Job Description

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 are hiring:

Be a part of WPP's exciting global transformation! As the Risk and Controls Director, you'll play a vital role in supporting our Corporate functions and Agency Networks worldwide. This is a fantastic opportunity for a proactive and self-motivated individual who thrives in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.



Reporting to the Head of Risk and Controls, you'll contribute directly to the WPP Risk and Controls group's key objectives:


Elevate Risk Management: Drive continuous improvement in the company's risk assessment and controls framework, ensuring its effectiveness and relevance. Empower Through Training: Develop and deliver regulatory and compliance training programs to enhance understanding and adherence across the organisation. Shape the Transformation: Partner with project teams involved in the WPP Transformation Program, ensuring the risk assessment and controls framework adapts seamlessly to our evolving company.

Team Oversight:

As the Risk and Controls Director, you'll lead a team responsible for Second-Line Risk Management: Overseeing second-line risk and control activities across WPP's corporate functions, including Group Reporting, Treasury, and Corporate units, ensuring robust risk management practices.


SOX Program Leadership: Leading WPP's SOX (Sarbanes-Oxley) program, ensuring compliance and effective internal controls over financial reporting.

What you will be doing:

Optimise Control Framework:

Challenge and assess the relevance of the WPP control framework, identifying and implementing opportunities for efficiency and improvement.

Drive Control Transformation:

Lead the transformation and implementation of best practices in control designs across the organisation.

Support Fraud Risk Assessment:

Collaborate with the Business Integrity function in delivering WPP's comprehensive fraud risk assessment.

Ensure Risk and Control Alignment:

Ensure relevant risks are identified and appropriate controls are included in the WPP risk and control matrices (RACMs), maintaining their accuracy and effectiveness.

Develop Non-Financial Control Frameworks:

Develop and implement non-financial control frameworks, including ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance), to support WPP's reporting obligations and sustainability initiatives.

Lead Risk Assessments and Audit Scoping:

Conduct annual risk assessments and define the scope of internal audits, ensuring comprehensive coverage of key risk areas.

Manage S404 Program Reporting

: Lead and coordinate the preparation of S404 (Sarbanes-Oxley Act Section 404) program reporting deliverables, ensuring timely and accurate submissions.

Enhance Corporate Function Controls:

Enhance the design and implementation of controls and processes within the WPP Corporate Functions, strengthening their effectiveness and efficiency.

Support Remediation Efforts

: Provide support and guidance for remediation efforts in significant focus areas, ensuring timely and effective resolution of control deficiencies.

Guide Strategic Initiatives:

Provide support and guidance for areas of strategic importance, ensuring that risk and control considerations are integrated into key decision-making processes.

Deliver Control Training:

Develop and deliver training to WPP Corporate and Agency Network Finance teams on control design and documentation best practices, promoting a culture of control awareness.

Implement ICFR Policies and Procedures:

Implement policies and procedures aligned with WPP guidelines to support the ICFR (Internal Control over Financial Reporting) / S404 program, ensuring compliance and consistency.

Oversee ICFR / S404 Program

: Oversee the WPP ICFR / S404 program, ensuring timely identification and resolution of key ICFR matters.

Mentor and Guide the Team:

Mentor and guide the WPP Risk and Controls team, fostering their professional development and ensuring their success.

Build Strong Relationships:

Establish and maintain excellent relationships within the team, across WPP, and with external auditors, fostering collaboration and trust.

Collaborate Across Functions:

Collaborate effectively with colleagues across functions, including Finance, IT, Legal, Internal Audit, Business Integrity, and WPP Agency Networks, promoting a holistic approach to risk management.

Assist in Audit Committee Reporting:

Assist in drafting Audit Committee reports, providing clear and concise updates on risk and control matters.

Support Non-Financial Reporting Controls:

Assist ESG, business integrity, and other functions with control matters related to non-financial reporting, ensuring comprehensive coverage of all reporting requirements.

Manage Other Risk and Control Matters:

Undertake other risk and control matters as directed by the Head of Risk and Controls, providing flexible support as needed.

Stakeholder Management:

Cultivate Key Relationships:

Maintain strong relationships with corporate functions leadership and Network Controllers, fostering open communication and collaboration.

Partner with Auditors and Stakeholders

: Build strong relationships with external auditors and other key internal stakeholders, ensuring effective communication and alignment.

Drive Alignment and Transparency:

Drive alignment, standardization, and transparency of ICFR matters across the organization.

Leadership and Talent Development:

Provide Strong Leadership:

Provide strong leadership for the WPP SOX Program and Corporate Risk and Controls teams, setting a clear vision and direction.

Build a High-Performing Team:

Recruit, develop, and maintain a high-performing team of risk and control professionals, fostering their growth and success.

Foster a Culture of Excellence:

Foster a culture of learning, collaboration, and accountability within the team, promoting continuous improvement and high performance.

What You Bring:

Professional Certification

: Chartered Accountant (CA) or Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation.

Extensive Audit Experience:

Significant combined internal and external audit experience, demonstrating a strong foundation in audit principles and practices.

Educational Foundation:

Undergraduate degree in Finance, Accounting, or a related field, providing a solid understanding of financial concepts.

Risk and Control Expertise:

Strong background in risk assessment and controls, with a proven ability to identify, assess, and mitigate risks.

Leadership and Management Acumen:

Demonstrated leadership and management skills, with experience leading and developing high-performing teams.

Exceptional Communication and Stakeholder Management:

Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, enabling effective interaction and collaboration with individuals at all levels.

Framework Design and Implementation:

Proven experience in designing and implementing risk and controls frameworks, showcasing your ability to create effective and sustainable control environments.

Group Reporting/Head Office Finance Experience:

Experience with Group Reporting or Head Office finance functions is highly preferred, demonstrating familiarity with the complexities of corporate financial reporting.

Regulatory Compliance Expertise:

Extensive experience with IFRS (International Financial Reporting Standards), Sarbanes-Oxley compliance, SEC (Securities and Exchange Commission) regulations, and PCAOB (Public Company Accounting Oversight Board) requirements.

Unwavering Integrity:

Unquestionable ethics and dependability, essential for maintaining trust and credibility.

Adaptability and Resilience:

Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, high-energy, and change-oriented environment, demonstrating adaptability and resilience.

Sound Decision-Making:

Proven decision-making skills, with the ability to analyse complex situations and make informed judgments.

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 accepting: of 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 promote a culture of people that 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?

Join WPP and shape the future of risk management in a dynamic, global environment. Apply today.

#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.

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