Accounts Receivable Specialist

About WPP Production

We are WPP Production - the unified global production company that brings together all of WPP's content producers, studios and craft experts into one connected organisation. We combine world-class human craft with next generation technology to originate, design, and deliver multi-channel content systems at scale. Built for borderless collaboration and powered by deep craft expertise, we are the production engine designed for today's always on, AI driven marketing world.

About WPP

WPP is the trusted growth partner for the world’s leading brands. We unite cutting-edge media intelligence and data solutions, world-class creativity, next-generation production, transformative enterprise solutions and expert strategic counsel in a single company – powered by exceptional talent and our agentic marketing platform, WPP Open, to help our clients navigate change, capture opportunity and deliver transformational growth. For more information, visit WPP.com.

A Hybrid working model

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 around four days a week. If you require accommodations or flexibility, please discuss this with the hiring team during the interview process.

What does a Accounts Receivable Specialist do at WPP Production?

We are looking for an experienced, detail-oriented

Accounts Receivable Specialist to join our finance team. Reporting directly to the Financial Controller, you will oversee the end-to-end accounts receivable process, ensuring accurate billing, proactive credit control, and timely cash collection.

In this role, you will act as a vital bridge between our production/account management teams and our clients, ensuring that agency jobs are billed correctly, revenue is recognized in compliance with policies, and debtor days are kept to a minimum.

Reporting lines and key stakeholders

Line Manager: Financial Controller - Johannesburg

Key Responsibilities

• Billing & Invoicing
• Collaborate with Account Managers and Producers to ensure timely and accurate billing of creative production jobs, campaigns, and retainers.
• Generate and distribute high-volume tax invoices and credit notes in strict accordance with client contracts, purchase orders (POs), and local tax regulations.
• Manage job-costing reconciliations prior to billing to ensure all third-party and internal production costs are accurately captured and recovered.
• Credit Control & Debt Collection
• Proactively manage the outstanding debtors portfolio to minimize outstanding debt and reduce debtor days.
• Establish and maintain strong, professional relationships with client finance/procurement departments to expedite payment approvals.
• Resolve billing queries, disputed invoices, and reconciliation discrepancies in a constructive and timely manner.
• Cash Allocation & Reconciliations
• Perform daily cash allocation, matching incoming bank payments against outstanding debtor invoices in the ERP system.
• Prepare weekly and monthly debtors' age analysis reports for review with the Financial Controller.
• Perform monthly balance sheet reconciliations for Accounts Receivable and Unbilled Revenue (WIP) accounts.
• Compliance, Tax & Internal Controls
• Ensure all tax invoices and credit notes comply with South African Revenue Service (SARS) VAT regulations.
• Adhere to WPP Global Financial Policies, including Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) compliance and internal control frameworks.
• Assist the Financial Controller during internal and external audit processes by providing requested AR documentation and schedules.

Key Relationships

• Internal: Financial Controller, Finance Director, Client Delivery, Producers,
• External: Client Accounts Payable Departments, Procurement Teams, External Auditors.

Qualifications & Experience

• Education: National Diploma or Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
• Experience: 3–5 years of dedicated Accounts Receivable and Credit Control experience.
• Industry Experience: Prior experience working in a fast-paced advertising, media, creative, or production agency is highly preferred.

Systems

• Proficiency in mid-to-large-scale ERP systems (experience with Maconomy / Deltek or SAP, NAV is a major advantage).
• Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Excel (VLOOKUPs, Pivot Tables).
• Local Knowledge: Solid understanding of South African VAT legislation (SARS compliance).

Key Competencies & Skills

• High Attention to Detail: Absolute accuracy in data entry, contract interpretation, and reconciliations.
• Exceptional Communication: Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to chase debt assertively yet diplomatically.
• Problem-Solving Mindset: Proactive in investigating billing discrepancies and resolving complex client queries.
• Time Management: Ability to multi-task, prioritize, and meet strict agency billing and month-end deadlines.

Why work here

At WPP Production, you’ll help shape the future of content production at a truly global scale. We bring together world-class talent, cutting-edge studios, and advanced technology to solve some of the most complex creative and production challenges in the industry. You’ll work in a collaborative, borderless environment where craft excellence is valued, innovation is encouraged, and AI and next-generation tools are used to amplify not replace human creativity. With access to diverse projects, global career opportunities, and the backing of WPP’s unmatched network, this is a place where you can grow your skills, make real impact, and create work that performs for every audience, across every channel, at every moment.

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.

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