About the role

Aplyr's Quick Take

The Global Assistant Controller at WPP Media is primarily responsible for overseeing accounting operations and ensuring compliance with financial reporting standards. This is a leadership role that supports the Global Controller and involves managing audits and internal controls, requiring strong technical accounting skills and knowledge of IFRS.

Good fit

This role is ideal for someone with several years of experience in accounting or finance, particularly in a media or advertising context. A detail-oriented individual with strong leadership skills and the ability to navigate complex financial environments will thrive here.

Worth noting

The position emphasizes a deep understanding of media spend and vendor relationships, which may be unique compared to traditional accounting roles. The focus on AI-driven media operations indicates a forward-thinking environment, but the spec lacks clarity on the team size and direct reports.

About WPP Media

WPP is the trusted growth partner for the world’s leading brands. With exceptional talent, trusted data and intelligence, and world-class partnerships – all united by our pioneering agentic marketing platform, WPP Open – we help clients navigate change, capture opportunity, and deliver transformational growth. 

WPP Media is WPP's AI-driven media operating unit, bringing together media, data, and partnerships to deliver creative personalisation at scale. Connected through WPP Open and powered by Open Intelligence, clients see exactly where, how, and why their media investment is working.

For more information, visit wppmedia.com.

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 contra

Skills & Tags

go rust ai data design marketing

Aplyr's read

WPP Media (GroupM) is a powerhouse in advertising, attracting professionals who thrive in dynamic, global marketing environments.
Synthesized from recent postings & public sources

What's promising

•GroupM offers a diverse range of roles across strategy, data, and creative fields.
•The company is part of WPP, providing access to a vast network of global resources.
•Strong focus on digital and programmatic advertising aligns with market trends.

What to watch

•High-pressure environment may not suit those seeking work-life balance.
•Complex organizational structure can lead to bureaucratic challenges.
•Frequent restructuring may cause job insecurity among employees.

Why WPP Media (GroupM)

•GroupM's scale allows for unparalleled access to global advertising data.
•Specialized roles in programmatic and digital media reflect cutting-edge industry practices.
•As part of WPP, GroupM benefits from a broad spectrum of marketing expertise.

Aplyr’s read is generated by AI from public sources. Was it useful?

About WPP Media (GroupM)

WPP Media (GroupM)

wpp.com

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WPP plc is a British multinational advertising and public relations company, known for providing a wide range of marketing and communications services.