Global Assistant Controller

About WPP Media

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

WPP Media is WPP’s global media collective. In a world where media is everywhere and in everything, we bring the best platform, people, and partners together to create limitless opportunities for growth. For more information, visit wppmedia.com

At WPP Media, we believe in the power of our culture and our people. It’s what elevates us to deliver exceptional experiences for both our clients and each other. In this role it will be critical to embrace WPP & WPP Media’s shared core values:

• Be Extraordinary by Leading Collectively to Inspire transformational Creativity.

• Create an Open environment by Balancing People and Client Experiences by Cultivating Trust.

• Lead Optimistically by Championing Growth and Development to Mobilize the Enterprise.

Role Summary and Impact:

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.

Skills:

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.

Experience:

• 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.

Life at WPP Media & Benefits:

Our passion for shaping the next era of media includes investing in our employees to help them do their best work, and we’re just as committed to employee growth as we are to responsible media investment. WPP Media employees can tap into the global WPP Media & WPP networks to pursue their passions, grow their networks, and learn at the cutting edge of marketing and advertising. We have a variety of employee resource groups and host frequent in-office events showcasing team wins, sharing thought leadership, and celebrating holidays and milestone events. Our benefits include competitive medical, group retirement plans, vision, and dental insurance, significant paid time off, preferential partner discounts, and employee mental health awareness days.  

WPP Media 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.

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 Media is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to, among others, individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans. If you need an accommodation because of a disability to search and apply for a career opportunity with WPP Media, please send an e-mail to GroupM Leave Administration at [email protected] or call (212) 297-8507 and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information.

Please read our Privacy Notice (https://www.wppmedia.com/pages/privacy-policy) for more information on how we process the information you provide.

The base salary range for this position at the time of this posting is indicated below. Individual compensation varies based on job-related factors, including location, business needs, level of responsibility, experience, and qualifications. We offer a competitive benefits package, go to https://mybenefits.wpp.com/public/welcome for more details.

US Pay Range

$100,000.00 - $230,000.00 USD

Please read our Privacy Notice for more information on how we process the information you provide.