Audit & Compliance Manager - Mediabrands UK&I

About Us 

IPG Mediabrands is the media and marketing solutions division of Interpublic Group (NYSE: IPG). Mediabrands manages approximately $40 billion in marketing investment globally on behalf of its clients and provides strategic services and solutions across its award-winning, full-service agency networks UM and Initiative and through its innovative marketing specialist companies Kinesso, Magna, Orion, Rapport, Healix, Mediabrands Content Studio and the IPG Media Lab. Mediabrands clients include many of the world’s most recognizable and iconic brands from a broad portfolio of industry sectors. The company employs more than 13,000 marketing experts in more than 130 countries representing the full diversity of humanity. For more information, please visit our website: www.ipgmediabrands.com. 

Role Description 

Reporting into the Group Finance Director with dotted lines into the Commercial Finance Director’s (Initiative and Universal McCann Media Agencies), this role will oversee key issues relating to the IPG Mediabrands group audits and compliance.  The role will also have interaction with the Global Client Compliance Teams to ensure policies align and work closely with the Regional Controllers Team (RCT) based in Spain in all aspects of Client facing compliance reporting.

This role requires a leader who can balance high-level oversight with a hands-on approach to support Business Leadership in managing audit obligations.

Key Responsibilities

Develop and implement an effective contract compliance programme:

• Understand and embed compliance policies, procedures, and standards aligned to IPG Policy
• Design and implement risk-based methodology to identify areas of potential non-compliance and assess internal controls related to client contracts.
• Develop and maintain an effective compliance monitoring system to identify and address compliance gaps.

Contract management:

• Review and interpret client contracts to ensure our agency's compliance with contractual terms and conditions.
• Collaborate with account management and finance teams to identify potential risks and opportunities.
• Implement controls and processes to minimize the risk of contract breaches and revenue leakage, while maximizing revenue opportunities.

Manage client audits, compliance incidents and undertake compliance investigations:

• Manage end-to-end client audits ensuring documentation is requested, reviewed for accuracy/completeness and provided to 3rd Party auditors in a timely manner
• Investigate and resolve compliance incidents or breaches related to client contracts.
• Implement corrective actions and preventive measures to mitigate the risk of contract breaches and revenue loss.
• Maintain accurate records of audit issues, compliance incidents, investigations, and remediation efforts.

Collaborate with clients and internal stakeholders:

• Work closely with stakeholders to understand their specific contractual requirements and build strong relationships.
• Collaborate with account management teams to ensure proper contract negotiation, execution, and ongoing compliance.
• Provide guidance and support to internal teams on contract-related matters and contractual compliance obligations.

Desired Skills & Experience

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Professional certifications such as ACA, ACCA, CIMA, or CPA are highly desirable.

Experience:

• Experience in Audit / financial operations with at least 5 years in a leadership role.
• Experience in the media, advertising, or creative industries is highly preferred.
• Proven track record of driving financial process improvements.

Technical Skills:

• Strong understanding of Internal control environment.
• Proficiency in financial systems highly desirable (e.g., SAP, Oracle, NetSuite) and advanced Excel skills.

Key Competencies:

• Strategic thinking with the ability to manage details and operational complexities.
• Exceptional leadership and team management skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to work effectively with cross-functional teams.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Adaptability and resilience in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.

Employee Transparency 

At IPG Mediabrands, we celebrate differences and believe this makes us stronger. IPG Mediabrands are equal-opportunity employers committed to championing an inclusive culture that provides a sense of belonging for all our employees. We do not discriminate against any applicant based on age, disability, race, colour, ethnicity, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, belief, marital status or any other characteristic protected by law. 

Please reach out to our Talent Inclusion Specialist Jess at [email protected] if you would like to have a confidential conversation regarding any adjustments that would ensure our recruitment process is accessible for you. Please note requesting a reasonable adjustment will not affect your application. 

The Perks 

We aim to provide all our people with a supportive and fun work environment where you can develop your full potential and benefit from the broad range of opportunities within the agency. When you join us, we want to make sure you feel valued – and that you are rewarded for your fantastic work. So, we also offer a range of benefits: 

• Flexi–leave, with 25 days annual leave to be taken as a minimum. In addition to your holiday entitlement, the office usually closes between Christmas & New Year 
• Free breakfast and free lunch 
• Early finish Fridays 
• Core Hours (Mon-Thurs, flexible start/finish times)  
• Retail discounts 
• Electric vehicle salary sacrifices car scheme 
• Wellbeing programme, including Headspace & flu jabs 
• Interest free season ticket loan 
• Paid time off for Volunteering 
• Group Income Protection 
• Life Assurance 
• Private Medical Insurance or Health Cash Plan (dependent on level) 
• Group Personal Pension Plan with matched contributions from 3-6% 
• Generous Parental Leave & Pay  
• Independent mortgage advice 
• Financial education 
• Employee Assistance Programme 
• Free eye tests 
• Flexible benefits including Dental, Travel insurance, Cycle to Work, Gym Discounts and many more!