At AKQA (part of WPP), we believe in the imaginative application of art and science to create a better future. With an entrepreneurial and collaborative approach, we design adaptive ideas, services and experiences that capture the imagination, delivering impressive returns for our clients.
As the Financial Controller at AKQA, you will be responsible for day-to-day effective and efficient running of the Finance Department. You will be able to meet deadlines for statutory and tax filings, monthly management accounts and group reporting requirements, and managing the external AP team together with the internal support.
At AKQA you will have access to world-renowned thought leadership from influential authors, athletes, artists and entrepreneurs. You will work in an environment which fosters a meritocratic culture and encourages ownership, and you will be surrounded by some of the brightest minds in their fields.
ROLE REQUIREMENTS
- Deliver the month-end close in line with AKQA and WPP reporting deadlines, ensuring accurate and timely financial and operational reporting.
- Own the month-end process, coordinating activities across the finance team and Shared Service Centre (SSC), including intercompany reconciliations and maintaining Maconomy data integrity.
- Prepare and publish monthly, quarterly and year-end BFC reporting (excluding client and revenue reporting), together with the month-end proposal report for management.
- Maintain accurate budgets and forecasts by reviewing actual costs, payroll, and live project spend, working closely with HR and operational teams.
- Drive continuous improvements to finance processes, reporting, and controls, ensuring compliance requirements are met and documentation remains up to date.
- Act as the primary point of contact for finance queries, audits, and compliance matters, reviewing G&A invoices, supporting the Finance Director with ad hoc projects, and providing guidance to the wider team.
- Support the Finance Director in developing the finance function and improving financial awareness across the business.
QUALITIES AND CHARACTERISTICS
- Accuracy, integrity and the ability to work within specific deadlines are your keys to succeed in this role.
- You have a good understanding of accounting principles.
- You have a good knowledge of Excel.
- You are willing to learn new tools (such as SAP, Matisse, documentation workflow).
- You are able to interact effectively at a professional level in both Italian and English.
- Driven by enthusiasm and willingness to work in a challenging and dynamic environment, you demonstrate proactiveness and accountability in every task you are assigned.
- You have a positive, collaborative spirit and a hands-on attitude.
Explore our extensive range of benefits here
We believe great work happens when we're together, fostering creativity, collaboration, and connection. That's why we’ve adopted a hybrid approach including required in-office days. If you require accommodations or flexibility, please discuss this with the hiring team during the interview process.
AKQA 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.
About WPP
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.
Skills Required
- Deliver month-end close and timely financial reporting
- Manage intercompany reconciliations and maintain Maconomy data integrity
- Prepare monthly, quarterly and year-end financial/BFC reporting
- Maintain accurate budgets and forecasts, review payroll and project spend
- Manage external AP team and coordinate with Shared Service Centre
- Good understanding of accounting principles
- Strong Excel skills
- Willingness to learn and use tools such as SAP, Matisse and documentation workflow
- Ability to interact professionally in both Italian and English
- Accuracy, integrity, ability to meet deadlines, proactiveness and collaborative attitude
AKQA Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about AKQA and has not been reviewed or approved by AKQA.
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Parental & Family Support — Policies include fully paid parental leave for all parents, adoption support, and family leave for caregiving needs. Additional supports such as subsidized backup childcare and regional enhancements reinforce family care.
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Healthcare Strength — Health coverage offers multiple plan options with full preventive care, mental‑health resources, and dental and vision coverage. Some regions provide 24/7 virtual doctor access and supplementary healthcare budgets for services not covered by insurance.
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Leave & Time Off Breadth — Time‑away provisions include generous paid holidays with increases over tenure and a companywide year‑end closure. Special, study, and event‑based leave (e.g., weddings, moving) broaden the range of available time off.
AKQA Insights
What We Do
The imaginative application of art and science. AKQA is a design and communications company that employs 2,200 professionals in 29 studios across five continents. Awarded two Cannes Lion Grand Prix’s in 2019, and recently named by Gartner and Forrester as one of the world’s leading experience design and innovation agencies.
