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

JOIN WPP’S TRANSFORMATIVE JOURNEY AS A PIVOTAL LEADER IN INTERNAL AUDIT!

WPP is undergoing an exciting global transformation, and we’re seeking a first-rate Deputy Head of Internal Audit to play a critical role. Reporting directly to the Head of Internal Audit, you will be instrumental in elevating our assurance capabilities and expanding our reach across the entire organization.
We’re looking for a visionary leader with deep expertise in best practices across large-scale global businesses. You’ll bring a proven track record of evolving Internal Audit functions into ‘leading edge’ operations – enhancing the quality of our talent, optimizing our ways of working, and fostering robust partnerships with the business. In a rapidly evolving digital landscape, you’ll be empowered to challenge existing practices, acting as a critical friend who consistently adds tangible value.
This London-based role, with a minimum of three days a week in the office, to foster collaboration and impact.

IDEAL EXPERIENCE

• Significant experience within a global business of considerable complexity and scale.
• A proven leader and contemporary thinker in the field.
• We will also consider outstanding “step-up” candidates, as well as professionals from Risk Management, Compliance, and other relevant functional backgrounds.
• Demonstrated ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment, adept at managing multiple tasks and deadlines.
• A formal accounting, audit, risk, or compliance qualification is preferred.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Strategic Audit Leadership: Lead the Group’s audit planning, ensuring high-risk areas receive the most intensive assurance coverage.
• Program Delivery: Collaborate with Directors to monitor and execute the Internal Audit program across all key Networks/Agencies, processes, and risks within the region.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Develop, coordinate, and maintain effective relationships with a diverse range of internal and external stakeholders.
• Value-Added Reporting: Present audit assurance results concisely and commercially, providing thought leadership and actionable insights to WPP.
• Audit Committee Reporting: Draft all Audit Committee reports, summarizing audit activities and team performance against the audit plan.
• Corporate Governance Oversight: Oversee the assurance program in response to the revised UK Corporate Governance Code.
• Quality Assurance & Improvement: Develop and maintain a robust Quality Assurance and Improvement Program (QAIP) for all Internal Audit activities, ensuring continuous monitoring of effectiveness and adherence to International Standards for Internal Auditing.
• Budgetary Control: Exercise strong budgetary control to optimize functional efficiency without compromising coverage or quality.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Ensure seamless interface with other risk and oversight functions (Risk, Controls, Legal, Compliance) for optimal coverage of WPP’s key business risks.
• Business Performance Improvement: Add value by identifying opportunities to enhance business performance and improve, enhance, or refine control aspects of processes.
• Team Leadership & Development: Lead, direct, motivate, and continuously improve the capability of the Internal Audit Operations team.
• Knowledge Sharing & Best Practice: Foster an environment of knowledge sharing and thought leadership within the function and with external networks to capture best practice opportunities.
• Talent Development: Lead the coaching and development of Internal Audit staff, including the selection of external hires as resource requirements evolve.