Commercial/ Client Controller

As a Commercial Controller (m/w/d), you play a crucial role in building our agency's controlling function. You will work closely with the CFO and Client Service Teams to improve our data transparency, the structures in finance processes, and thereby planning certainty and profitability. You see yourself as part of the overarching Finance team, at the interface with WPP Shared Finance (Billing, Accounting, Controlling/Reporting). Your focus is on Client and Project Finance, while largely supporting FP&A tasks. We are currently looking for dedicated reinforcement at our Hamburg location (alternative Düsseldorf).

Your Role at Hogarth

Client/Project Finance:

• Tracking project performance against budget and conducting actual-vs-target analyses at project and client level
• "Revenue Recognition", valuation and period-based accrual of sales revenues as part of the monthly closing
• Monitoring the handling and booking of client-related business transactions (correct assignment to clients and business units)
• Ensuring a clear and consistent client, budget, and job structure
• Determining and evaluating client profitability, deriving meaningful goals, and supporting Client Service Managers in developing and implementing action plans for profitability improvement
• Interface to the Commercial Controlling of our Joint Venture partners (partner agencies from the WPP network)
• Creation of individual analyses and reports at client level
• Ensuring compliance with all relevant accounting standards and regulations in the area of Client Finance
• Close cooperation with the WPP Shared Finance team to ensure timely and accurate monthly closing
• Support for internal and external audits (e.g., Risk & Control, annual financial statements)

Financial Planning & Analysis:

• Coordination in the annual budget process and quarterly forecasts, regarding the planning of client revenues and client-related personnel costs
• Development and maintenance of models for forecasting revenue, costs, and profitability
• Analysis of monthly closings compared to budget and forecast, identification of trends, deviations, and potential for improvement
• Development and maintenance of a management information system for all essential KPIs (monthly internal reporting for agency management)
• Conducting ad-hoc analyses to support strategic initiatives and investment decisions

Commercial Finance:

• Prospectively: Support in the design and negotiation of commercial terms, especially client-related rate cards, for new client acquisitions and renegotiations with existing clients
• Advising and supporting Client Service Teams to optimize resource allocation and increase efficiency

What we are looking for:

• Completed degree in Business Administration or a comparable qualification
• Min. 2-3 years of professional experience as Commercial Controller, Client Finance or a similar position
• Experience in the agency industry or a comparable environment (e.g., film, television, advertising) is an advantage
• Proficiency in MS Office, especially Excel (Power BI knowledge is an advantage)
• Hands-on mentality, independent work style, and strong communication skills
• Very good German and English language skills, both written and spoken

What we offer

• Exciting and diverse projects and collaboration in a fast-growing, international company
• An open and warm working atmosphere with a strong culture of trust and flat hierarchies, where everyone in the team gets a lot of responsibility
• Regular feedback discussions to foster your talents and support your development to grow within our organization
• Personal training and development opportunities through regular participation in trainings, webinars, and e-learning programs of our Hogarth and WPP training network
• Flexible working hours and the possibility of hybrid work
• Modern premises on the Hamburg WPP campus
• Attractive benefits such as Corporate Benefits & Wellhub, support for old-age provision, participation in the Deutschlandticket, and anniversary bonuses

Would you like to further develop your skills in an international agency? Then we look forward to your application.

Our Hogarth Values:

Hands on

No egos here. Just a shared drive to roll up our sleeves and make great things happen. Every project--big or small, gets our full energy because we believe in doing things right. Every single time. It's how we deliver real results without cutting corners.

Honesty

We are real and authentic – with each other and in our work. Honest, direct communication builds the trust we need to collaborate, grow, and make meaningful things together. It’s not always easy but it’s always worth it.

Heart & Soul

We bring heart to everything we make. Passion, pride and relentless drive push us beyond “good enough” ––because we care deeply about our craft, and we’re always chasing better. We love what we do, and it shows.

Happy Family

Creating a space where everyone feels valued--even when opinions differ, makes this a supportive and inclusive environment for our people. We embrace our differences, celebrate our wins together, and never lose our sense of humor.

Hungry

Curiosity keeps us hungry. We question, experiment, and always seek out what's next. We never settle, and we never stop learning.

Inclusion and Impact

WPP is an equal opportunity employer and considers applicants for all positions without discrimination or regard to particular 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.

Please contact careers@hogarth.com if you need the job advert or form in another format.

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