Manager, Risk and Controls

About WPP Media

WPP is the trusted growth partner for the world’s leading brands. 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 looking for a Risk & Controls Manager to join our team. The candidate will be part of the EMEA Risk & Controls team, reporting to the Associate Risk & Controls Director, WPP Media EMEA. You will be responsible for providing support to the organization in both implementing and monitoring an effective local control framework aligned with Group requirements and the wide spectrum of compliance activities. You will support with audits on both coordination, issue discussion and remediation. This is a challenging role with multiple priorities and a wide range of local and regional stakeholders.

Key Duties And Responsibilities

• Promote and help embed the culture of ethics and integrity across the region, through training, support and advising on relevant topics such as anti-bribery and corruption, internal controls, as well as internal policy requirements.
• Serve as a risk & controls subject matter expert and thought leader within the region.
• Be a great business partner; establish and maintain excellent relationships within the R&C team and local markets, and collaborate effectively with colleagues across WPP Media, WPP and other Networks.
• Engage with multiple senior stakeholders, both internal and external.
• Support the design and implementation of financial, operational and compliance controls in line with the WPP Internal Control framework, which includes meeting the documentation and evidence standards required.
• Design and operate effective on-going quality reviews / control monitoring programs as a second line of defense for the markets you work with.
• Identify opportunities for continuous improvement, including use of technology, while adapting to the new and evolving challenges and opportunities.
• Reinforce WPP & WPP Media policies, control requirements and communicate updates / changes to the business in a clear and concise manner.
• Be a partner and source of support and guidance for specific areas of change / strategic importance that require controls implementation to enable on-going success.
• Think strategically about our business, develop pragmatic and sustainable solutions to enhance the control environment and streamline and standardise processes, procedures and controls.
• Coordinate audit and compliance activities alongside the relevant teams within the markets you support, liaising with internal and external audit teams (e.g. WPP IA, PwC and EY) and monitor remediation for all sources of assurance.
• Coordinate / oversee internal control and risk management processes, e.g. business risk maps, internal control self-certifications, market Letter of Representation submissions, Code of Conduct and related party declarations review.

Skills And Experience

Academic Background & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent.
• Work experience in industry or consulting in risk and controls, ethics and compliance, business process improvement, risk management, or internal / external audit.

Mandatory Skills

• Familiar with IFRS, Sarbanes-Oxley compliance, PCAOB requirements, etc.
• Ability to work independently and apply a structured approach towards balancing multiple demands and priorities in a fast-paced environment and work cross-functionally across different geographies, functions, and employees of diverse backgrounds.
• Experienced in assessing business risk and evaluating adequacy and effectiveness of internal control systems.
• Experienced in driving improvement and creating stronger business relationships, rather than simply enforcing guidelines.
• Approachable with excellent interpersonal and communication skills (verbal and written).
• Flexibility and openness to grow and take ownership of new projects/tasks/roles.
• Competent in Excel.

Desired Skills

• Certified Accountant, ACA/CA/ACCA qualified or equivalent.
• Language skills. We work across 30+ countries and therefore additional languages including Spanish, French and German are desirable.
• Experience in media and advertising with proven knowledge of core business processes.

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. Please note this is a UK based role and requires individuals to have the right to work in this location.