Risk & Controls Manager CEE

Position at GroupM

Who we're looking for:  

We are looking for a RISK & CONTROLS MANAGER CEE to join our GroupM Poland team based in Warsaw. You will be responsible for providing support to the organization in both implementing and monitoring an effective local control framework aligned with Group requirements and the wide spectrum of compliance activities. You will support with internal and SOX audits on coordination, issue discussion and remediation. This is a challenging role with multiple priorities and a wide range of local and regional stakeholders. The candidate will be responsible for the GroupM Risk & Controls function in CEE markets, and be part of the wider EMEA Risk & Controls team, reporting to both the Local GroupM Poland CFO and EMEA Risk & Controls Director. 

What you'll do: 

• champion ethics & integrity: promote a strong ethical culture across the CEE region through training, support, and expert advice on anti-bribery, internal controls, and policy compliance,
• be a risk & controls expert: serve as a thought leader and subject matter expert, driving best practices in risk management and internal controls, 
• lead change: act as a change agent, driving desired improvements and efficiencies across the CEE markets, 
• build strong partnerships: establish and maintain excellent relationships with internal teams, GroupM, WPP, and external stakeholders,
• implement & enhance controls: support the design and implementation of financial, operational, and compliance controls aligned with the WPP Internal Control framework,
• monitor control effectiveness: design and operate ongoing quality review and control monitoring programs as a second line of defense,
• drive continuous improvement: identify opportunities for process improvement, leveraging technology and adapting to evolving challenges,
• communicate policy & requirements: clearly communicate WPP & GroupM policies, control requirements, and updates to the business,
• support strategic initiatives: partner with the business to provide guidance and support for change initiatives and strategic priorities, ensuring effective controls implementation,
• develop strategic solutions: think strategically about the business, developing pragmatic and sustainable solutions to enhance the control environment and streamline processes,
• coordinate audit activities: coordinate audit activities for CEE markets, liaising with internal and external audit teams and monitoring remediation efforts,
• oversee risk management processes: coordinate and oversee internal control and risk management processes, including risk maps, self-certifications, and compliance reviews. 

You'll be a great fit if you have:  

• 5+ years of experience in business process improvement, risk management, internal/external audit, and/or ethics and compliance (industry or consulting),
• strong understanding of financial principles, ideally with an accounting qualification,
• familiarity with IFRS, Sarbanes-Oxley compliance, and PCAOB requirements,
• proven leadership skills: you're driven, energetic, and change-oriented, with the ability to make sound decisions while remaining flexible and disciplined,
• excellent prioritization and time management skills: you can effectively manage multiple demands and priorities in a fast-paced, cross-functional environment, 
• experience in assessing business risk and evaluating internal control systems,
• a track record of driving improvement and building strong business partnerships, 
• exceptional communication and interpersonal skills: you can effectively communicate with colleagues and stakeholders at all levels, resolving issues calmly and maintaining positive relationships,
• knowledge of the media and advertising industry (a plus),
• fluency in Polish and English (required),
• proficiency in Excel. 

What you can expect from us: 

• permanent employment contract,
• comprehensive benefits package after three months: life insurance, English language course/sports card subsidy, private medical care, canteen discounts,
• workation opportunity after six months,
• weekly breakfast in the office for everyone,
• regular team-building events,
• extensive internal and external training opportunities,
• cutting-edge technology – we use tools that truly optimize your work time,
• employee referral program,
• internal mobility – opportunities to develop within our companies, whether you're interested in an expert or managerial career path,
• well-organized Induction program to make your first days less stressful,
• a supportive and collaborative environment where we value each other's work and share knowledge. 

Our recruitment process:  

You'll start with a phone screening, followed by an in-person/online meetings with EMEA Risk and Controls Associate Director and GroupM Poland CFO. During the meeting, we'll discuss your skills and experience, but we also want to get to know you as a person. We believe in building teams where everyone feels comfortable and connected. 

Who we are:  

GroupM is the world’s leading media buying operation worldwide, responsible for more than $60B of global media billings through agencies including Mindshare, Essence Mediacom, Wavemaker, and mSix & Partners, as well as Nexus, the industry’s largest community of performance marketing experts designed to drive performance and innovation at scale for GroupM’s agencies and clients.  

We are proud to be certified as a Top Employer Poland & Europe 2021-2024, a testament to our commitment to best-in-class HR processes and standards. Media & Marketing Polska magazine has also recognized us as Media Group of the Year 2024.