Billings Coordinator
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Who We Are
VML, part of WPP, is a leading creative company that combines brand experience, customer experience, and commerce, creating connected brands to drive growth. VML is celebrated for its innovative and human first, award-winning work for blue chip client partners including AstraZeneca, Colgate-Palmolive, Dell, Ford, Microsoft, Nestlé, The Coca-Cola Company, and Wendy's. The agency is recognized by the Forrester Wave™ Reports, as a Leader among Marketing Creative and Content Service Providers, Commerce Services, Global Digital Experience Services, Global Marketing Services and, most recently, Marketing Measurement & Optimization. In addition, VML’s specialist health network, VML Health, is one of the world’s largest and most awarded health agencies. VML’s global network is powered by 26,000 talented people across 55+ markets, with principal offices in Kansas City, New York, Detroit, London, São Paulo, Shanghai, Singapore, and Sydney.
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.
Job Title: WIP Coordinator/ Billings Coordinator
Department: Finance Reporting To: Working Capital Director Location: Cape Town
The Opportunity: WIP Coordinator
Are you a meticulous financial professional with a keen eye for detail and a passion for optimising financial processes? Do you thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment where your contributions directly impact the company's financial health?
VML is seeking a dedicated and proactive WIP Coordinator to join our dynamic Finance team. This is a pivotal role that sits at the heart of our operational finance, ensuring the smooth and efficient management of our Work In Progress (WIP) and contributing significantly to our working capital efficiency. You will play a crucial role in maintaining financial integrity, supporting project profitability, and fostering strong relationships across our global network.
What You'll Do: Key Responsibilities
As a WIP Controller, you will be instrumental in managing the financial lifecycle of our projects, from inception to closure. Your responsibilities will include:
- Client Billing & Process Management: Develop a deep understanding of unique client billing requirements and contractual processes, ensuring accurate and timely invoicing that aligns with client expectations and internal policies.
- Proactive WIP Analysis & Resolution: Conduct rigorous weekly analysis of Work In Progress (WIP) balances, identifying potential issues, bottlenecks, and opportunities for accelerated clearance to optimize cash flow and reduce financial risk.
- Unbilled Revenue Management: Take ownership of managing unbilled revenue, proactively following up with internal teams (Project Managers, Account Management) to secure missing client Purchase Orders (POs) and ensure revenue recognition.
- Invoice Query Resolution: Act as a primary point of contact for resolving complex invoice queries related to billing and debtors, demonstrating excellent problem-solving skills and maintaining positive client and internal relationships.
- Project Financial Closure: Collaborate closely with Project Managers and Producers to facilitate the timely and accurate financial closure of projects, ensuring all costs are captured and revenue is recognized appropriately.
- Strategic WIP Meetings: Lead and participate in regular WIP review meetings with Account Management and Producers, providing insightful commentary, driving actions, and fostering a shared understanding of project financial status.
- Comprehensive Month-End Reporting: Prepare detailed month-end reports with insightful commentary across Accrued Income, Pre-billing, Costs, and Deferred Income, providing critical financial insights to leadership.
- Global Inter-company Reconciliation: Work collaboratively with VML offices worldwide to reconcile and agree upon inter-company month-end balances, ensuring global financial accuracy and consistency.
- Purchase Order Management: Accurately raise and manage Purchase Orders (POs), ensuring proper authorization, vendor compliance, and adherence to procurement policies.
Who You Are: Your Profile
You are a detail-oriented and analytical finance professional with a collaborative spirit and a commitment to excellence. You will bring:
- Foundational Experience: At least 1 year of hands-on experience in billing and WIP control, ideally within a fast-paced agency or project-based environment.
- Exceptional Attention to Detail: A meticulous approach to financial data, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and the integrity of all financial records.
- Outstanding Interpersonal Skills: The ability to build rapport and communicate effectively with colleagues at all levels, from junior team members to senior leadership, and across diverse departments (Account Management, Production, Project Management).
- Collaborative Team Player: A genuine desire to contribute to a supportive team environment, sharing knowledge, and working together to achieve collective goals.
- Analytical Mindset: Strong analytical skills to interpret financial data, identify trends, and provide actionable insights.
- Proactive & Problem-Solver: A self-starter who anticipates challenges, takes initiative to resolve issues, and continuously seeks improvements in processes.
- Adaptability: The ability to thrive in a dynamic environment, managing multiple priorities and adapting to evolving business needs.
- Financial Software Proficiency: Experience with relevant financial management systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, Workday, or similar ERP systems) is highly desirable.
Why VML?
Joining VML means becoming part of a global family that values creativity, innovation, and people. We offer:
- Impactful Work: The opportunity to play a critical role in the financial success of a leading global creative company.
- Collaborative Culture: Work alongside talented professionals in a supportive and inclusive environment.
- Growth & Development: Opportunities for continuous learning and career advancement within a global network.
- Vibrant Location: Our office in the iconic Sea Containers building offers a fantastic working environment with stunning views and excellent amenities.
- Competitive Compensation & Benefits: A comprehensive package that recognizes your value and contributions.
If you are ready to take the next step in your finance career and contribute to a world-class organisation, we encourage you to apply!
#LI-HYBRID
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.
VML is a WPP agency (NYSE: WPP). For more information, please visit www.vml.com, and follow along on Instagram, LinkedIn, and X.
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