Senior Financial Controller

About VML

VML 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.

VML is a WPP agency (NYSE: WPP). For more information, please visit  www.vml.com, and follow along on Instagram, LinkedIn, and X.

As Senior Financial Controller, you are a key pillar of the Dutch finance organization. You ensure a robust financial close, high-quality reporting and strong internal controls, while acting as a trusted sparring partner to the FD and senior management. The role combines hands-on control responsibilities with analytical depth and a continuous improvement mindset.

This position is well-suited for a Big 4–trained professional looking to take ownership in an in-house controlling role with clear accountability and visibility.

Key responsibilities

Financial close & statutory control

• Co-own and coordinate the monthly financial closings for the Dutch entities.
• Ensure completeness, accuracy and timeliness of the general ledger, reconciliations and supporting documentation.
• Review balance sheet accounts, accruals, provisions and revenue recognition.
• Coordinate statutory reporting and act as primary contact for external auditors.
• Ensure compliance with Dutch GAAP and group accounting policies.

Management reporting & planning

• Prepare and review management reporting, including P&L, balance sheet, cash flow, working capital and key KPIs.
• Support and coordinate periodic forecasts and the annual budget in close collaboration with the FD.
• Deliver clear variance analysis and financial insights to support decision-making.
• Maintain and further develop financial dashboards covering revenue, costs, client profitability and margin development.

Business partnering

• Act as a key financial counterpart to the FD and leadership team.
• Provide financial challenge, scenario analysis and commercial insight on key initiatives.
• Support operational teams with clear financial guidance, translating complex data into practical conclusions.

Governance, controls & compliance

• Maintain and continuously improve internal controls in line with group policies and SOX requirements.
• Act as lead for SOX testing, documentation and remediation actions.
• Ensure finance processes are well documented, consistently applied and audit-ready.
• Proactively identify risks and inefficiencies and drive process improvements.
• Coach and guide stakeholders on financial procedures, controls and compliance awareness.

Your profile

• Master’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics or Business Administration.
• A post-master qualification (e.g. CPA, ACCA or equivalent) is a plus, but not required.
• 6–8+ years of experience in financial control, audit or reporting, preferably with a Big 4 background and subsequent in-house exposure.
• Strong hands-on experience with month-end close, balance sheet control and statutory reporting.
• Solid understanding of internal controls, SOX and governance frameworks.
• Excellent analytical skills with a structured, detail-oriented approach.
• Advanced Excel skills; experience with SAP and/or group consolidation tools is a plus.
• Excellent command of English is required; working proficiency in Dutch is preferred to support statutory requirements and local stakeholder communication.
• Independent, resilient and comfortable taking ownership in a fast-paced environment.
• High ethical standards, integrity and a pragmatic, solution-oriented mindset.

What we offer

• A competitive salary package with attractive fringe benefits, aligned with senior controller level in the Dutch market.
• A high-impact role with end-to-end ownership of financial control for the Dutch organization.
• Direct exposure to senior leadership and decision-making.
• A professional yet informal working culture with high standards and clear accountability.
• A modern, fully serviced office at Amsteldijk 166, Amsterdam.
• Career development opportunities within the wider WPP network.

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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. 

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