Enterprise Technology Project Accountant (Fixed term contract)

WPP is the creative transformation company. We use the power of creativity to build better futures for our people, planet, clients, and communities.

Working at WPP means being part of a global network of more than 100,000 talented people dedicated to doing extraordinary work for our clients. We operate in over 100 countries, with corporate headquarters in New York, London and Singapore.

WPP is a world leader in marketing services, with deep AI, data and technology capabilities, global presence and unrivalled creative talent. Our clients include many of the biggest companies and advertisers in the world, including approximately 300 of the Fortune Global 500.

Our people are the key to our success. We're committed to fostering a culture of creativity, belonging and continuous learning, attracting and developing the brightest talent, and providing exciting career opportunities that help our people grow.

Why we're hiring:

The ET Finance Project Accountant is a key player within the Enterprise Technology (ET) Finance team, instrumental in resetting our budget and recharge processes. This role involves significant collaboration with the ET function and finance teams across WPP’s Networks and operating companies, ensuring accurate and efficient financial management of ET initiatives.

Reporting to the ET Finance Strategy Director, you will drive project execution, financial analysis, and reporting. We seek a candidate with a strong accounting and financial modelling background, experience handling large, complex data sets, proven project management skills, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.

What you'll be doing:

Project Management:

• Drive the successful execution of ET Finance projects, ensuring adherence to timelines, budgets, and quality standards.

• Develop and maintain project plans, track progress, identify risks, and implement mitigation strategies.

• Coordinate diverse finance stakeholders (finance, tax, treasury, technology, and operational teams) to collect, cleanse, and model critical data.

• Assist the ET Finance Strategy Director in driving strategic project initiatives and achieving key objectives.

Budgeting and Forecasting:

• Manage and track actual costs incurred.

• Prepare annual budgets, forecasts, and comprehensive variance analyses.

• Collaborate with stakeholders to gather budget requirements and ensure alignment with overall business objectives.

• Develop and maintain complex financial models using large datasets to support strategic decision-making, budgeting, forecasting, and investment analysis.

• Perform in-depth financial analysis, including trend, variance, and profitability analysis (Actual vs. Budget).

• Provide actionable insights derived from financial analysis to drive improved business performance.

Communication and Collaboration:

• Effectively communicate with stakeholders across all organizational levels.

• Collaborate seamlessly with cross-functional teams to achieve shared objectives.

• Develop and deliver compelling presentations for senior management.

• Demonstrate flexibility and adaptability in responding to evolving business requirements and priorities, managing ad-hoc projects and requests to ensure strategic objectives are met.

Process Improvement:

• Identify opportunities to enhance financial processes and systems.

• Develop and implement process improvements to boost efficiency and accuracy.

• Document and maintain comprehensive Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).

• Stay abreast of industry best practices and emerging trends in finance and technology.

What you'll need:

Required Qualifications & Experience:

• Fully qualified accountant (ACA/ACCA/CA).

• Proven ability to deliver effectively under pressure, tight deadlines, and during year-end close/change periods.

• Strong analytical skills, meticulous attention to detail, and sound judgment in financial modeling.

• Excellent communication skills, adept at explaining complex data to diverse audiences.

• Demonstrated project management skills, managing multiple deadlines concurrently.

• Self-motivated, proactive, and responsive to instructions.

• Exceptional time management and organizational skills.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, PowerPoint, Word).

Highly Desirable / Preferred Experience:

• Public accounting experience (Big 4 preferred).

• In-depth IFRS knowledge.

• Financial reporting experience with large, complex, multi-currency group consolidations (preferably UK/US listed).

• ERP system experience (e.g., SAP, Oracle).

• Experience with large datasets and data visualization tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI).

• Understanding of IT finance principles.

Personal Attributes:

• Proactive and results-driven.

• Excellent problem-solving skills.

• Strong interpersonal skills.

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively.

• Highly adaptable and flexible in dynamic environments.

• Committed to continuous learning and 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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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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