At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a finance team, oversee financial reporting, and ensure compliance across operations.
- Company: Join Ogilvy, a top global agency known for creativity and impact.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days leave, flexible working, healthcare, and a generous pension scheme.
- Other info: Collaborate with senior leadership and drive continuous improvement in financial processes.
- Why this job: Make a significant impact in a dynamic environment with a focus on innovation.
- Qualifications: Qualified finance professional with 6+ years of experience and strong analytical skills.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 € per year.
About Ogilvy
Ogilvy, part of WPP, has been creating impact for brands through iconic, culture-changing, value-driving ideas since the company was founded by David Ogilvy 75 years ago. It builds on that rich legacy through Borderless Creativity – innovating at the intersections of its advertising, public relations, relationship design, consulting, and health capabilities with experts collaborating seamlessly across over 120 offices in nearly 90 countries.
About the Role
We are seeking an experienced and proactive Financial Controller to join our world-leading advertising and marketing agency, Ogilvy, based at Sea Containers, London. Reporting directly to the Group Finance Director, you will play a pivotal role in ensuring the efficient functioning of our finance department, overseeing all financial reporting activities for Ogilvy EMEA and WPP. This is a critical leadership position, managing a team of nine (with four direct reports), where you will be instrumental in developing best practices, driving consistency, efficiency, and ensuring robust compliance across all financial operations.
What You'll Do
As our Financial Controller, you'll step into a pivotal leadership role at the heart of Ogilvy's finance department. You'll be instrumental in shaping our financial narrative, driving operational excellence, and ensuring robust compliance across all financial operations for Ogilvy EMEA and WPP. This role offers the chance to make a significant impact, working closely with senior leadership and managing a dedicated team. Your key responsibilities will include:
- Leading and developing a team of nine (with four direct reports), fostering best practices and driving consistency and efficiency within the finance department.
- Overseeing all core financial reporting activities, from month-end P&L (Flash and Actuals) and Balance Sheet, to strategic Budget and Re-forecast submissions, providing crucial data for WPP and Ogilvy EMEA.
- Ensuring rigorous financial compliance and control, acting as a key owner for WPP control reviews, maintaining ICFR adherence, and serving as the primary contact for all auditors.
- Driving continuous process improvement across financial systems, including vendor set-up, POs, invoice approvals, and payment processes, to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.
- Assisting with insightful financial presentations for CEO and CFO review meetings, providing commentary on variances, and managing all essential regulatory reporting required under UK law.
What You'll Need
We are looking for a highly skilled and motivated individual with:
- Qualifications & Experience: Qualified (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent) or qualified by extensive experience. 6+ years of progressive experience within a finance team. Proven experience in managing a team, including staff hiring and development. Experience with month-end reporting and comprehensive financial analysis. Experience with vendor management and accounts payable processes.
- Skills & Attributes: Strong analytical and financial skills with meticulous attention to detail and accuracy. Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, enabling effective collaboration across all levels. Strong Excel proficiency is essential. Ability to manage multiple priorities and tight deadlines, both independently and for your team. Proactive, self-motivated, and able to work effectively independently and as part of a dynamic team. Experience of compliance frameworks (WPP experience would be advantageous). Familiarity with regulatory requirements. Knowledge of staff cost reporting and analysis (advantageous). Workday experience (advantageous).
Benefits
We believe in supporting our people to do their best work and live their best lives.
- 25 days annual leave plus the option to buy up to 5 extra days leave + 1 volunteer day
- Bupa Healthcare
- Enhanced family friendly policies, including, adoption and shared parental leave
- Menopause support
- Flexible Working Model with core working hours: 10am – 4pm
- A generous pension scheme - you pay in 4% we pay 6%, following probation contributions are matched up to 10.5% (17.5% in total)
- A fantastic Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) provided by Telus which offers brilliant support, expert advice and specialist counselling
- Help @ Hand - quick free access to a remote GP, mental health support, physio or a medical 2nd opinion
Financial Controller employer: Ogilvy
Ogilvy is an exceptional employer that champions creativity and collaboration, offering a dynamic work environment at its iconic Sea Containers location in London. With a strong commitment to employee well-being, Ogilvy provides generous benefits including flexible working hours, comprehensive healthcare, and robust professional development opportunities, ensuring that every team member can thrive both personally and professionally. Join us to be part of a leading global agency where your contributions will drive meaningful impact for clients and communities alike.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Financial Controller
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance world, especially those who might have ties to Ogilvy or WPP. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by diving deep into Ogilvy's recent projects and financial strategies. Show us that you’re not just another candidate; demonstrate your passion for their work and how you can contribute to their financial excellence.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, drop a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation and reiterate your enthusiasm for the role. It keeps you fresh in their minds!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the Ogilvy team and ready to make an impact.
We think you need these skills to ace Financial Controller
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Financial Controller role. Highlight your relevant experience, especially in financial reporting and team management, to show us you’re the perfect fit for Ogilvy.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter should tell us why you want to join Ogilvy and how your skills align with our needs. Be genuine and let your personality shine through – we love seeing the real you!
Showcase Your Achievements:When detailing your experience, focus on specific achievements that demonstrate your impact in previous roles. Use numbers and examples to illustrate how you've driven efficiency and compliance in finance.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ogilvy
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Financial Controller, you'll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on key financial metrics and reporting standards relevant to Ogilvy and WPP. Be prepared to discuss how you've used data to drive decisions in your previous roles.
✨Showcase Leadership Skills
This role involves managing a team, so highlight your leadership experience. Share specific examples of how you've developed team members or improved processes. Make it clear that you can foster best practices and drive efficiency within a finance department.
✨Understand Compliance Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with compliance frameworks, especially those relevant to WPP. Be ready to discuss your experience with audits and regulatory requirements. This will show that you understand the importance of financial compliance in a large organisation.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills. Think about challenges you've faced in financial reporting or team management and how you overcame them. This will demonstrate your proactive approach and ability to handle pressure.
