Senior Corporate Reporting Accountant

Why we're hiring:

WPP is undergoing an exciting global transformation, streamlining processes and driving cost efficiencies. Enterprise Technology (ET) is at the heart of this evolution, delivering vital services to our extensive network of creative agencies. We're looking for an ambitious Senior Corporate Reporting Accountant to join our HQ Finance team and play a key role in supporting the rollout of the ET Service Fee and leading on the associated InterCompany resolutions, as well as overseeing and optimizing how our People cost is structured, this will involve being the point person for the ET HR Director and their team.

As a Senior Corporate Reporting Accountant within the ET division, you'll report to the ET Finance Transactions Manager and be instrumental in:

• Delivering the ET Service Fee rollout across the Group
• Leading on InterCompany resolutions and associated senior stakeholder management
• Overseeing our ET people cost (including the indirect management of Shared Service Centre resources).

This is a fantastic opportunity to make a tangible impact, with a remit to improve how we operate rather than just delivering on existing processes and can be seen as a great stepping-stone to further progression within ET and wider HQ Finance at WPP.

• Be part of a transformative period in a leading global creative network.
• Opportunity to make a significant contribution to the efficiency and effectiveness of our financial operations.

What you'll be doing:

Help shape the Future of ET Finance:

• Lead the ET Service Fee Strategy: Drive the development of the annual ET Service Fee model, collaborating with senior stakeholders across Tax, Treasury, ET, Business Partnering, and HQ Controllership to build consensus and secure buy-in. Partner with senior finance leaders across the Group to strategically minimize intercompany impacts, proactively identifying and resolving issues to ensure a seamless financial process.

• Guide Key Transitions & Enhance Operational Efficiency:

• Payroll Transformation: Play a crucial role in the seamless transition of payroll to the Shared Service Centre (SSC) by Q2 2025. Your expertise will ensure a smooth handover, providing direct support and oversight to establish a robust and efficient BAU process.

• Intercompany Time of Staff (ICTOS) Optimization: Oversee and optimise the SSC's ICTOS reporting (transitioned in Q4 2024), providing strategic guidance to the SSC team and serving as a key point of contact for issue resolution.

• Build Strategic Partnerships: Cultivate a strong relationship with ET HR leadership, including the ET HR Director and designated HR lead, ensuring seamless data flow between HR and Finance and facilitating effective collaboration as the organization evolves.

• Expand Your Financial Reporting Expertise: Contribute to the monthly financial reporting cycle and gain valuable exposure to broader Controllership and Finance Business Partnering initiatives. Collaborate with a dynamic team of Finance Business Partners, FP&A professionals, the SSC, and HQ Controllership to drive alignment and achieve key financial objectives.

• Be the Audit Authority: Serve as the primary point of contact for internal and external auditors, showcasing your deep understanding of the financial processes within your scope of responsibility.

What you'll need:

Does this describe you?

• A qualified accountant (ACA or equivalent) with a track record of success in audit or within a large, international/FTSE 100 organisation.
• A dynamic and ambitious individual who thrives in a fast-paced, evolving environment and is passionate about driving process improvement.
• A confident communicator comfortable engaging with senior stakeholders across the business, including Operating Companies, HR, and HQ Finance.
• A proactive problem-solver with strong analytical skills and a results-oriented approach.
• Proficient in MS Excel.

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 accepting: of 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 promote a culture of people that 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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