Manager, Finance Risk & Controls

About WPP Media

WPP is the trusted growth partner for the world’s leading brands. With exceptional talent, trusted data and intelligence, and world-class partnerships – all united by our pioneering agentic marketing platform, WPP Open – we help clients navigate change, capture opportunity, and deliver transformational growth. 

WPP Media is WPP's AI-driven media operating unit, bringing together media, data, and partnerships to deliver creative personalisation at scale. Connected through WPP Open and powered by Open Intelligence, clients see exactly where, how, and why their media investment is working.

For more information, visit wppmedia.com .

Role Summary and Impact

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.

Skills and Experience

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

Life at WPP Media & Benefits

Our passion for shaping the next era of media is powered by our commitment to Be Extraordinary, investing in our employees to inspire transformational creativity. We also Lead Optimistically, firmly believing in and Championing Growth and Development for every individual. This commitment allows WPP Media employees to leverage the extensive global WPP Media & WPP networks to pursue their passions, build vital professional connections, and learn at the cutting edge of marketing and advertising.

We Create an Open environment built on trust and respect, where everyone feels they belong and has opportunities to progress. This inclusive culture is fostered through a variety of employee resource groups and frequent in-office events showcasing team wins, sharing thought leadership, and celebrating holidays and milestone events. Our comprehensive benefits package reflects this commitment, including competitive medical, group retirement plans, vision, and dental insurance, significant paid time off, preferential partner discounts, and employee mental health awareness days.

WPP Media is an equal opportunity employer and considers applicants for all positions without discrimination or regard to characteristics. We believe the best work happens when we're together, fostering creativity, collaboration, and connection in this open and supportive environment. That's why we’ve adopted a hybrid approach. If you require accommodations or flexibility, please discuss this with the hiring team during the interview process.

Our main 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)

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CCNL Aziende del Terziario distribuzione e Servizi (English)

The Gross Annual Pay range for this position at the time of this posting is indicated below. This reflects part of our broader group's compensation framework across diverse agencies and disciplines. For this specific role our offer will be determined based on our internal benchmark, reflecting the specific market conditions for our discipline. Individual compensation varies based on job-related factors, including business needs, experience, level of responsibility and qualifications.

The employment contract will be governed by CCNL Aziende del Terziario distribuzione e Servizi.

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€31.000 - €56.000 EUR

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