Manager, Finance Risk & Controls

We are looking for a Manager, Finance Risk & Controls to join our team in Milan. In this role, you will be part of the wider WPP Media EMEA Risk & Controls team, reporting directly to the Associate Director Risk & Controls, WPP Media EMEA, with a dotted line to the WPP Media CFO. Your impact will be centered on providing high-level support to the Italian market in both implementing and monitoring an effective local control framework aligned with Group requirements and a wide spectrum of compliance activities. This is a challenging and highly visible role with multiple priorities where you will act as a trusted business partner, driving continuous improvement and ensuring the organization remains resilient and fully compliant.

Responsibilities

Promote and help embed a culture of ethics and integrity across the WPP Media Italian market, advising on anti-bribery, corruption, and internal policy requirements; Support the design and implementation of financial, operational, and compliance controls in line with the WPP Internal Control framework; Design and operate effective quality reviews and control monitoring programs as a second line of defense; Coordinate internal control and risk management processes, including business risk maps, self-certifications, Letters of Representation, and Code of Conduct reviews; Manage audit and compliance activities, liaising with internal and external audit teams and monitoring remediation plans; Partner with the business to provide guidance on strategic changes, developing pragmatic and sustainable solutions to streamline and standardize processes

Requirements

5+ years of work experience in industry or consulting in risk and controls, ethics and compliance, business process improvement, risk management, or internal/external audit; Strong familiarity with IFRS, Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) compliance, and PCAOB requirements; Experienced in assessing business risk and evaluating the adequacy and effectiveness of internal control systems; Proven track record of driving improvement and building strong business relationships, rather than simply enforcing guidelines; Ability to work independently and apply a structured approach to balance multiple demands in a fast-paced environment; Strong collaboration skills, with the ability to work cross-functionally across different geographies and engage with senior stakeholders; Approachable with excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with fluency in both Italian and English (C1/C2); Proficient use of Excel, with a strong openness to leverage technology and AI to enhance processes and adapt to new challenges

Nice to have

Experience in media and advertising with proven knowledge of core business processes is a plus; Certified Accountant, ACA/CA/ACCA qualification or equivalent is a plus

Benefits

Corporate Benefits & Discounts Platform; Employee Wellbeing & Support Programs; Language Platform: Access to English and 49 other languages, plus 1 complimentary guest account; Dedicated e-learning platform for all employees (at least 2000+ courses); Ticket Restaurant for every working day; Non-Occupational Accident Insurance; Company-paid Life Insurance; Tax Assistance Services Support (tax return); Competitive medical insurance; Group retirement plans; Vision insurance; Dental insurance; Significant paid time off; Preferential partner discounts; Employee mental health awareness days