Financial Controller

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. Ogilvy currently ranks as the #1 global agency network for creative excellence and effectiveness by WARC, signifying its ability to deliver creative solutions that drive unreasonable impact for clients and communities. Ogilvy is a WPP company (NYSE: WPP). For more information, visit Ogilvy.com, and follow us on LinkedIn, X, Instagram, and Facebook.

WPP is the trusted growth partner for the world’s leading brands. We unite cutting-edge media intelligence and data solutions, world-class creativity, next-generation production, transformative enterprise solutions and expert strategic counsel in a single company – powered by exceptional talent and our agentic marketing platform, WPP Open, to help our clients navigate change, capture opportunity and deliver transformational growth. For more information, visit WPP.com.

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.

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.

You'll also play a vital role in 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.

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).