Vice President, Networks Controller

Job Description

About the Role:

Reporting to the Senior Vice President, Global Networks Controller (US based – Eastern time zone), this leadership role is responsible for the overall accounting controllership of the EMEA Networks segment accounting operations . This includes managing the financial close process , leading the relevant accounting teams within the region , preparing and reviewing budgets , managing the statutory filing processes, including determining and monitoring service level of external service providers (external auditors, outsourced accounting service firms) , establishing and building strong relationships with key stakeholders in the region and globally , managing the service levels to FP&A and within the shared service function (GBS) and leading new business projects, acquisition integrations and process improvements with the support and input of regional finance, GBS organization, tax and treasury. 

This position exists to ensure strong controllership and accountability of financial results , statutory and regulatory compliance , an environment with robust internal controls and efficient processes , co-ordination and consolidation of accounting, tax, treasury and other finance requirements for the EMEA region.

Key Responsibilities:
• Lead and oversee the EMEA Networks controllership organization of approximately 80 employees located in Warsaw, Poland
• O versight responsibilities will include , but is not limited to , ensuring all critical deadlines are met, effectively managing the EMEA Networks financial close process, ensuring complete and accurate accounting in all relevant areas, maintaining compliance with SOX requirements, preparing/reviewing and submitting departmental level budgets, analyzing financial statement results against expectations, providing career and professional development/coaching/training to staff and implementing process improvements to drive operational efficiencies and effectiveness
• Leading the EMEA networks statutory filing process ( approximately 75-80 legal entities per year across 18 countries), including the preparation and review of statutory financial statements and serving as the Senior Accounting Officer where applicable
• Managing and working directly with the external auditors, local authorities, outsourced accounting resources, and WBD management to ensure compliance with statutory filing obligations
• E nsuring local tax filing needs and accounting requirements are maintained and compliant
• Engage with and maintain strong relationships with key EMEA stakeholders, including EMEA Studio and D irect- T o- C onsumer Controllers, CFO EMEA, FP&A, shared service functions (GBS), country specific business leader, and effectively manage service level agreements
• Ensure a robust understanding of the EMEA business in core operating sectors and provide responsive consultation and information as required in key business decisions . Be the central / key connection point between business and Networks accounting and facilitate information requirements and process efficiency
• Provide leadership and management of key system and process integrations in the EMEA controllership area, including leading through acquisitions and/or divestments from a finance perspective. Identify issues timely and propose solutions to ensure project success
• Frequently assess current accounting operations, offering recommendations for improvements and implementing approved new processes. Specific areas of focus to include, but not limited to:
• Effectively manage the impacts to the EMEA networks accounting systems and processes related to large ERP implementation projects
• Support key accounting (global) projects (e.g., implementation of new accounting standards, reorganizations, process improvements for EMEA Networks)
• Perform multiple various other responsibilities, to include , but not limited to:
• Understand and support the EMEA networks business operations and activities, to effectively identify and communicate complex accounting analysis and decisions to FP&A and business team
• Interface with tax and treasury to address business requirements and statutory reporting compliance matters
• Manage SOX compliance requirements and continuously strengthen the control environment and manage the team to 100% SOX compliance
• Support the controllership leadership team in developing the medium- and long-term vision for the controllership function for EMEA Networks
• Working closely with the Finance Leadership Team to identify key strategic and operational projects necessary to support the company's financial reporting
objectives , deliver quality financial information to the business and external stakeholders on a timely basis
• Understand the impact of accounting decisions on the overall reporting process for other support functions (e.g., IT, HR, Procurement, etc.) and ensure appropriate communication
of the same
• Lead and drive the effective implementation of corporate policies and procedures and be the owner of business process and policy and procedure for the regional networks
• Partner with internal and external audit teams, fulfill audit requests in a timely manner and work with auditors to understand testing approach and provide timely and comprehensive information
• Ensure timely consideration and assessment of local accounting implications of business transactions and work with the Corporate Technical Accounting team to determine US GAAP accounting positions of the same
• Prepare for and/or participate in accounting/finance leadership meetings and other ad-hoc tasks as assigned
• Periodically evaluate personnel workload requirements within the EMEA Networks controllership function and recommend changes as necessary

About You:
• Extensive, relevant experience in accounting with a strong understanding of US GAAP, IFRS, SOX 404 and relevant local GAAP (e.g., Polish GAAP, UK GAAP, etc.) as required
• Extensive supervisory experience of large accounting teams. Prior Controller experience strongly desired
• CPA, Chartered Accountant (CA), or equivalent required
• BS/BA in Accounting (or local equivalent) from accredited university
• Master's degree in Accounting
or MBA a plus
• Strong leadership and staff management skills, including demonstrated ability to motivate teams
• Strong finance technical and analytical skills, deep knowledge of multiple EMEA-based country statutory filing requirements, broad tax and treasury knowledge, and project management experience across a range of financial projects
• Able to work independently in a fast-paced and dynamic environment, meet stringent deadlines, lead and drive projects, and work under pressure including adaptability to changing priorities and/or deadlines
• Strong understanding of a range of financial systems, including SAP, and experience in system implementation and conversion projects
• Strong understanding and experience managing the preparation and filing of statutory requirements within the EMEA region, including coordination and management of the statutory audit process
• Experience working in SOX control environment, including review and establishment of SOX control framework
• Experience working with Regional CFOs and delivering exceptional advice based on experienced business acumen
• Highly skilled and adept at performing financial statement analytics and monitoring of

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Jobcode: Reference SBJ-pk88q9-3-133-106-206-42 in your application.