Group Financial System Assurance Analyst

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We have been building the world's most valuable brands for 50 years and have global reach across 100+ markets, with deep local expertise.
 
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For more information, visit WPP.com.
 

Why we're hiring:

Drive Financial Excellence as our Group Financial System Assurance Analyst at WPP. We need a compliance expert to safeguard the integrity of our core global financial systems: SAP BFC (consolidation) and ICM (intercompany matching). Your work will directly ensure the accuracy and reliability of financial data for all WPP's management and external reporting.

You'll report to the Global Finance Systems Director within WPP Group Finance, collaborating with the Group Reporting platform, Ops Assurance, and Risk & Controls teams. This is a prime opportunity to expand your expertise in a fast-paced, global environment. You'll be instrumental in identifying risks, implementing solutions, and continuously enhancing our financial systems.

We're looking for a detail-oriented individual with a strong grasp of risk and control frameworks, a proactive approach, and the ability to combine meticulous scrutiny with strategic vision.

What you'll be doing:

Key Responsibilities: Be a Champion of Financial System Excellence

• System Guardian: Attend monthly review meetings and rigorously test updates for the BFC and ICM applications, ensuring the integrity and reliability of our group consolidation system.

• Month-End Maestro: Orchestrate the Group month-end reporting cycle, ensuring system readiness for OpCo submissions and collaborating with multiple teams to deliver timely and accurate financial data.

• Exchange Rate Expert: Conduct daily and monthly reviews to guarantee the accuracy of exchange rate tables, ensuring correct rates for both reportable and annual budget figures.

• Access Control Authority: Regularly assess joiner, leaver, and mover processes, completing weekly, monthly, quarterly, and annual reviews to maintain robust access controls and data security.

• Compliance Champion: Collaborate closely with the WPP Ops Assurance and Risk and Controls teams to ensure BFC and ICM are fully compliant within the WPP framework, safeguarding our financial systems.

• System Improvement Innovator: Work hand-in-hand with the systems team to proactively identify risks and areas for improvement, driving continuous enhancement of our financial systems.

• Transformation Catalyst: Champion and support the systems team in developing a continuous improvement culture, evolving the quality of our financial and management reporting.

• Insights Collaborator: Partner with the Starlight team on the WPP Commentary tool and the Merlin team on WPP data insights to review and improve shared processes, enhancing data-driven decision-making.

• Trusted Advisor: Respond promptly and effectively to ad-hoc requests from senior management, providing expert assistance and guidance.

What you'll need:

• Financial Systems Expertise: Proven experience working in a financial environment with a solid understanding of finance systems.
• Analytical Prowess: A strong analytical mindset with a track record of thorough testing and review.
• Reporting Acumen: Excellent reporting skills to effectively track progress and provide clear insights to the team.
• Continuous Improvement Champion: A keen eye for detail and a passion for driving continuous improvement of complex system processes.
• Results-Oriented: A sense of urgency and commitment to ensuring finance teams meet their goals while adhering to the controls framework.
• Exceptional Communicator: Excellent communication skills with the ability to engage effectively at all levels, including senior management and external stakeholders.
• Relationship Builder: A natural aptitude for building strong relationships across Group Finance.
• Team Player & Self-Starter: A collaborative spirit with the ability to thrive both as part of a team and independently, taking ownership of your professional development.
• Accounting/Compliance Advantage: An accounting or compliance qualification is a plus, but not required. We value your experience and skills above all.

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-Hybrid 

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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