Senior WIP Manager

Who We Are: At VML, we are a beacon of innovation and growth in an ever‑evolving world. Our heritage is built upon a century of combined expertise, where creativity meets technology, and diverse perspectives ignite inspiration. With the merger of VMLY&R and Wunderman Thompson, we have forged a new path as a growth partner that is part creative agency, part consultancy, and part technology powerhouse. Our global family now encompasses over 30,000 employees across 150+ offices in 64 markets, each contributing to a culture that values connection, belonging, and the power of differences. Our expertise spans the entire customer journey, offering deep insights in communications, commerce, consultancy, CRM, CX, data, production, and technology. We deliver end‑to‑end solutions that result in revolutionary work. Job Title: Senior WIP Manager Reporting To: Working Capital Director Company: VML Location: Sea Containers, London (hybrid) The Opportunity: Senior WIP Manager Are you a highly analytical and experienced finance professional with a passion for optimizing financial processes and driving efficiency? Do you thrive in a fast‑paced, creative environment where your expertise directly impacts business performance? VML is seeking a dedicated and proactive Senior WIP Manager to join our high‑performing Finance team. This pivotal role will see you take ownership of our Work‑in‑Progress (WIP) management, ensuring financial accuracy, driving timely billing, and contributing significantly to our working capital efficiency. You will be instrumental in bridging the gap between our creative teams and financial operations, ensuring seamless project delivery from a financial perspective. This is an exceptional opportunity for a seasoned professional to lead, innovate, and make a tangible impact within a global leader in marketing and technology. You will report directly to the Working Capital Director, offering a clear path for professional growth and development. Key Responsibilities Strategic WIP Management: Proactively analyse and manage Work‑in‑Progress (WIP) on a weekly basis, identifying potential issues, driving resolution, and ensuring efficient clearance across all business units. Billing & Client Process Expertise: Develop a deep understanding of client‑specific billing requirements and internal processes, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and optimal revenue recognition. Unbilled Revenue Leadership: Lead the WIP team in the proactive management and reduction of unbilled revenue, collaborating closely with senior staff and account teams to ensure timely invoicing and cash flow optimisation. Invoice Query Resolution: Act as a primary point of contact for complex invoice queries related to billing and debtors, ensuring swift, accurate, and satisfactory resolution to maintain strong client relationships. Project Financial Closure: Partner with Project Managers and Producers to facilitate the seamless financial closure of projects, ensuring all costs are accounted for, and revenue is recognised appropriately. Cross‑Functional Collaboration: Orchestrate and lead regular, impactful WIP meetings with Account Management and Producers, fostering strong communication, accountability, and alignment across teams. Team Leadership & Development: Contribute to the leadership and development of the WIP team, fostering a culture of excellence, continuous improvement, and professional growth. Comprehensive Financial Reporting: Prepare and deliver robust month‑end reporting, providing insightful commentary across Accrued Income, Pre‑billing, Costs, and Deferred Income to support strategic decision‑making. New Business & Non‑Billable Project Setup: Oversee the financial setup of new business and non‑billable projects, including accurate budget allocation and meticulous reconciliation of spend. Reporting Excellence: Maintain and enhance key WIP reports, ensuring data integrity, accuracy, and providing valuable commentary that drives actionable insights. Regional Reporting Support: Provide month‑end reporting support for regional requirements as needed, demonstrating adaptability and a broader impact on global financial operations. Leadership Cover: Act as a trusted deputy for the Working Capital Director, providing essential cover and demonstrating leadership potential and operational continuity during their absence. What You'll Bring Extensive WIP Expertise: A proven track record of at least 7 years of dedicated experience in WIP control, including demonstrable experience in managing or supervising a team. Financial Acumen: A strong financial and analytical background, with the ability to interpret complex data and translate it into actionable insights. Exceptional Attention to Detail: An unwavering commitment to accuracy and precision in all financial processes and reporting. Outstanding Interpersonal Skills: Excellent communication and people skills, with the ability to build rapport, influence, and liaise effectively with staff at all levels, from junior team members to senior leadership. Collaborative Team Player: A proactive and collaborative mindset, eager to contribute positively to a high‑performing finance team and the wider VML community. Problem‑Solving Prowess: A natural ability to identify issues, analyse root causes, and implement effective solutions. Proactive & Self‑Motivated: The drive to take initiative, anticipate needs, and manage multiple priorities in a dynamic environment. Industry Experience: Previous experience within the advertising, marketing, or creative agency sector is highly desirable. Why Join VML? Impactful Work: The opportunity to play a critical role in the financial health and success of a global creative powerhouse. Career Growth: A clear path for professional development, with opportunities to expand your skills and advance your career within a supportive environment. Collaborative Culture: Work alongside talented and passionate individuals in a culture that values creativity, innovation, and teamwork. Vibrant Location: Our office in Sea Containers offers a fantastic working environment with stunning views and excellent amenities. Comprehensive Benefits: A competitive salary and benefits package designed to support your well‑being and professional aspirations. If you are a seasoned WIP professional looking for your next challenge in a dynamic and rewarding environment, we encourage you to apply 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 an average of four days a week. If you require accommodations or flexibility, please discuss this with the hiring team during the interview process. WPP (VML) is an equal opportunity employer and considers applicants for all positions without discrimination or regard to 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. When you click "Submit Application", this will send any information you add below to VML. Before you do this, we think it's a good idea to read through our Recruitment Privacy Policy. 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