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

WHY WE’RE HIRING:

We are seeking an experienced IFRS technical accounting expert to join our team in London as Group Technical Accounting Director. This is a pivotal role focused on ensuring WPP’s accounting policies are compliant with IFRS and providing compliant, commercial IFRS accounting advice in support of commercial, M&A and other business transactions.
Reporting directly to the Group Financial Controller, you will lead IFRS accounting compliance across WPP, heading a small, professional team. This is a fantastic opportunity to apply your IFRS technical accounting expertise within a leading global organisation. As our Group Technical Accounting Director, you will steer and oversee a diverse range of technical accounting needs across our global operations in over 100 countries.

WHAT YOU’LL NEED:

We are seeking a collaborative and impactful technical accounting leader to drive excellence within WPP. You will be a highly capable financial professional with a proven track record in IFRS technical accounting within complex, multinational settings.

Your qualifications and experience should include:

• ACA qualification (or equivalent) coupled with profound IFRS technical accounting experience, acquired either in a leading practice firm or a senior technical accounting role within industry.
• Demonstrated experience operating within a large multinational organisation, ideally with direct exposure to UK & US listing requirements.
• Extensive, well-established expertise in the practical application of IFRS accounting standards, complemented by working knowledge of SOX and robust internal control frameworks.
• Superior analytical and research acumen.
• Exceptional communication abilities (written, verbal, and presentation), allowing you to distil and articulate complex accounting matters with clarity and simplicity.
• A highly self-driven individual committed to delivering timely, high-quality results and adept at managing a dynamic workload of both immediate and strategic deliverables.
• A resilient and collaborative team player, skilled in engaging with multiple stakeholders and capable of embracing challenge and change constructively.

As the Group Technical Accounting Director, your responsibilities will include:

• Ensuring IFRS Compliance: Monitor existing and new accounting standards and regulatory pronouncements to ensure WPP’s full compliance with IFRS.
• Impact Assessment & Communication: Evaluate the impact of new accounting standards, communicating changes and updating policies for stakeholders promptly.
• Authoring Technical White Papers: Develop IFRS accounting white papers for complex transactions, ensuring Group accounting adheres to IFRS.
• Managing the Accounting Policy Manual: Maintain a compliant, usable, and relevant Group accounting policy manual for all WPP entities.
• Promoting Policy Consistency: Support networks and operating companies to ensure consistent application of accounting policies Group-wide.
• Advising on Complex Scenarios: Collaborate with internal departments (tax, treasury, legal, M&A) and operating companies to provide expert accounting advice for decision-making.
• Overseeing External Reporting Accuracy: Partner with the Group Reporting team to ensure accurate, timely, and compliant external financial reporting.
• Reviewing Key Financial Filings: Review the Group’s IFRS financial statements, UK Annual Report, and SEC 20-F filing, advising on technical disclosure matters.
• Managing Auditor Relations: Serve as the primary liaison with external auditors on all IFRS technical accounting issues