Senior Manager – Technical Accounting: 3 month FTC

WPP; City Of London; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A global communication services group is seeking a Senior Manager in Technical Accounting for a 3-month fixed-term contract in London. The role involves monitoring policy compliance, reviewing contracts, and guiding stakeholders on technical accounting matters. Ideal candidates will have a professional accounting qualification and significant experience in multinational environments. Exceptional analytical and communication skills are essential. This position offers a chance to make an immediate impact while contributing to ongoing growth.

Benefits

Culture of extraordinary work

Opportunity to influence projects on a large scale

Challenging work with creative problem solvers

Qualifications

• Significant experience in a dedicated technical accounting role.
• Exposure to UK and US public company reporting requirements.
• Exceptional analytical skills for complex accounting scenarios.

Responsibilities

• Proactively monitor and interpret new accounting policies.
• Lead preparation of technical accounting papers for complex transactions.
• Collaborate with internal departments for strategic advisory.

Skills

Professional accounting qualification (ACA, ACCA, CPA or equivalent)

Multinational experience

Subject matter expertise in IFRS

Analytical and research skills

Excellent communication skills

Self-motivated

Relationship building with stakeholders

Continuous improvement identification

Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite

Education

Professional accounting qualification

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Senior Manager – Technical Accounting: 3 month FTC

London, England, United Kingdom

Why we’re hiring:

An opportunity to make an impact: Join us as a Senior Manager to strengthen the WPP Group Technical Accounting team. This 3‑month Fixed‑Term Contract is designed to provide immediate impact while we search for a permanent hire. You’ll be instrumental in facilitating our ongoing growth and optimizing critical support for our global operating companies and other Group functions.

Key Responsibilities:

• Policy Analysis & Compliance: Proactively monitor, research, and interpret new and emerging accounting and regulatory policies to guarantee Group compliance with IFRS and other critical standards.
• Stakeholder Communication: Synthesize complex policy changes into clear, actionable insights and communicate implementation requirements to key stakeholders across the organization.
• Contract & Project Evaluation: Critically review and evaluate the accounting treatment for high‑value new or modified contracts and projects, ensuring alignment with current standards.
• Complex Transaction Documentation: Lead preparation of comprehensive technical accounting papers for complex transactions and business issues, explaining impacts on Group financial statements and ensuring full stakeholder understanding.
• Standardisation & Guidance: Champion consistent application of accounting policies Group‑wide, engaging operating companies to provide expert assistance and clarify complex scenarios.
• Cross‑Functional Advisory: Collaborate strategically with internal departments (Tax, Treasury, Legal, M&A) and operating companies, offering specialist accounting advice that underpins critical business decisions.
• Knowledge Sharing & Development: Elevate Group expertise by creating and delivering training programs and timely accounting updates to diverse audiences.
• Reporting Assurance: Partner with the Group Reporting team to safeguard accuracy, timeliness, and full compliance of all periodic financial reports with accounting standards and regulations.
• Financial Statement Input: Provide authoritative technical accounting input and review for Group financial statements, ensuring precision and adherence to standards.
• External Audit & Advisor Liaison: Facilitate smooth engagements with external auditors and advisors by providing comprehensive information, support, and expert responses.

Required Qualifications and Experience:

• Professional accounting qualification (ACA, ACCA, CPA or equivalent) with significant experience in a dedicated technical accounting role, either in public practice or industry.
• Multinational experience within a large multinational organisation, ideally with exposure to UK and US public company reporting requirements (e.g., LSE, NYSE, NASDAQ).
• Deep subject matter expertise in IFRS, SOX, internal control frameworks, and SEC regulations.
• Exceptional analytical and research skills to determine appropriate accounting treatments for complex scenarios.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to distil and articulate complex technical matters clearly to diverse audiences.
• Self‑motivated with proven ability to manage competing priorities and deliver timely stakeholder support.
• Demonstrated ability to build strong, collaborative relationships with senior stakeholders and defend accounting conclusions robustly.
• Commitment to challenging existing processes and proactively identifying opportunities for continuous improvement of accounting policies.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (especially Excel for complex financial modelling) and strong overall IT literacy.

What we’ll offer:

• Passionate, inspired people – a culture where people can do extraordinary work.
• Scale and opportunity – the chance to create, influence and complete projects at an unparalleled industry scale.
• Challenging and stimulating work – unique projects with a team of creative problem solvers.

Equal Opportunity Employer:

WPP 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.