Management Accountant

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.

What does a Management Accountant do at WPP Production?

WPP Production South Africa is seeking a commercial, analytical, and highly organized Management Accountant. Working closely with and reporting directly to the Financial Controller, you will be responsible for the preparation of accurate monthly management accounts, job profitability analysis, variance reporting, and supporting the rolling forecasting and annual budgeting cycles.

As a Management Accountant in a production environment, you will look beyond the numbers to understand the operational dynamics of our projects. You will play a key role in revenue recognition compliance, Work-in-Progress (WIP) tracking, and ensuring that internal control frameworks (specifically Sarbanes-Oxley / SOX) are strictly maintained.

Reporting lines and key stakeholders:

Line Manager: Finance Controller

Key Responsibilities

• Management Reporting & Month-End Close

• Own the month-end close process, ensuring all trial balance postings, accruals, prepayments, and journal entries are accurate and completed in line with WPP's global deadlines.

• Prepare the monthly management accounts pack, including detailed P&L statements, balance sheet reconciliations, and cash flow analysis.

• Perform comprehensive variance analysis (Actuals vs. Budget vs. Forecast) and provide clear, actionable commentary on key financial drivers and deviations.

• WIP, Revenue Recognition & Job Profitability

• Oversee the financial health of creative production jobs, working alongside Producers and Account Teams to monitor Work-in-Progress (WIP) aging.

• Analyze job profitability, identifying high/low margin projects, over-servicing, and cost overruns to advise the business on corrective measures.

• Ensure revenue recognition policies (under IFRS 15 and WPP global guidelines) are strictly adhered to, particularly concerning deferred and accrued revenue.

• Budgeting, Forecasting & Commercial Support

• Assist the Financial Controller and Finance Director in the preparation of the annual budget and quarterly rolling forecasts.

• Develop and maintain financial models to support commercial business cases and pricing strategies for new and existing clients.

• Monitor staff utilization, freelance cost margins, and overhead expenditures against approved operational budgets.

• Balance Sheet & Internal Controls

• Perform deep-dive balance sheet reconciliations to ensure the integrity of the general ledger.

• Ensure robust internal controls are in place and operational, meeting all SOX (Sarbanes-Oxley) compliance standards.

• Maintain the fixed asset register and oversee the intercompany reconciliation process with other WPP global group entities.

• Tax & Treasury Support

• Assist in the preparation and submission of monthly VAT returns (SARS compliance) and other regulatory statutory filings.

• Manage corporate treasury requirements, cash flow forecasting, and local banking administration.

Key Relationships

• Internal: Financial Controller, Finance Director, Client Service Directors, Production Heads, Accounts Receivable & Accounts Payable Specialists.
• Group: WPP Regional Finance Team, Internal & External Auditors.

Qualifications & Experience

• Education: BCom in Accounting, Management Accounting, or equivalent.
• Professional Qualification: CIMA (Strategic Level / Finalist) or SAIPA/ACMA designation is highly desirable.
• Experience: 3–5 years of progressive post-qualification experience in a management accounting or senior financial analyst role.
• Industry Experience: Experience in a creative agency, marketing production, or media agency environment is strongly preferred due to the specific nature of WIP and time-write-off models.
• Systems:
• Advanced Excel skills (index/match, nested formulas, financial modeling).
• Experience with integrated agency ERP systems (e.g., Maconomy, SAP, NAV or Deltek) is highly advantageous.

Key Competencies & Skills

• Commercial Acumen: Ability to translate complex financial figures into operational insights for non-finance teams (Producers, Creatives).
• Proactive Problem Solving: Strong analytical skills with the drive to investigate variances and identify operational efficiencies.
• Adaptability: Comfortable navigating change within a dynamic, fast-paced agency culture.
• Integrity & Control: A meticulous eye for detail coupled with an unwavering commitment to financial compliance and governance.

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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