Finance Controller – Kenya – WPP Scangroup

Finance Controller – Kenya – WPP Scangroup

WPP Scangroup – Company Overview

WPP Scangroup Plc is a leader in brand building and transforming consumers through a dynamic mix of advertising and media services. As part of WPP, the world’s leading creative transformation company, we offer clients multi-disciplinary marketing services through brands such as Scanad/JWT, Ogilvy, Squad Digital, and GroupM. We have been operating for over 33 years, with a presence across Sub-Saharan Africa. Our services include strategy and communication planning, creative development, digital integration, and more. Notable clients include The Coca-Cola Company, Unilever, Diageo, ABSA Bank, and Safaricom. At WPP Scangroup, we prioritize collaboration, innovation, and integration.

Role: Finance Controller

Reporting to: Group Finance Director
Department: Finance
Location: Kenya

Job Purpose – Summary

The Finance Controller will ensure robust financial operations within WPP Scangroup, maintaining and enhancing financial controls and processes across the organization. The Finance Controller will oversee financial reporting, support statutory requirements, and lead initiatives for financial control improvement.

Key Responsibilities & Accountabilities

As a Finance Controller, your responsibilities will include:

• Preparing statutory consolidated reports for the Group.
• Performing qualitative reviews of all accounts payables to ensure that balances are well-supported and timely actions are taken to prevent unsupported or aged balances.
• Overseeing regular reconciliation of intercompany balances and resolving disputes to facilitate the timely settlement of intercompany invoices.
• Ensuring intercompany balances are reported on time as per internal guidelines.
• Advocating for and implementing best practices in accounts payables and intercompany processes.
• Training, coaching, and mentoring direct reports to enhance efficiency.
• Supervising direct reports, ensuring KPIs are met and addressing any performance issues as needed.
• Collaborating with the Finance Director to set and review KPIs for direct reports.
• Reviewing periodic reports and providing constructive feedback to finance teams and the Finance Director.
• Ensuring the implementation of effective controls around accounts payable and intercompany balances in partnership with the Finance Director and the Risk and Controls Director.
• Addressing any audit findings related to accounts payable and the intercompany process within agreed timelines.
• Supervising and supporting finance teams across markets outside Kenya, ensuring consistency in financial processes.
• Managing finance processes in markets where there is no substantive finance or commercial lead.
• Ensuring compliance with relevant regulatory and statutory requirements for markets outside of Kenya.
• Ensuring financial reports are carefully examined for discrepancies before consolidation and submission to senior management and stakeholders.
• Assisting management in presenting reports to senior executives, board members, and other stakeholders.
• Contributing to the development of relevant processes and providing insights for benchmarking within the organization.
• Providing input on policies, procedures, and processes to ensure financial compliance and accuracy.
• Ensuring controls around vendor due diligence checks are adhered to as per organizational guidelines.
• Ensuring timely completion and compliance with organizational standards in all financial reports.
• Undertaking any other duties assigned by the Group Finance Director.

Qualifications and Skills

To excel in this role, you will need the following qualifications and skills:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Finance, Accounting, or a related field.
• Professional certification such as CPA or ACCA is highly preferred.
• At least 5+ years of experience in a similar position, with a strong background in financial control and reporting.
• Advanced Excel knowledge is mandatory, with proficiency in managing large data sets and complex financial models.
• Strong analytical and technical skills, including the ability to interpret financial data and create detailed reports.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to articulate financial insights to senior management.
• Experience in project management and the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Demonstrated ability to act decisively and resolve problems efficiently.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail are critical in managing finance processes across various markets.

Company Culture and Values

At WPP Scangroup, we believe in fostering a culture of collaboration and innovation. We are committed to providing a diverse and inclusive work environment where employees can thrive. We seek professionals who are passionate about driving change and working in a dynamic, fast-paced environment. If you are a forward-thinking individual with a knack for financial excellence, this is the perfect opportunity to be part of a global leader in the creative transformation space.

How to Apply

We invite qualified candidates to submit their applications by sending their CV and cover letter to Human.Resources@wpp-scangroup.com. Please indicate the job title “Finance Controller – Kenya” in the subject line. Kindly ensure your application reflects your interest in the role and your motivation to join WPP Scangroup.

Closing date: September 19, 2024

Employee referrals are encouraged. Kindly forward the CVs of any suitable candidates. Internal applications will take precedence.

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WPP Scangroup is committed to equal employment opportunities and the fair treatment of all employees. We do not charge any application or recruitment fees, whether refundable or not.