VML is directly looking for: 

Senior Financial Controller - Amsterdam

About VML

VML is a leading creative company that combines brand experience, customer experience, and commerce, creating connected brands to drive growth. VML is celebrated for its innovative and human first, award-winning work for blue chip client partners including AstraZeneca, Colgate-Palmolive, Dell, Ford, Microsoft, Nestlé, The Coca-Cola Company, and Wendy's. The agency is recognized by the Forrester Wave™ Reports, as a Leader among Marketing Creative and Content Service Providers, Commerce Services, Global Digital Experience Services, Global Marketing Services and, most recently, Marketing Measurement & Optimization. In addition, VML’s specialist health network, VML Health, is one of the world’s largest and most awarded health agencies. VML’s global network is powered by 26,000 talented people across 55+ markets, with principal offices in Kansas City, New York, Detroit, London, São Paulo, Shanghai, Singapore, and Sydney.

As Senior Financial Controller, you are a key pillar of the Dutch finance organization. You ensure a robust financial close, high-quality reporting and strong internal controls, while acting as a trusted sparring partner to the FD and senior management. The role combines hands-on control responsibilities with analytical depth and a continuous improvement mindset.

This position is well-suited for a Big 4–trained professional looking to take ownership in an in-house controlling role with clear accountability and visibility.

Key responsibilities

Financial close & statutory control

  • Co-own and coordinate the monthly financial closings for the Dutch entities.
  • Ensure completeness, accuracy and timeliness of the general ledger, reconciliations and supporting documentation.
  • Review balance sheet accounts, accruals, provisions and revenue recognition.
  • Coordinate statutory reporting and act as primary contact for external auditors.
  • Ensure compliance with Dutch GAAP and group accounting policies.

Management reporting & planning

  • Prepare and review management reporting, including P&L, balance sheet, cash flow, working capital and key KPIs.
  • Support and coordinate periodic forecasts and the annual budget in close collaboration with the FD.
  • Deliver clear variance analysis and financial insights to support decision-making.
  • Maintain and further develop financial dashboards covering revenue, costs, client profitability and margin development.

Business partnering

  • Act as a key financial counterpart to the FD and leadership team.
  • Provide financial challenge, scenario analysis and commercial insight on key initiatives.
  • Support operational teams with clear financial guidance, translating complex data into practical conclusions.

Governance, controls & compliance

  • Maintain and continuously improve internal controls in line with group policies and SOX requirements.
  • Act as lead for SOX testing, documentation and remediation actions.
  • Ensure finance processes are well documented, consistently applied and audit-ready.
  • Proactively identify risks and inefficiencies and drive process improvements.
  • Coach and guide stakeholders on financial procedures, controls and compliance awareness.

Your profile

  • Master’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics or Business Administration.
  • A post-master qualification (e.g. CPA, ACCA or equivalent) is a plus, but not required.
  • 6–8+ years of experience in financial control, audit or reporting, preferably with a Big 4 background and subsequent in-house exposure.
  • Strong hands-on experience with month-end close, balance sheet control and statutory reporting.
  • Solid understanding of internal controls, SOX and governance frameworks.
  • Excellent analytical skills with a structured, detail-oriented approach.
  • Advanced Excel skills; experience with SAP and/or group consolidation tools is a plus.
  • Excellent command of English is required; working proficiency in Dutch is preferred to support statutory requirements and local stakeholder communication.
  • Independent, resilient and comfortable taking ownership in a fast-paced environment.
  • High ethical standards, integrity and a pragmatic, solution-oriented mindset.

What we offer

  • A competitive salary package with attractive fringe benefits, aligned with senior controller level in the Dutch market.
  • A high-impact role with end-to-end ownership of financial control for the Dutch organization.
  • Direct exposure to senior leadership and decision-making.
  • A professional yet informal working culture with high standards and clear accountability.
  • A modern, fully serviced office at Amsteldijk 166, Amsterdam.
  • Career development opportunities within the wider WPP network.

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. 

Are you suitable and interested in this job? Apply here.

Note to recruitment agencies: We are unable to collaborate with external agencies at this moment in time, applications sent won't be processed.

www.vml.com