Finance Controller

twentysix; San Francisco (CA); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

AKQA is seeking a Financial Controller to lead day‑to‑day finance operations, ensuring timely month‑end close, statutory filings and accurate management reporting. You will manage intercompany reconciliations with the SSC and HR on budgets and spend, driving process improvements while safeguarding data integrity.

The ideal candidate will bring strong accounting expertise, Excel proficiency, SAP literacy, and the ability to communicate in Italian and English in a dynamic, hybrid environment.

Qualifications

• Accuracy, integrity and the ability to meet tight deadlines in a finance role.
• Solid understanding of accounting principles and reporting standards.
• Strong Excel skills for analysis and reporting.
• Willingness to learn new tools such as SAP, Matisse, and documentation workflows.
• Ability to interact professionally in Italian and English.
• Proactive, accountable, collaborative and hands‑on attitude.

Responsibilities

• Deliver the month-end close in line with reporting deadlines.
• Own the month-end process across the finance team and SSC, including intercompany reconciliations.
• Prepare and publish monthly, quarterly and year-end reporting excluding client/revenue data.
• Maintain accurate budgets and forecasts with HR and operations.
• Drive improvements to finance processes, controls and documentation.

Skills

Excel

Accounting principles

Month-end close

Intercompany reconciliations

Budgeting & forecasting

Finance reporting

Tools

SAP

Matisse

Documentation workflow

Job description

At AKQA (part of WPP), we believe in the imaginative application of art and science to create a better future. With an entrepreneurial and collaborative approach, we design adaptive ideas, services and experiences that capture the imagination, delivering impressive returns for our clients.

As the Financial Controller at AKQA, you will be responsible for day-to-day effective and efficient running of the Finance Department. You will be able to meet deadlines for statutory and tax filings, monthly management accounts and group reporting requirements, and managing the external AP team together with the internal support.

At AKQA you will have access to world-renowned thought leadership from influential authors, athletes, artists and entrepreneurs. You will work in an environment which fosters a meritocratic culture and encourages ownership, and you will be surrounded by some of the brightest minds in their fields.

ROLE REQUIREMENTS

• Deliver the month-end close in line with AKQA and WPP reporting deadlines, ensuring accurate and timely financial and operational reporting.

• Own the month-end process, coordinating activities across the finance team and Shared Service Centre (SSC), including intercompany reconciliations and maintaining Maconomy data integrity.

• Prepare and publish monthly, quarterly and year-end BFC reporting (excluding client and revenue reporting), together with the month-end proposal report for management.

• Maintain accurate budgets and forecasts by reviewing actual costs, payroll, and live project spend, working closely with HR and operational teams.

• Drive continuous improvements to finance processes, reporting, and controls, ensuring compliance requirements are met and documentation remains up to date.

• Act as the primary point of contact for finance queries, audits, and compliance matters, reviewing G&A invoices, supporting the Finance Director with ad hoc projects, and providing guidance to the wider team.

• Support the Finance Director in developing the finance function and improving financial awareness across the business.

QUALITIES AND CHARACTERISTICS

• Accuracy, integrity and the ability to work within specific deadlines are your keys to succeed in this role.

• You have a good understanding of accounting principles.

• You have a good knowledge of Excel.

• You are willing to learn new tools (such as SAP, Matisse, documentation workflow).

• You are able to interact effectively at a professional level in both Italian and English.

• Driven by enthusiasm and willingness to work in a challenging and dynamic environment, you demonstrate proactiveness and accountability in every task you are assigned.

• You have a positive, collaborative spirit and a hands‑on attitude.

Explore our extensive range of benefitshere

We believe great work happens when we're together, fostering creativity, collaboration, and connection. That's why we’ve adopted a hybrid approach including required in‑office days. If you require accommodations or flexibility, please discuss this with the hiring team during the interview process.

AKQA 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.

About WPP

WPP is the trusted growth partner for the world’s leading brands. We unite cutting‑edge media intelligence and data solutions, world‑class creativity, next‑generation production, transformative enterprise solutions and expert strategic counsel in a single company – powered by exceptional talent and our agentic marketing platform, WPP Open, to help our clients navigate change, capture opportunity and deliver transformational growth. For more information, visit WPP.com.