-Solving & Initiative: A proactive approach to problem-solving, with the ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Personal Attributes: Inquisitive, assertive (not aggressive), tenacious, thorough, precise, diplomatic, and able to prioritize and balance workload under minimal supervision.

Qualifications & Experience:

• Qualified Accountant required  ACA, CA,  ACCA or equivalent.
• Post-qualification experience in operational auditing, risk management, compliance, or financial analysis, demonstrating increasing responsibility.
• Experience in an international environment preferred.
• Strong understanding of COSO frameworks and Sarbanes-Oxley.
• Familiarity with data analytics tools and advanced MS Office skills.
• Big Four accounting firm experience is a plus.
• Risk focused and capable of using data analytics to gain insights into transactions

 

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?

#LI-Onsite

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.

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