Senior Manager – Technical Accounting

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:

We are recruiting a Senior Manager to join and strengthen the WPP Group Technical Accounting team. This role offers the chance to play an integral part in facilitating our continued growth, optimising the support provided to our global operating companies and other Group functions within our multinational structure.

What you'll be doing:

Reporting to the Group Technical Accounting Director, you will be instrumental in navigating the complex and evolving landscape of technical accounting across the WPP Group. You will actively support the team in ensuring robust financial integrity and strategic compliance for our multinational operations.

Key Responsibilities:

• Policy Analysis & Compliance: Proactively monitor, research, and interpret new and emerging accounting and regulatory policies to guarantee the Group's unwavering compliance with IFRS and other critical standards.
• Stakeholder Communication: Synthesize intricate policy changes into clear, actionable insights, effectively communicating their impact and implementation requirements to key stakeholders throughout the organisation.
• Contract & Project Evaluation: Critically review and evaluate the accounting treatment for high-value new or modified contracts and projects, assuring their alignment with current accounting standards.
• Complex Transaction Documentation: Lead the preparation of comprehensive technical accounting papers for complex transactions and business issues. This includes delivering in-depth research and analysis, explaining the impact on Group financial statements, and ensuring full understanding and compliance among all relevant parties.
• Standardisation & Guidance: Champion the consistent application of accounting policies Group-wide, actively engaging with operating companies to provide expert assistance and clarify complex scenarios.
• Cross-Functional Advisory: Collaborate strategically with internal departments (e.g., Tax, Treasury, Legal, M&A) and operating companies, offering specialist accounting advice that underpins critical business decisions.
• Knowledge Sharing & Development: Elevate the expertise within the Group by creating and delivering engaging training programs and timely accounting updates to diverse audiences.
• Reporting Assurance: Partner with the Group Reporting team to safeguard the accuracy, timeliness, and full compliance of all periodic financial reports with accounting standards and regulations.
• Financial Statement Input: Provide authoritative technical accounting input and review for the Group’s financial statements, ensuring precision and adherence to standards.
• External Audit & Advisor Liaison: Facilitate smooth engagements with external auditors and advisors by providing comprehensive information, support, and expert responses.

What you'll need:

• Qualified Accountant: Professional accounting qualification (ACA, ACCA, CPA or equivalent) with significant experience in a dedicated technical accounting role, either in public practice or industry.
• Multinational Experience: Proven experience within a large multinational organisation, ideally with exposure to UK and US public company reporting requirements (e.g., LSE, NYSE, NASDAQ).
• Expert Knowledge: Deep subject matter expertise in IFRS, SOX, internal control frameworks, and SEC regulations.
• Analytical Acuity: Exceptional analytical and research skills to accurately determine appropriate accounting treatments for complex scenarios.
• Communication Prowess: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to distil and articulate complex technical matters clearly and concisely to diverse audiences.
• Proactive & Organised: Self-motivated with a proven ability to manage competing priorities, deliver timely stakeholder support, and ensure the completion of long-term deliverables.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Demonstrated ability to build strong, collaborative relationships with senior stakeholders, coupled with the confidence to robustly defend accounting conclusions.
• Continuous Improvement Mindset: A commitment to challenging existing processes and proactively identifying opportunities for continuous improvement and development of accounting policies.
• Technical Proficiency: Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (especially Excel for complex financial modelling) and strong overall IT literacy.

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?

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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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