Global Assistant Controller

We are WPP's global media collective, built for the AI era. We bring the best platform, people, and partners together to create innovative solutions that deliver unparalleled growth for brands - in every market, every day. Our finance team plays a critical role in ensuring operational excellence, compliance, and strategic growth. We are seeking an Assistant Controller to join our team and support the financial leadership of WPP Media.

 

Position Summary:

Provide leadership for the WPP Media controllership community.

The Assistant Controller will oversee day-to-day accounting operations, ensure accurate financial reporting, and support the Global Controller in managing compliance, audits, and internal controls. This role requires strong technical accounting skills, a deep understanding of IFRS and the ability to navigate the complexities of media spend, client prepayments, and vendor relationships.

 

Key Responsibilities:

• Financial Reporting & Compliance

• Ensure that WPP Media monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reporting is compliant with WPP accounting policies and procedures, and in accordance with IFRS.
• Liaison with WPP on month-end deliverables and ensure accurate and timely submissions, and compliance with all internal and external policies and procedures.
• Provide oversight and guidance to the WPP Media Network on coordination, execution, and remediation of statutory, internal, and external audits. This role is a critical partner to help manage the audit work plan and resolution of any identified issues.

• Accounting Operations

• Assist in the review and approval of AP and AR, IC transactions, and general ledger maintenance of the WPP Media Network.
• Conduct regular balance sheet reviews to ensure that the WPP Media balance sheet is properly stated and addressing and resolving aged items.
• Provide support to the Network regarding client prepayments and vendor obligations, ensuring proper recognition of revenue and expenses.
• Assist with various month-end accruals related to the Network and in coordination with the market controllership teams.

• Media-Specific Finance

• Monitor media spend, prepayments, and cash flow timing.
• Support revenue recognition assessments such as principal vs. agent considerations, client incentives, and rebates in accordance with IFRS 15.
• Provide technical support on media-specific transactions and documentation of accounting treatment.

• Internal Controls & Process Improvement

• Continuous strengthening of financial controls and implementation of best practices across the Network.
• Identify opportunities to streamline processes and improve efficiency.
• Partner with WPP and Regional Controllership Group to assess design of key controls to best suit WPP Media.

• Strategic Support

• Provide financial analysis to support decision-making by senior management. Key analysis includes understanding and insights of media buying and planning, proprietary trading, and cash flow analysis.
• Partner with client service and investment teams to ensure completeness and accuracy around notable client contract terms including incentives, rebates, and vendor arrangements.

 

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field; CPA or equivalent preferred.
• 10+ years of progressive controllership experience, ideally within media, advertising, or professional accounting (Big 4).
• Strong technical knowledge of IFRS, SOX, revenue recognition, and financial reporting.
• Experience with implementation of ERP/accounting systems.
• Excellent analytical, organizational, and communication skills.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, deadline-driven, multinational environment.