Project Manager, Finance Transformation

WPP•New York, NY

5d•Hybrid

About The Position

WPP is the creative transformation company. We use the power of creativity to build better futures for our people, planet, clients, and communities. Working at WPP means being part of a global network of more than 100,000 talented people dedicated to doing extraordinary work for our clients. We operate in over 100 countries, with corporate headquarters in New York, London and Singapore. WPP is a world leader in marketing services, with deep AI, data and technology capabilities, global presence and unrivalled creative talent. Our clients include many of the biggest companies and advertisers in the world, including approximately 300 of the Fortune Global 500. Our people are the key to our success. We're committed to fostering a culture of creativity, belonging and continuous learning, attracting and developing the brightest talent, and providing exciting career opportunities that help our people grow. We are seeking an experienced Project Manager to drive the successful execution of critical finance transformation initiatives across WPP's global network. Reporting to the Global Finance Transformation Program Director this role is crucial for delivering specific transformation projects and workstreams, ensuring adherence to timelines, budgets, and quality standards. You will leverage your strong project management skills and finance transformation knowledge to manage complex initiatives, ensuring meticulous planning, execution, and communication across diverse stakeholder groups. This position offers a high-impact opportunity to contribute directly to the future of WPP's finance function, achieving operational excellence and strategic value.

Requirements

7-10 years of progressive experience in project management within large-scale, global transformation initiatives, with a significant focus on finance transformation.
Proven track record of successfully managing complex projects, involving multiple workstreams, diverse stakeholders, and frequently competing priorities, to strict deadlines and budgets.
Strong understanding and practical application of project management methodologies (e.g., Agile, Waterfall, Hybrid approaches).
Proficiency in project management software (e.g., Jira, Asana, Microsoft Project, Smartsheet).
Solid understanding of finance transformation concepts, including operating model design, shared services, process re-engineering, and ERP/Cloud finance system implementations.
Experience with financial systems implementations (e.g., Workday Financials) or HR system transformations, shared service center stand-up/optimization.
Exceptional communication and presentation skills (written and oral), with a proven ability to communicate effectively and articulately at all organizational levels, from technical teams to senior leadership.
Meticulous attention to detail in planning, execution, and reporting.
Exceptional ability to cultivate strong working relationships with project stakeholders across various functions and agencies, ensuring alignment and effective collaboration.
Strong analytical, quantitative, and problem-solving abilities, capable of identifying root causes, developing effective solutions, and managing project-level risks.
Experience with project budget tracking, reconciliation, and reporting.
A strong project leader with the ability to influence without direct authority, motivate teams, and drive accountability.
Self-starter with a proactive, outcome-oriented mindset and the flexibility to navigate continuous, complex change.
High degree of integrity, professionalism, and ethical conduct.
Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
Quick learner with the ability to understand new finance processes, systems, and project contexts rapidly.
Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or a related field.

Nice To Haves

Certification in Project Management (PMP) or Agile (e.g., Scrum Master) is highly desirable.
Experience with change management principles (e.g., Prosci) within project delivery

Responsibilities

Project Delivery & Execution: Manage the end-to-end execution of complex, multi-year global finance transformation workstreams across the center, agency, and shared service center levels, ensuring strict adherence to timelines, budgets, and quality standards.
Detailed Planning & Scheduling: Develop comprehensive project plans, schedules, and resource allocations, translating strategic objectives into actionable tasks and milestones. Maintain a meticulous focus on all project components and deliverables.
Stakeholder Coordination & Communication: Coordinate with key project stakeholders across finance, agencies, and SSCs, providing structured and concise updates to ensure alignment and clarity.
Executive Reporting & Storytelling: Develop high‑quality SteerCo and board‑ready materials, integrating clear narratives, structured status reporting, metrics, risks, and key decisions required to ensure senior stakeholders have a complete, concise view of project progress.
Interdependency Management: Track and manage interdependencies across the wider transformation programme, ensuring sequencing, impacts, and linkages are fully understood and communicated.
PMO Collaboration & Adherence: Collaborate closely with the PMO function, adhering to established governance frameworks, reporting standards, and processes to ensure alignment with the broader transformation program.
Risk & Issue Management: Proactively identify, assess, track, and mitigate project-level risks, dependencies, and potential roadblocks, developing robust contingency plans and escalating critical issues to Global Finance Transformation Program Director.
Resource & Team Facilitation: Facilitate effective collaboration among project team members (often distributed globally) and cross-functional groups, fostering a positive and productive working environment. Informally mentor junior team members as appropriate.
Process Improvement & Documentation: Support process re-engineering efforts within assigned projects, ensuring detailed documentation of new processes, system requirements, and functional specifications.
Workshop Facilitation: Design and facilitate project workshops with various stakeholders, including senior management, to gather requirements, drive consensus, and achieve project objectives.
Innovation Application: Stay current on relevant finance transformation trends and tools, identifying opportunities to enhance project delivery.