Strategic Finance Lead, ET
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Why we're hiring:
WPP is the creative transformation company. We build better futures for our people, clients and communities. With a global network of agencies, we deliver transformative ideas and outcomes for our clients through an integrated offer of communications, experience, commerce and technology.
The ET Senior Finance Manager / Senior Finance Business Partner (“SFBP”) is a critical leadership role within the Enterprise Technology (“ET”) Finance team, directly contributing to the ongoing transformation within ET whilst contributing to the overall financial management of ET. This role will have significant interaction with the ET function and senior finance leadership across WPP’s Networks and operating companies. The Senior Manager / SFBP will be instrumental in driving efficiency, accuracy and strategic alignment across all ET Finance activities.
Reporting to the ET Finance Director, this role will lead projects, provide in-depth financial analysis, and drive process improvements. The candidate will possess a strong accounting and financial modelling background, experience handling large and complex data sets, proven project management skills specifically within a transformation context, 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:
- Lead and manage key ET Finance transformation initiatives, ensuring alignment with overall WPP strategic objectives.
- Identify and champion opportunities to streamline processes, improve data quality, and enhance financial reporting capabilities.
- Drive the adoption of new technologies and methodologies to improve efficiency and effectiveness within the ET Finance function.
- Act as a change agent, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and innovation within the team, including the use of AI and automation.
- Financial Management:
- Lead the successful execution of ET Finance strategy.
- Develop and maintain 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.
- Report financial performance to a range of senior stakeholders.
- Budgeting and Forecasting:
- Lead 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 influencer 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 (e.g., weekly) 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.
- Present compelling financial reports to 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:
- 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.
- A passion for driving change and improving processes.
What you'll need:
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-Onsite
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.