Billings Coordinator

VML; Cape Town; Hybrid; ZAR 300 000 - 400 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading creative agency in Cape Town seeks a meticulous WIP Coordinator to enhance financial processes. You will manage client billing, conduct WIP analyses, resolve invoicing queries, and ensure accurate project financial closures. This role requires at least 1 year of experience, exceptional attention to detail, strong analytical skills, and familiarity with financial software like SAP or Oracle. Join a dynamic finance team and contribute to our operational excellence in a fast-paced environment.

Benefits

Competitive compensation

Supportive work culture

Opportunities for growth

Vibrant office environment

Qualifications

• At least 1 year of experience in billing and WIP control, ideally in an agency.
• Must demonstrate meticulous accuracy and compliance in financial data.

Responsibilities

• Develop understanding of client billing requirements and ensure accurate invoicing.
• Conduct weekly analysis of WIP balances to identify issues and improve cash flow.
• Manage unbilled revenue and secure missing client POs.
• Resolve complex invoice queries and maintain positive relationships.
• Collaborate with Project Managers for financial project closures.
• Prepare month-end reports on financial insights.
• Reconcile inter-company balances with global offices.

Skills

Billing and WIP control

Attention to detail

Interpersonal skills

Analytical mindset

Problem-solving

Financial software proficiency

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: Cape Town

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

• 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 optimise 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 recognised 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

• 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?

• 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 recognises your value and contributions.

#LI-HYBRID

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.