Risk and Controls Manager, EMEA
Hybrid
Dubai, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Description
Burson EMEA Risk and Controls Manager
Location: Middle East (preferred) or EMEA About Burson
Burson is the global communications leader built to create value for clients through reputation. With highly specialized teams, industry-leading technologies and breakthrough creative, we help brands and businesses redefine reputation as a competitive advantage so they can lead today and into the future. Burson operates under WPP (NYSE: WPP), the creative transformation company. Learn more at
Across our global team, we share a common practice: cultivating an open, curious mindset that is committed to growing. We create, contribute and challenge, but we don’t conform.
Our core belief is that the growth of our people fuels the growth of our clients, which powers the growth of our agency. No one aspect of Burson stands alone – when everything is growing together, anything is possible.
The Role:
This position is for a team member of the Risk and Controls group within Burson reporting directly to Burson’s Global Head of Risk and Controls (NYC-based). This role entails being a collaborative team member that works to maintain a strong control environment and operates as a “bridge” between Burson process areas and the WPP Risk and Controls, Internal Audit teams and as an extension, WPP’s external auditors. This includes advising the company on remediation solutions for control deficiencies identified. WPP’s requirements include a comprehensive risk and controls framework that is based on internal controls over financial reporting (ICFR) and various accounting and control policies.
The CFO and his global finance team will rely heavily on this group, who will also assist with other compliance areas, as needed. Audit related work is approximately 75% of the position, with the remaining 25% being other types of projects, reviews, analyses, or investigations (e.g., investigating potential fraud, performing balance sheet reviews, reviewing a global client staffing plan from a more operational process perspective or any other type of review requested by the Global CFO).
Responsibilities:
Together with other team members, support the Global Head of Risk and Controls both locally and globally Operate as a team as the “second line of defense” within Burson Identify risk areas and work with local finance teams to develop the necessary control framework, based on WPP’s Risk & Controls framework and prepare for upcoming audits Partner with regional and local finance teams to identify gaps and set a timetable for improvement including the implementation of necessary remediation plans and process documentation. Facilitate rollout of new Group policies amongst regional and local teams; and assist to tailor processes and procedures that ensure policy compliance. Assist in process alignment during system or SSC implementation. Educate and train local finance teams on control requirements and what control structures makes sense for their business including the assistance in creating and maintaining their controls’ documentation. Support the Global Head of Risk and Controls and senior finance leaders with their communications to organizational management, or other key internal/external stakeholders. Support and assist local finance teams on responses to all audit reports Liaise with peers across WPP including the WPP Internal Audit and Risk and Controls groups and the other operating companies Track audit schedules and pending reports / results Support ad hoc requests from the WPP Internal Audit or Risk and Controls groups
Qualifications & Experience:
They will be a leader with 6+ years of accounting and auditing experience. The candidate must have acquired the skills and experience to be able to identify control deficiencies and partner with local finance teams to develop a strong controls framework.
A minimum of a bachelor’s degree in accounting; CPA/Chartered accountant a plus. Public accounting audit experience a plus. Experience as an internal auditor in a regulated industry (e.g., banking) a plus. Experience with the PR industry a plus Proficiency in any European languages a plus An effective communicator with strong oral and written skills. Excellent organization skills.
Ability to multi-task, prioritize, and work under pressure in an environment with constantly changing variables. Smart and patient with a willingness to learn and assist at all levels. Possess a collaborative and team first mindset. Support the team lead and keep them of high priority items/issues. Can communicate diplomatically and skillfully; can settle issues calmly and win concessions without damaging relationships. Ability to work independently, troubleshoot, and collaborate with others both within the team and externally. Experience with Microsoft Suite and Visio. Must be able to travel domestically and internationally as needed.
Core Competencies
Builds strong partnerships. Relates well to a wide variety of styles and types, both internally and externally; champions diversity; treats differences fairly and equitably; and transcends silos to achieve greater enterprise results. Displays courage of one’s convictions and is action oriented. They fearlessly take on all issues, challenges, and people; proactively works through conflict while maintaining high levels of engagement and collaboration; generates pragmatic, sensible and simple solutions to complex problems; balances data, logic and intuition in decision making; challenges the status quo. Has excellent maturity and judgment. They have the ability to operate effectively in a large, complex, and global environment. Maintains composure under pressure and has the ability to balance competing priorities. Exercises good judgment through intricate situations, demonstrating maturity in decision-making processes and adaptability to evolving circumstances. Embraces and drives change. Learns and adapts well to new plans, programs and priorities; inspires others to embrace change. The successful candidate will have superior intellect, with the ability to think creatively and make clear and well-reasoned decisions and will be driven by the desire to help the company as a whole be a success.
Our promises:
At Burson, diversity, equity and inclusion are not just values; they are strategic imperatives that fuel our future in an industry built on the art of understanding, connecting and developing relationships. We believe that a diverse workforce is essential for inspiring bold ideas, fostering constructive dialogue and cultivating meaningful experiences that drive innovation and creativity. It also enables our agency to thrive and deliver brilliant work.
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