Chief Accounting Officer

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Purpose of the role:

Chief Accounting Officer (CAO) is a key management role that manages the overall financial affairs of WPP SSC Malaysia and assists the Managing Director on managing the stakeholders of the SSC.  The Chief Accounting Officer (‘CAO’) also ensure the implementation of standards and good practices in the management of financial information and reporting of Operating Companies (‘OpCo’s) supported by WPP SSC Malaysia in accordance with WPP Group policies and procedures and within the framework of SSC Target Operating Model (‘TOM’). 

This role also possesses a people management and leadership responsibility to key personnel of the Record to Report (‘RTR’), Statutory and Tax Reporting (Stat & Tax), and Master Data Management (‘MDM’), Agency/OpCos Finance functions; and provides support to other functional teams within WPP SSC Malaysia.

Job Description:

Responsible for the reporting of periodic financial information and reporting packs for WPP SSC Malaysia (‘MY’) and Operating Companies (‘OpCo’s’) supported by WPP SSC MY and submission of financial information into the Group reporting tool, Cartesis/BFC.

Oversee the Record-to-Report (RTR), Statutory & Tax, and collaborate with OpCo/Agency Finance team, driving the completion of accurate, complete, and well-supported financial schedules, reconciliations, and documentation. Ensure strict adherence to Group Policies and Procedures (including WPP Policy Book and InsideWPP guidelines) and all applicable local accounting standards.

Manage the applications of both local and overseas direct and indirect Taxation, reporting of all tax related matters and submission to the relevant taxation authorities.

Working with Managing Director and Operations Head to define the Budgets and Re-Forecasts of WPP SSC Malaysia. 

Master Data Management
Manage the Master Data Management (‘MDM’) team to maintains (creates, amends, inactivates and/or deletes) the master data integrity in all ERP systems and/or banking systems or portals based on approved master data requests received and in accordance with standard operating procedures (SOPs) and WPP policy. 

Policies and Standards

• Understand the principles and applications of Group Policies and Procedures, WPP SSC MY Target Operating Models (‘TOM’), taxation and governmental policies and requirements in order to provide and share the knowledge with the other functional teams within WPP SSC MY.
• Carry out standardisation and implement good practices to enable the RTR, Stat & Tax, and MDM function to perform in the most efficient and productive manners.
• Ensure the completion and submission of reporting in accordance with the Group and OpCo’s reporting deadlines.
  

Projects, Transitions and System Implementations

• Understand in detail the working mechanism and operations of each of the operational function in WPP SSC MY and to review and recommend process changes and/or improvements.
• Work with Project teams to plan, manage and support transition of work from new agencies or countries into WPP SSC MY and/or system implementations.
• Plan, implement and drive process changes and continuous improvement initiatives within the RTR, Stat & Tax, and MDM function.

Stakeholders Management

• Oversee and maintain effective relationships with critical external partners (e.g., SOX, auditors, bankers, Tax Agents, government bodies ) to guarantee WPP SSC MY's adherence to all operational and reporting mandates.
• Support the WPP SSC MY Managing Director in cultivating and managing relationships with key internal OpCo stakeholders, including OpCo CEOs, Managing Directors, CFOs, Finance Directors, Financial Controllers, Finance Managers, Regional Finance, Media Operations, and Account Servicing teams.
• Support the WPP SSC MY Managing Director in strategically engaging with critical external partners, such as consultants, systems implementers, and project managers.
  

Leadership and People Management

• Lead and manage the RTR, Stat & Tax, and MDM team, overseeing all people management functions.
• This includes planning and assigning responsibilities, driving KPI achievement, conducting performance appraisals, and fostering team coaching and development.

Qualification:

• Possess a bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting or related field, and/or a professional qualification (ACCA, CPA or CIMA)
• Chartered Accountant with MIA member is preferred.
• A minimum of 15 years of post-qualification experience in audit and commercial financial management.
• Working experience in any Big 4 International Accounting firms is an added advantage
• Experience in leading an operations team of not less than 50 employees in providing services other business units.  Proven records in leading operations teams in different functional areas will be an advantage.
• Extensive experience and involvement in transition of work from business units to the SSC, system implementation and/or process improvements is a pre-requisite and a must.

Skill and Competencies

• Fluent in written and spoken English
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Strategic thinking
• Decision making
• Analytical and problem-solving skills
• Initiative and personal effectiveness
• Knowledge in accounting standards and tax legislations

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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