What are the responsibilities and job description for the Compliance Specialist position at Wunderman Thompson (DBA VML)?
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.
Location: Kansas City or New York; Hybrid - 3 days onsite
Position Overview
The Compliance Manager assists in ensuring that the organization operates within the internal financial control framework. This role involves monitoring, evaluating, and documenting compliance with internal controls, assisting in the design, documentation and deployment of company internal financial controls. The Compliance Manager plays a critical role in managing internal and external audits and works closely with general accounting, client finance, auditors and Risk and Controls Group. Position will also assist in general accounting and special projects as needed and primary responsibilities allow.
Key Responsibilities
Financial Control Compliance
- Track and interpret changes to internal control requirements
- Collaborate with various groups within company to design and document updates to controls and processes.
- Monitor and facilitate timely compliance with controls.
Policy Development and Implementation
- Assist in creating and updating company policies and procedures to ensure alignment with internal control requirements and operational efficiency.
- Communicate and interpret compliance-related matters to employees.
- Communicates changes to controls and processes throughout organization
Monitoring
- Conduct ongoing assessments to identify potential compliance issues.
- Investigate and resolve compliance-related concerns or complaints.
- Manage remediation of audit findings
Reporting and Documentation
- Maintain thorough records of control designs, audit findings and ensure performance of controls is well documented and organized.
- Prepare reports for management and auditors as required.
Audit
- Serve as a point of contact for internal and external auditors.
- Coordinate audit meetings, submission of required documents (with assistance of staff accountant)
- Open communications of status and issues to Controller/Managing Director of Accounting
Continuous Improvement
- Proactively recommend and implement process improvements to streamline processes and enhance compliance.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in accounting, CPA a plus
- 2-5 years of experience in accounting or auditing in a public company, preferably in advertising.
- Experience in internal controls, audit, policies and procedures.
- Strong problem-solving skills.
- Excellent written and verbal communication.
- Attention to detail and ability to handle pressing deadlines during audits
- Strong organizational skills
- Ability to work effectively with diverse personalities
- High proficiency in learning enterprise software.
At VML, we are committed to fostering an all-inclusive work environment that is both rewarding and career-forward. Our Inclusion, Equity & Belonging initiatives, alongside the VML Foundation, reflect our dedication to giving back and making a positive impact in our communities and beyond. Our people are the heartbeat of our organization-creators, doers, innovators, makers, and thinkers-who drive not just marketing, but meaningful experiences that resonate in every action and interaction.
VML is a WPP Agency. For more information, please visit our website, and follow VML on our social channels via Instagram,LinkedIn, andX.
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Wunderman Thompson is an equal opportunity employer and considers applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, religion or belief, sex, age, national origin, citizenship status, marital status, military/veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, physical or mental disability, or other protected group status. We believe in creating a dynamic work environment that values diversity and inclusion and strives to recruit a diverse slate of candidates to help us achieve that goal.
