Senior Finance Planning and Analysis Manager (Fixed-Term)

Job Description

Senior Finance Planning and Analysis Manager (Fixed-Term) Sydney 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 115,000 accomplished people in 110 countries. WPP has headquarters in New York, London and Singapore and a corporate presence in major markets worldwide. We create transformative ideas and outcomes for our clients through an integrated offer of communications, experience, commerce, and technology. ROLE PURPOSE: The role of the Senior Finance Planning and Analysis Manager (Fixed-Term) is to manage the Head Office financial planning and performance, maintain and oversee the Head Office financial control framework and collaborate with key stakeholders to deliver monthly reporting and insights on performance. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES: Review and sign off on monthly P&L and key Balance Sheet reconciliations prepared by WPP Finance Review and sign off on month end reporting, including completeness of commentary Review and sign off on other regular monthly reporting such as Intercompany reporting, Retainer Reconciliations, Payroll Reconciliations etc. Timely and accurate completion of monthly internal control requirements Review P&L flash to understand results prior to finalisation of month end Review variances between actual results and budget, provide commentary where required Review financial results to highlight issues and meaningful insights; engage in problem solving with the Financial Controller Review material expenditure accruals to ensure journals recognised is in line with Accounting and Group Standards Responsible for the overall Head Office budgeting and forecasting process and outputs Review first cut of budget prepared by Financial Accountant and Assistant Accountant and update where required based on business knowledge Finalise planning, budgeting and forecasting materials and outputs Present budget/forecast to key stakeholders Provide secondary commentary on budget and forecast variances Oversee the relevant Head Office financial control framework Assist in the Sarbanes Oxley audits of group companies Assist with the annual update of the Disaster Recovery Plan Preparation and Sign off Quarterly reports: CSR, Client Profitability, Gift Registers, Balance Sheet Rec submission etc. Support statutory reporting requirements review; BAS, PAYG, FBT, Payroll Tax, Workers Comp and ABS Collaborate with Auditors & Finance team for Financial Audits Manage intercompany requirements (specifically with Hogarth) Support with Global and Brand management reporting Deal with queries/requests from Global and regional Head Office reporting Lead and develop the Financial Accountant and Assistant Accountant by providing regular coaching, support and constructive performance feedback Hold regular performance evaluation meetings with any direct reports throughout the year, set SMART goals and create a professional development plan for their advancement Respond well to guidance and feedback from the Financial Controller and Head Office Finance Director Support Spectra Training and understanding by team of internal control and group accounting policies, including ongoing changes Work with Financial Controller to improve processes and work flows to ensure efficiencies are realised Ensure standardisation of core finance procedures across budgeting, reporting and controllership activities Approve requests for new suppliers Assist Financial Accountant with coding of supplier invoices without PO Ensure integrity of key and non-key balance sheet account reconciliations and timely identification and resolution of open items QUALIFICATIONS AND TECHNICAL COMPETENCIES: Accounting Qualifications (CA/CPA/ACCA) preferred Ability to work independently as a committed member of the finance team. Approachable and confident approaching others Able to set and attain goals, inspire team performance Ability to work to deadlines High levels of numerical logic Ability to think strategically, influence and drive outcomes across multiple stakeholder groups Collaborative and astute - able to build trust and respect within our network; great instincts about how and when to pursue a particular agenda and how to build alliances and momentum Mentor direct reports and the wider business staff Confident and professional approach EXPERIENCE: BCC Enterprise experience (preferred but not essential) Experience in fast paced Accounting environment 5+ years’ experience in an accounting role Good knowledge of accounting principles and procedures Experience of Sarbanes Oxley (SOX) Strong Excel skills, proficient with Word and PowerPoint HOW WE WORK: At WPP, our people are at the heart of everything we do. Our mission is to build and foster an inclusive culture of belonging, one that is equitable, tolerant, and respectful of diverse thought and individual expression. We support flexibility through our hybrid working model which offers the benefits of being together in the office and working from home. We encourage our people to work in ways that meet their needs and enable them to deliver great work. WPP is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our mission is to build and foster an inclusive culture of belonging, one that is equitable, tolerant, and respectful of diverse thought and individual expression. WPP is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ethnicity, colour, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We encourage all applicants to apply. #J-18808-Ljbffr