Finance Manager

Why we're hiring:

The ET Finance Manager / Finance Business Partner ("FBP") is a key role within the Enterprise Technology ("ET") Finance team, supporting the ongoing transformation within ET and contributing to the overall financial management of the function. This role will involve significant interaction with the ET function and finance teams across WPP's Networks and operating companies. The Manager / FBP will play an instrumental part in supporting efficiency, accuracy, and strategic alignment across ET Finance activities.

Reporting to the ET Senior Finance Manager, this role will support projects, provide in-depth financial analysis, and contribute to process improvements. The candidate will possess a strong accounting and financial modelling background, experience handling large and complex data sets, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic, and global environment. This role requires a proactive individual with a passion for driving change and a proven ability to deliver results.

What you'll be doing:

Transformation Leadership:

• Support key ET Finance transformation initiatives, ensuring alignment with overall WPP strategic objectives.
• Identify and contribute to opportunities to streamline processes, improve data quality, and enhance financial reporting capabilities.
• Support the adoption of new technologies and methodologies to improve efficiency and effectiveness within the ET Finance function.
• Act as a change advocate, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and innovation within the team, including the use of AI and automation.

Financial Management:

• Support the successful execution of the ET Finance strategy.
• Assist in the development and maintenance of detailed financial plans, track progress, proactively identify/mitigate savings opportunities, potential risks and issues.
• Co-ordinate with various stakeholders across the organisation including finance, tax, treasury, technology, procurement and operational teams, to ensure seamless delivery.
• Prepare financial performance for senior stakeholders.

Budgeting and Forecasting:

• Support the overhaul and implementation of ET's budgeting process, ensuring accuracy, transparency, and strategic alignment.
• Manage the full cycle of annual budget and forecast preparation, including the critical responsibility for accurate data input, validation, and maintenance within the group consolidation BFC (SAP) system to ensure data integrity and facilitate consolidated financial views. This oversight extends to all financial aspects, covering both central and agency ET spend for the entire Group.
• Act as a key contributor and facilitator in cross-functional budget discussions, engaging extensively with global discipline leads to translate strategic initiatives into financial plans, and collaborating closely with agency finance teams to harmonise financial reporting, ensure data consistency, and align with global budgetary frameworks.
• Proactively manage financial performance through regular engagement with budget owners and finance partners. This includes continuous tracking of run rates, rigorous monitoring of savings initiatives, and the identification and execution of opportunities for spend consolidation to drive efficiency and cost optimisation.
• Construct advanced financial models utilising extensive datasets to support strategic initiatives such as investment analysis, cost efficiency, and intercompany recharges.
• Execute comprehensive financial analysis (e.g., trend, variance, utilisation) to identify and capitalise on improvement opportunities.
• Develop and maintain critical financial models for budgeting, forecasting, and investment appraisal.
• Prepare compelling financial reports for senior leadership, providing clear insights into business performance and facilitating informed decision-making.

Communication and Collaboration:

• Communicate effectively with stakeholders at all levels of the organisation globally, building strong relationships and fostering collaboration.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to achieve common goals, sharing knowledge and expertise.
• Prepare and deliver presentations to senior management, clearly articulating complex financial information.
• Adopts flexible and adaptable approach to changing business requirements and priorities to ensure strategic objectives are met, including ad-hoc projects/requests.

Process Improvement:

• Identify opportunities to improve financial processes and systems, leveraging technology and best practices.
• Develop and implement process improvements to enhance efficiency, accuracy, and control.
• Document and maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs) to ensure consistency and compliance.
• Stay abreast of industry best practices and emerging trends in finance and technology, sharing knowledge with the team.

Who you'll be working with:

Reports To: ET Senior Finance Manager

What you'll need:

Desired Skills and Experiences:

• A full accounting qualification (ACA/ACCA/CA) is essential.
• Proven track record of leading and managing finance transformation projects in a fast-paced, global environment with challenging deadlines. Experience in driving process improvements and implementing new technologies is preferred.
• Experience in Public Accounting (Big 4 preferable) is desirable.
• In-depth knowledge of accounting standards (IFRS) is essential.
• Previous financial reporting experience with large (preferably UK and/or US listed) complex and multi-currency group consolidations and financial reporting issues.
• Rigorous analytical skills, accuracy with figures and exercise sound judgment in decision making.
• Ability to communicate with people tactfully and effectively to influence project outcomes.
• Sound project management skills with proven record of meeting multiple deadlines under pressure.
• Self-motivated, comprehends and responds constructively to instructions.
• Good time management and organisational skills.
• High attention to detail and accuracy.
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint and Word.
• Experience with ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle) is highly desirable.
• Experience with handling large data sets and data visualisation tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI) is a plus.
• Strong understanding of IT finance principles and practices is preferred.

Personal Attributes:

• Proactive and results-oriented with a strong sense of ownership.
• Experience in leading and managing teams through fast-paced projects.
• Excellent problem-solving skills with the ability to think critically and strategically.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to influence and persuade stakeholders.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team, fostering a collaborative environment.
• Adaptable and flexible in a changing environment, with a willingness to embrace new challenges.
• Committed to continuous learning and professional development.

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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