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.
About The Role
Are you a highly strategic and commercially‐driven finance leader ready to shape the financial future for the Australian arm of a dynamic global content production powerhouse? As the Finance Director for WPP Production Australia, you will act as the pivotal strategic commercial partner to our Managing Director and Business Leadership Team, holding full accountability for financial performance, governance, and critical decision support across WPP Production Australia. This isn't just about reviewing and reporting on the numbers – it's about translating financial data into commercial opportunities, driving profitability, and enabling sustainable growth. You'll be the central pillar for end‐to‐end financial oversight, including management of regional controls, all while leading dedicated finance and commercial centred teams. If you thrive on influencing key business decisions, optimising P&L performance, and embedding financial discipline within operational teams, then this is your opportunity to make a monumental impact.
What You'll Do
Commercial Leadership & Business Partnering
* Act as the lead commercial partner, providing insightful influence on key business decisions for the Managing Director and Business Leaders.
* Own and actively drive P&L performance across all Australian business units and Joint Venture entities.
* Lead the development and implementation of commercial strategy, including sophisticated pricing frameworks, rate cards, and cost structures.
* Be the architect of financial modelling and deal structuring for both new and existing client engagements.
* Champion client profitability optimisation, continuously identifying margin improvement opportunities and cost efficiencies.
* Embed rigorous financial discipline within operational teams, ensuring a strong, tangible link between financial performance and delivery outcomes.
* Lead the commercial narrative during pitches, encompassing pricing strategy, robust risk assessment, and intricate contract structuring.
Financial Planning & Performance Management
* Oversee and lead the annual budgeting cycle, quarterly forecasting, and long‐term strategic financial planning processes.
* Deliver clear, actionable financial insights that empower strategic and operational decision‐making across the business.
* Own all management reporting, ensuring that performance is comprehensively understood and actively managed by stakeholders.
* Develop and implement commercial reporting frameworks precisely aligned to client KPIs and overall business performance metrics.
Financial Governance, Control & Oversight
* Hold full accountability for the financial governance, accuracy, and integrity of all financial reporting within Australia.
* Provide clear oversight and strategic direction to the WPPAUNZ finance team, ensuring the consistent delivery of high‐quality financial and management accounting services.
* Ensure all financial reporting is delivered accurately and punctually, in strict accordance with WPP Group policies and local regulations.
* Oversee comprehensive working capital management, including meticulous debtor and creditor performance.
* Maintain absolute balance sheet integrity, with appropriate and robust review and reconciliation processes in place.
* Uphold and enhance robust internal controls and SOX compliance, clearly defining ownership and accountability.
* Oversee all statutory reporting, tax compliance, and audit processes, collaborating effectively with WPPAUNZ teams and external advisors.
Stakeholder Management & Leadership
* Act as the primary finance lead for Australia, confidently collaborating with APAC and Global Finance leadership.
* Cultivate and maintain strong, trusted relationships with senior business stakeholders, serving as a respected advisor and constructive challenger.
* Lead, mentor, and develop the local finance team, ensuring clarity of roles and responsibilities across local and regional structures.
* Drive accountability across the business through regular performance reviews and governance forums.
What You'll Bring
Essential
* Degree qualified in Finance, Accounting, Business, or a related discipline – CPA, CA, or ACCA qualification is a mandatory requirement.
* Likely to have at least 10 years of demonstrable commercial experience across finance leadership, commercial finance, or senior business partnering roles.
* Proven, demonstrable experience in owning P&L performance and successfully driving commercial outcomes in a complex environment.
* A strong, nuanced understanding of financial control, reporting, and governance frameworks, ideally within a global organisation.
* Experience managing or providing oversight to regional or shared service finance structures.
* Exceptional analytical acumen, strategic thinking capabilities, and superior communication and leadership skills.
* Demonstrated ability to influence and constructively challenge senior stakeholders, guiding them towards optimal financial decisions.
Highly Advantageous
* Experience in agency, production, or professional services environments.
* Proven expertise in multi‐entity or Joint Venture (JV) structures.
* Proficiency with relevant finance systems (e.g., Spectra, advanced Excel modelling, various reporting tools).
Please note – the successful candidate will be required to complete detailed background checks as part of the recruitment process.
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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