RISK & CONTROLS ANALYST

Company: GroupM MENA

Location: Lebanon

Reporting to: Senior Manager Risk & Controls, GroupM MENA

ABOUT GROUPM

GroupM is the world’s leading media investment company responsible for more than $60B in annual media investment through agencies Mindshare, Essence Mediacom, Wavemaker, and m/SIX, as well as the outcomes-driven programmatic audience company, Xaxis. GroupM’s portfolio includes Data & Technology, Investment, and Services, all united in vision to shape the next era of media where advertising works better for people.

SCOPE AND OBJECTIVE

We are looking for a Risk & Controls Analyst to join our team based in Beirut. The candidate will be part of the GroupM MENA Risk & Controls team covering all GroupM Agencies in MENA region and reporting to Senior Manager Risk & Controls, GroupM MENA.

You will be responsible for providing support to the organization in both implementing and monitoring an effective local control framework aligned with Group requirements. You will coordinate compliance activities and related audits. This is a challenging role with multiple priorities and a wide range of stakeholders both locally and regionally especially in Non GCC Markets (LEVANT and North Africa).

KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Promote and help embed the culture of ethics and integrity across both markets, through training, support and advising on relevant topics such as anti-bribery and corruption, internal controls, as well as internal policy requirements.
2. Serve as a risk & controls subject matter Specialist within the MENA markets.
3. Be a great business partner; establish and maintain excellent relationships within the team and collaborate effectively with colleagues across GroupM, WPP and other Networks. Engage with multiple senior stakeholders, both internal and external.
4. Support the design and implementation of financial, operational and compliance controls in line with the WPP Internal Control framework, which includes meeting the documentation and evidence standards required.
5. Design and operate effective on-going quality review / control monitoring programs as a second line of defense under the supervision of Senior Manager R&C GroupM MENA.
6. Identify opportunities for continuous improvement, including use of technology, while adapting to the new and evolving challenges and opportunities.
7. Assist Senior Manager R&C GroupM MENA in Reinforcing WPP & GroupM policies, control requirements and communicate updates / changes to the business in a clear and concise manner.
8. Coordinate audit activities for the MENA markets, liaising with internal and external audit teams (e.g. WPP IA, EY and PWC) and monitor remediation for all sources of assurance with the help of R&C Manager MENA.
9. Assist Senior Manager R&C GroupM MENA in internal control and risk management processes, e.g. business risk maps, internal control self-certifications, market Letter of Representation submissions, Code of Conduct and related party declarations review.
10. Serve as Impero champion in designing control programs and follow-ups for timely execution of controls.
11. Attend day to day ad hoc market queries related to compliance in line with WPP/GroupM Policies/Guidelines.

ACADEMIC BACKGROUND & EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in Accounting/Business/Finance.
• Qualified or Partially Qualified Accountant, CMA/CPA/ACCA/CA is preferred.
• 3+ years of work experience in industry or consulting in ethics and compliance, risk management, or internal / external audit.
• Experience in Audit firm especially Big 4 will be a +.

LANGUAGES

• Professional Command in English and Arabic.

MANDATORY SKILLS

• Professional skepticism.
• Familiar with IFRS, Sarbanes-Oxley compliance, PCAOB requirements, etc.
• Ability to work independently and apply a structured approach towards balancing multiple demands and priorities in a fast-paced environment and work cross-functionally across different geographies, functions, and employees of diverse backgrounds.
• Experienced in assessing business risk and evaluating adequacy and effectiveness of internal control systems.
• Approachable with excellent interpersonal and communication skills (verbal and written) in interactions with staff and senior management.
• Flexibility and openness to grow and take ownership of new projects/tasks/roles.
• Experience in media and advertising with proven knowledge of core business processes is a plus.
• Competent in Excel and data analysis.