Director - Finance

About WPP Media 

WPP is the creative transformation company. We use the power of creativity to build better futures for our people, planet, clients and communities. For more information, visit wpp.com. 

WPP Media is WPP’s global media collective. In a world where media is everywhere and in everything, we bring the best platform, people, and partners together to create limitless opportunities for growth. For more information, visit wppmedia.com 

At WPP Media, we believe in the power of our culture and our people. It’s what elevates us to deliver exceptional experiences for both our clients and each other. In this role it will be critical to embrace WPP & WPP Media’s shared core values: 

• Be Extraordinary by Leading Collectively to Inspire transformational Creativity. 
• Create an Open environment by Balancing People and Client Experiences by Cultivating Trust. 
• Lead Optimistically by Championing Growth and Development to Mobilize the Enterprise. 

Overview of role

Director-Finance  will oversee all the financial activities of the Group in the Sri Lanka.  As the Finance lead of WPP Media Sri Lanka, you will manage and develop the financial and commercial product to ensure delivery of the best in class financial reporting, cost management and commercial growth in the Sri Lanka operations.

3 best things about the job:

• Opportunity to work in the leading global media investment company with a fast-growing team of over 50 finance professionals.
• Exciting exposure and learning in the media industry, which is fast evolving from the regular Print-Ads, Radio and TV to Digital (Google, Facebook, YouTube, Programmatic, etc).
• Chart new territories to grow this exciting and interesting business as a team member of the Sri Lanka's Leadership team.

Reports to: 
CFO of WPP Media, South Asia
Measures of success:
In three months, you would have:

• Developed your understanding of WPP Media’s businesses in the local market.
• Understood P&L structures, reporting requirements and WPP accounting policies.
• Learn the various systems and applications and how they are integrated into the business.
• Built relationships with the key stakeholders across the group.

In six months, you would have:

• Able to provide effective insight and strategic direction in financial forecasts, monthly results and treasury.
• Reviewed and improved efficiencies and profitability across the business pillars.
• Understood WPP Media and the other agencies’ clientele with due regard to financial risks.
• Reviewed and improved the Finance team structure and efficiencies

In twelve months, you would have:

• Contributed to the commercial aspects of our business and able to manage contract commitments and negotiations.
• Delivered the improvements that have resulted in cost savings and streamlined work flows.
• Closely worked with the local and relevant regional teams for timely and accurate reporting and compliance with WPP policies.

Responsibilities of the role:

Overall Business Growth Strategy

• Work with WPP Media Sri Lanka CEO to develop business annual growth strategy for the group and also build a roadmap for growth over 3 years.

Financial & Treasury Management

• Work closely with WPP Media Sri Lanka CEO and WPP Media Regional CFO in all aspects of financial delivery and performance. This include optimising cashflow management and working closely with WPP and WPP Media Asia Pacific on working capital management.
• Responsibility for funding, liquidity management & risk management.

Commercial Management

• Advice Agency MDs on key financial levers to achieve their PBT targets, which also involve providing support and working closely with Agency MDs on terms of business– client contract negotiation and payment terms negotiation.

Corporate Governance

• Responsible for all governance framework including but not limited to SOX Compliance, Trading Compliance, Audit Compliance, Tax Compliance, in line with WPP/WPP Media policies and compliance requirements.

Operational Efficiency

• Review finance structure and bench strength to ensure the right capabilities, competencies and capacities are in place. Ensure proper systems, processes and infrastructure are designed and deployed for delivery of accurate and timely financial reports.

Mergers & Acquisitions and Partnerships

• Work closely with CEO to identify potential targets for acquisition. Manage the acquisition process (working closely with WPP and regional finance) and integrate the business into WPP Media.

Taxation

• Guide the finance team on Sri Lankan tax laws and regulations, compliance with relevant tax laws, and strategic tax planning.
• He/she should also be proficient in tax reporting, tax audits, and have a comprehensive understanding of transfer pricing laws.

What you will need:

• Professional accounting qualification (CA/CPA) from a recognised accounting programme and at least 15 years of related senior financial and administrative experience.
• Experience from Big 4 with significant exposure to audit, as well as strong process improvement ability.
• Excellent technical skills and up to date knowledge of relevant Accounting standards,(IFRS/LKAS)  tax requirements and corporate governance issues within Sri Lanka.
• An up-to-date conceptual understanding of digital marketing pillars (search, social, programmatic, etc.) and its impact on our organization structure and on our clients’ business.
• Excellent analytical and problem solving skills and decision making skills in the face of ambiguity.
• Effective written, verbal and listening communication skills.
• A resilient negotiator with a proven track record of contract negotiations, mergers and acquisitions, due diligence and valuations from both a legal and financial perspective.

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 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.

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