Director, Finance Operations

Role Overview To bring greater professionalism and systematisation to the SSC finance operations functions by overseeing and directly managing all aspects of finance operations, PTP, T&E, OTC. A commercial, pro‑active, and experienced accounting and Senior Finance Leader with a proven track record to develop and grow a Finance Operations department. Key Responsibilities Contribute, as a member of the SSC senior management team, to the development and delivery of the WPP global target operating model, mission and strategy. The Director, Finance Operations will have a key role in the development of our strategic plan to ensure the long‑term financial health and growth of the SSC. Regularly review all operational costs and recommend savings wherever possible, while maintaining the highest standards of service delivery to the OpCos. Ensure a high standard of customer experience is delivered to all stakeholders. Initiator of business & operation improvement analysis and projects aligned to the direction provided by the global head office team. Accountable for overall finance operations for the shared services organisation, lead the overall Finance Operations team & processes, ensuring automation and simplification in line with the global target operating model/WPP Group directive. Drive automation & transformation across the shared services systems and processes including better use of ERP’s, tools and applications. Plan system and process improvements, promoting end‑user confidence. Participate in all SSC system and process automations, simplification and transformation, aligned to global directive, ensuring all business user requirements are properly considered. Build and constantly train and maintain a best‑in‑class Finance Operations team who are able to effectively manage delivery and user support to all OpCos to an exceptionally high standard. Ensure that the Finance Operations heads of departments/management leads are regularly meeting with the OpCo CFO’s, Heads of Departments, Business/Account Directors to provide status reviews and updates. Ensure the timely PTP reconciliation and payment to terms of all third‑party costs. Manage the OTC process, to ensure that timely and accurate billing of client revenue is adhered to in line with client contractual commitments and any unbilled revenue is reported accurately to the applicable OpCos providing full explanations for delays or queries. Where applicable, ensure the timely client purchase order reconciliations, COS reconciliations, and accuracy and quality of data is adhered to. Full preparation of required monthly, quarterly and annual reporting requirements. Responsible for ensuring the WPP Group Policies and Procedures, compliance (SOX and Internal Audit) are adhered to. Requirements Minimum twelve years of experience, with five years’ experience in a similar role. Established people manager with demonstrable coaching and leadership qualities – able to grow and develop a large team and influence effectively. Strong communication skills at all levels, with transparent, clear and appropriate communication through multiple methods. Ability to build trusted and respected stakeholder relationships, both internally and externally, and manage them constructively. Agile and strategic thinking. Strong commercial and analytical approach with the ability to balance this with a pragmatic style. Solutions focused mind‑set, and able to identify continuous areas for improvement and implement change efficiently and effectively. Who you are You're open – 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 for 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 will 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? Hybrid work environment – 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr Wpp