Billings Coordinator

Wunderman Thompson; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading global creative agency in London is seeking a WIP Coordinator to optimize financial processes and manage project billing. The ideal candidate will have over a year of relevant experience, exceptional attention to detail, and strong analytical skills. You will collaborate across teams to ensure financial integrity and support project profitability. This role offers a competitive compensation package and the opportunity to work in a hybrid model.

Benefits

Competitive Compensation

Growth & Development Opportunities

Collaborative Culture

Vibrant Location with excellent amenities

Qualifications

• 1+ years of experience in billing and WIP control, ideally in an agency.
• Meticulous approach to financial data for accuracy and compliance.
• Ability to communicate effectively with colleagues at all levels.
• Strong desire to contribute to a team environment.
• Ability to interpret financial data and identify trends.
• Proactive mindset for resolving issues and improving processes.
• Adaptability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic environment.
• Experience with financial management systems is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Manage financial lifecycle of projects from inception to closure.
• Ensure accurate and timely invoicing aligned with client expectations.
• Conduct weekly WIP analysis to identify issues and optimize cash flow.
• Resolve complex invoice queries related to billing and debtors.
• Collaborate with Project Managers for timely project closure.
• Lead regular WIP review meetings with Account Management.
• Prepare detailed month-end reports with critical financial insights.
• Work collaboratively to reconcile inter-company month-end balances.
• Manage Purchase Orders ensuring vendor compliance.

Skills

Attention to Detail

Analytical Skills

Interpersonal Skills

Problem-Solving

Collaboration

Education

Experience in billing and WIP control

Tools

SAP

Oracle

Workday

Job description

Who We Are:

At VML, we are a beacon of innovation and growth in an ever-evolving world. Our heritage is built upon a century of combined expertise, where creativity meets technology, and diverse perspectives ignite inspiration. With the merger of VMLY&R and Wunderman Thompson, we have forged a new path as a growth partner that is part creative agency, part consultancy, and part technology powerhouse.

Our global family now encompasses over 30,000 employees across 150+ offices in 64 markets, each contributing to a culture that values connection, belonging, and the power of differences. Our expertise spans the entire customer journey, offering deep insights in communications, commerce, consultancy, CRM, CX, data, production, and technology. We deliver end-to-end solutions that result in revolutionary work.

Job Title: WIP Coordinator/ Billings Coordinator

Department: Finance Reporting To: Working Capital Director Location: Sea Containers, London (hyrbid)

The Opportunity: WIP Coordinator

Are you a meticulous financial professional with a keen eye for detail and a passion for optimising financial processes? Do you thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment where your contributions directly impact the company's financial health?

VML is seeking a dedicated and proactive WIP Coordinator to join our dynamic Finance team. This is a pivotal role that sits at the heart of our operational finance, ensuring the smooth and efficient management of our Work In Progress (WIP) and contributing significantly to our working capital efficiency. You will play a crucial role in maintaining financial integrity, supporting project profitability, and fostering strong relationships across our global network.

What You'll Do: Key Responsibilities

As a WIP Controller, you will be instrumental in managing the financial lifecycle of our projects, from inception to closure. Your responsibilities will include:

• Client Billing & Process Management: Develop a deep understanding of unique client billing requirements and contractual processes, ensuring accurate and timely invoicing that aligns with client expectations and internal policies.
• Proactive WIP Analysis & Resolution: Conduct rigorous weekly analysis of Work In Progress (WIP) balances, identifying potential issues, bottlenecks, and opportunities for accelerated clearance to optimize cash flow and reduce financial risk.
• Unbilled Revenue Management: Take ownership of managing unbilled revenue, proactively following up with internal teams (Project Managers, Account Management) to secure missing client Purchase Orders (POs) and ensure revenue recognition.
• Invoice Query Resolution: Act as a primary point of contact for resolving complex invoice queries related to billing and debtors, demonstrating excellent problem-solving skills and maintaining positive client and internal relationships.
• Project Financial Closure: Collaborate closely with Project Managers and Producers to facilitate the timely and accurate financial closure of projects, ensuring all costs are captured and revenue is recognized appropriately.
• Strategic WIP Meetings: Lead and participate in regular WIP review meetings with Account Management and Producers, providing insightful commentary, driving actions, and fostering a shared understanding of project financial status.
• Comprehensive Month-End Reporting: Prepare detailed month-end reports with insightful commentary across Accrued Income, Pre-billing, Costs, and Deferred Income, providing critical financial insights to leadership.
• Global Inter-company Reconciliation: Work collaboratively with VML offices worldwide to reconcile and agree upon inter-company month-end balances, ensuring global financial accuracy and consistency.
• Purchase Order Management: Accurately raise and manage Purchase Orders (POs), ensuring proper authorization, vendor compliance, and adherence to procurement policies.

Who You Are: Your Profile

You are a detail-oriented and analytical finance professional with a collaborative spirit and a commitment to excellence. You will bring:

• Foundational Experience: At least 1 year of hands‑on experience in billing and WIP control, ideally within a fast‑paced agency or project‑based environment.
• Exceptional Attention to Detail: A meticulous approach to financial data, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and the integrity of all financial records.
• Outstanding Interpersonal Skills: The ability to build rapport and communicate effectively with colleagues at all levels, from junior team members to senior leadership, and across diverse departments (Account Management, Production, Project Management).
• Collaborative Team Player: A genuine desire to contribute to a supportive team environment, sharing knowledge, and working together to achieve collective goals.
• Analytical Mindset: Strong analytical skills to interpret financial data, identify trends, and provide actionable insights.
• Proactive & Problem‑Solver: A self‑starter who anticipates challenges, takes initiative to resolve issues, and continuously seeks improvements in processes.
• Adaptability: The ability to thrive in a dynamic environment, managing multiple priorities and adapting to evolving business needs.
• Financial Software Proficiency: Experience with relevant financial management systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, Workday, or similar ERP systems) is highly desirable.

Why VML?

Joining VML means becoming part of a global family that values creativity, innovation, and people. We offer:

• Impactful Work: The opportunity to play a critical role in the financial success of a leading global creative company.
• Collaborative Culture: Work alongside talented professionals in a supportive and inclusive environment.
• Growth & Development: Opportunities for continuous learning and career advancement within a global network.
• Vibrant Location: Our office in the iconic Sea Containers building offers a fantastic working environment with stunning views and excellent amenities.
• Competitive Compensation & Benefits: A comprehensive package that recognizes your value and contributions.

#LI-HYBRID #LI-EMEA #LI-JI1

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 an average of four days a week. If you require accommodations or flexibility, please discuss this with the hiring team during the interview process.

WPP (VML) 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.

VML is a WPP Agency. For more information, please visit our website, and follow VML on our social channels via Instagram, LinkedIn, and X.