Senior Vice President, Controller - Universal Destinations & Experiences
- Full-time
- Business Segment: Universal Destinations & Experiences HQ
Company Description
We create world-class content, which we distribute across our portfolio of film, television, and streaming, and bring to life through our theme parks and consumer experiences. We own and operate leading entertainment and news brands, including NBC, NBC News, MSNBC, CNBC, NBC Sports, Telemundo, NBC Local Stations, Bravo, USA Network, and Peacock, our premium ad-supported streaming service. We produce and distribute premier filmed entertainment and programming through Universal Filmed Entertainment Group and Universal Studio Group, and have world-renowned theme parks and attractions through Universal Destinations & Experiences. NBCUniversal is a subsidiary of Comcast Corporation.
Comcast NBCUniversal has announced its intent to create a new publicly traded company ('SpinCo') comprised of most of NBCUniversal's cable television networks, including USA Network, CNBC, MSNBC, Oxygen, E!, SYFY and Golf Channel along with complementary digital assets Fandango, Rotten Tomatoes, GolfNow, GolfPass, and SportsEngine. The well-capitalized company will have significant scale as a pure-play set of assets anchored by leading news, sports and entertainment content. The spin-off is expected to be completed during 2025.
As a company uniquely positioned to educate, entertain and empower through our platforms, Comcast NBCUniversal stands for including everyone. Our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion initiatives, coupled with our Corporate Social Responsibility work, is informed by our employees, audiences, park guests and the communities in which we live. We strive to foster a diverse, equitable and inclusive culture where our employees feel supported, embraced and heard. Together, we'll continue to create and deliver content that reflects the current and ever-changing face of the world.
Job Description
The Senior Vice President, Controller will serve as an integral business partner in the operational accounting aspects of NBCUniversal’s Destinations & Experiences (UDX) business reporting to the Chief Financial Officer. The role serves as a key advisor to leadership on all accounting and reporting matters and is responsible for overseeing all operational accounting processes, monthly and quarterly close, reporting and the assessment and validation of internal control activities for the division. This individual will act as a conduit for NBCU corporate accounting initiatives and lead the development of global processes and standardization of policies as a key point of contact between the business units and NBCU/Comcast controllership. The role will lead a business unit Internal Audit team responsible for compiling and administering the division’s annual risk-based audit plan, including pro-active coordination with Comcast’s Global Audit (CGA) function. This role will be integral in UDX’s implementation of new accounting technology as well as ensuring engagement and appropriate resourcing for the division’s role in NBCUniversal’s implementation of SAP S/4.
Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
- Lead the preparation and presentation of accurate consolidated financial statements and reports in compliance UDX and NBCU accounting policies. Manage monthly, quarterly, and annual consolidated financial close processes. Coordinate with other departments (e.g., tax, treasury, assurance & advisory) to ensure financial consistency and compliance across the organization. Act as a primary point of contact for NBCU Controllership teams during financial statement close.
- Lead the establishment and maintenance of effective internal control systems to ensure accuracy, reliability, and consistency in financial reporting. Oversee risk management activities related to accounting and financial reporting, including identifying potential risks and recommending mitigation strategies. Lead the overall process of supporting internal and external audits, providing required documentation, and facilitating audit processes.
- Coordinate external audits and ensure that the organization’s financial practices meet regulatory requirements. Implement and monitor corrective actions based on audit findings. Lead and oversee the development and implementation of the overall internal audit strategy aligned with the organization’s objectives and risk profile. Lead and manage the internal audit team, ensuring the team has the resources and support needed to execute audits effectively. Report directly to senior management regarding audit findings, risks, and recommendations. Provide leadership in identifying opportunities for continuous improvement and operational efficiencies. Oversee the development and execution of the annual internal audit plan, ensuring it addresses key areas of risk and complies with regulatory requirements. Ensure audits are conducted in accordance with professional standards (e.g., IIA standards) and internal audit methodologies. Serve as a key point of contact between Comcast Global Audit (CGA) and business level stakeholders.
- Lead, mentor, and develop the UDX finance and accounting team, fostering a collaborative and high-performance culture. Ensure the team's efficiency, productivity, and continuous professional development. Oversee recruitment for the UDX Controllership department leadership throughout the company. Establish departmental objectives, provide guidance on best practices, and foster a culture of accountability and excellence within the accounting team.
- Identify opportunities for streamlining and improving financial systems, processes, and workflows. Evaluate financial technologies that will enhance efficiency and reporting accuracy. Act as a key representative and communication bridge between business stakeholders, IT teams, and external consultants during NBCU’s SAP S/4 implementation. This role is critical in ensuring that the implementation runs smoothly on time, and within scope while meeting business needs and requirements.
- Understand and actively participate in Environmental, Health & Safety responsibilities by following established UDX policy, procedures, training, and team member involvement activities.
Qualifications
Required Qualifications:
- 15+ years of relevant accounting/controllership senior management experience with a track record of managing high performing teams.
- Direct experience working in a complex, large scale accounting and finance environment.
- Demonstrated background and knowledge of US GAAP and SOX.
- A CPA certification is required.
Desired Characteristics:
- Big 4 Accounting experience at the management level is preferred.
- SAP experience a plus.
- Proven business partner with the ability to lead segment-wide change and counsel effectively across business units.
- Working with International business units/branches experience a plus.
- Strong oral and written communication skills.
- Relevant experience in travel, hospitality, media, and resorts a plus.
- Strong analytical skills and the ability to synthesize complex financial information into business strategies.
- Willingness to travel (domestic and international).
- Bachelor’s degree in accounting. Master’s degree in business a plus.
Additional Information
As part of our selection process, external candidates may be required to attend an in-person interview with an NBCUniversal employee at one of our locations prior to a hiring decision. NBCUniversal's policy is to provide equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, gender identity or expression, age, national origin or ancestry, citizenship, disability, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, veteran status, membership in the uniformed services, genetic information, or any other basis protected by applicable law.
If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran and require support throughout the application and/or recruitment process as a result of your disability, you have the right to request a reasonable accommodation. You can submit your request to AccessibilitySupport@nbcuni.com.