Commercial Finance Manager

About WPP Production

We are WPP Production - the unified global production company that brings together all of WPP's content producers, studios and craft experts into one connected organisation. We combine world-class human craft with next generation technology to originate, design, and deliver multi-channel content systems at scale. Built for borderless collaboration and powered by deep craft expertise, we are the production engine designed for today's always on, AI driven marketing world.

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.

A Hybrid working model

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

About the Role

Works closely with the Head of Commercial Finance and with the support of structured oversight from the outgoing Commercial Finance Manager during the transition period, this person will take full ownership of numerous aspects the region's commercial finance operation, from client financial management and quarterly planning to burn reporting, dashboard maintenance and creation and pricing estimate creation. This is a role that requires a high degree of flexibility and adaptability and suits a commercially curious, client-comfortable finance professional who can operate independently once established and is ready to take on a dynamic and fast pace environment.

Key Responsibilities

Planning & Analysis

• Quarterly planning cycle - owning creation of the estimates, PO management, and financial planning rhythm for the regions and client
• Fiscal Year planning - annual budget/burn report creation with internal team
• Estimate tracking and PO approvals - maintaining an accurate, real-time picture of committed and forecasted spend
• Invoice validation and review - checking accuracy and compliance before approval and payment
• Tracking invoice status and resolving billing issues
• Conversion and promotion checks - validating financial assumptions within client scope changes
• Monitor financial performance against budget and forecast, identifying key risks, opportunities, and drivers. Track client budgets, actuals, estimates, and financial commitments.
• Develop financial models for resource planning, business scenarios, client requirements, and cost-saving initiatives.

Reporting

• Burn report creation and maintenance - the primary ongoing financial health report for the region
• Change history report - tracking scope changes and their financial impact over time
• Dashboard update and commentary - producing the monthly client-facing financial dashboard including written commentary
• Revenue Recognition (Rev-Rec) - monthly revenue recognition for the region scope
• Back-up for monthly revenue and forecasts in collaboration with the commercial finance team

Client & Business Partnership

• Bi-weekly meetings with the client team - forecast and burn report alignment and financial discussion
• Project savings updates and tracking - maintaining the savings model outputs and reporting on performance
• Client meetings and monthly reporting - leading the region's regular financial touchpoints with the client

Commercial Finance

• Future RFPs and pricing - leading commercial responses to procurement exercises for the BA region
• Apple commercial support and reporting insights - providing financial analysis and insight to support reporting requirements
• Ad hoc reporting - client-facing and internal as required by the Head of Commercial finance
• Audit support and documentation collection throughout the audit cycle

What You'll Bring

• 5-7 years in commercial finance, management accounting, or FP&A - with clear evidence of owning a reporting cycle end-to-end
• Strong client-facing finance skills - comfortable leading financial review meetings, producing client-ready outputs, and managing relationships with commercial sensitivity
• Experience managing burn reports, quarterly planning cycles, and monthly dashboard reporting independently
• Revenue Recognition experience - able to prepare and own the Rev-Rec process for a defined scope
• Advanced Excel - including financial modelling, template maintenance, and multi-currency reporting
• Self-starter mindset - this role is building into a new region; the right candidate is comfortable creating structure with support from team in different regions
• Commercial awareness around pricing - experience contributing to client commercial submissions
• Creative, production, or agency industry background
• Experience with complex billing processes
• Strong client-facing finance skills - comfortable leading financial review meetings, producing client-ready outputs, and managing relationships with commercial sensitivity
• Experience managing burn reports, quarterly planning cycles, and monthly dashboard reporting independently
• Revenue Recognition experience
• Strong business partnering and stakeholder management skills
• Experience with Power BI or other reporting/BI tools is preferred

Why work here: 

At WPP Production, you’ll help shape the future of content production at a truly global scale. We bring together world-class talent, cutting-edge studios, and advanced technology to solve some of the most complex creative and production challenges in the industry. You’ll work in a collaborative, borderless environment where craft excellence is valued, innovation is encouraged, and AI and next-generation tools are used to amplify not replace human creativity. With access to diverse projects, global career opportunities, and the backing of WPP’s unmatched network, this is a place where you can grow your skills, make real impact, and create work that performs for every audience, across every channel, at every moment.

Inclusion and Impact 

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.

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