VP, LATAM Controller
Description
Welcome to Warner Bros. Discovery… the stuff dreams are made of.
Who We Are…
When we say, “the stuff dreams are made of,” we’re not just referring to the world of wizards, dragons and superheroes, or even to the wonders of Planet Earth. Behind WBD’s vast portfolio of iconic content and beloved brands, are the storytellers bringing our characters to life, the creators bringing them to your living rooms and the dreamers creating what’s next…
From brilliant creatives, to technology trailblazers, across the globe, WBD offers career defining opportunities, thoughtfully curated benefits, and the tools to explore and grow into your best selves. Here you are supported, here you are celebrated, here you can thrive.
Your New Role
Th e Vice President, LATAM Controller is responsible for the overall accounting controllership of LATAM accounting operations (excluding GBS/shared services) . This includes managing the financial close process; leading the relevant accounting teams within the region; managing the statutory filing processes, including services provided by 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); provide business requirements and testing for financial systems upgrades: and leading new business projects, acquisition integrations and process improvements with the support and input of regional finance, GBS organization, Legal, T ax and T reasury.
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 of Accounting, Tax, Treasury and other Finance partners for the LATAM region.
There will be approximately 3-4 Director level accounting positions located in Mexico City directly reporting into this role.
Your Role Accountabilities
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Lead and oversee the LATAM controllership organization of approximately 80 employees located primarily in Mexico, Brazil, Columbia and Venezuela. Oversight responsibilities will include, but are not limited to, ensuring all critical accounting deadlines are met, effectively managing the LATAM accounting close process, ensuring complete and accurate accounting in all relevant areas, maintaining compliance with SOX requirements, analyzing financial statement results against expectations and prior periods
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Managing the LATAM statutory filing process ( approximately 20-25 legal entities per year), including the preparation and review of statutory financial statements and related audits. Working directly with the external auditors, local authorities, and WBD management to ensure all statutory filings and audits are completed on time and within budget. Ensuring local tax filing obligations and accounting requirements are maintained and compliant
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Engage with and build strong relationships with key LATAM stakeholders, including LATAM CFO, FP&A, shared service functions (GBS), country specific business leaders, and other Accounting Process Owners. Ensure a robust understanding of the LATAM business in core operating sectors and provide responsive information as required in key business decisions . Be the central / key connection point between business and controllership accounting and facilitate information requirements and process efficiency . Partner with accounting teams responsible for global content and digital revenue teams to ensure accurate results in LATAM companies. Provide career and professional development/coaching/training to staff, and implement process improvements to drive operational improvements
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Oversee Controllership teams in the Mexico City office supporting US accoun ting operations, including distribution revenue, content licensing revenue, content production, and personnel, Provide location/do tted-line reporting to teams
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Support Segment Controllers’ organization s and reporting for Networks, Studios and Streaming segments for Latam activity rolling into each segment
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Understand and support the LATAM business operations and activities, to effectively identify and communicate complex accounting analysis and decisions to FP&A and business teams
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Interface with Tax and Treasury to address business requirements and statutory reporting compliance matters including legal entity distributions, contributions , combinations and li quidations.
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Partner with Technical Accounting team on implementing new GAAP guidance and evaluating new contracts or business transactions under US GAAP
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Partner with Controllership leaders to ensure consisten cy of process and accuracy . Work with Global Business Owners (GBO’s) in accounting for revenue, co ntent, fixed assets, leases and cash . Work with teams in Warsaw and Hyderabad Capability Centers in delivering on global initiatives
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Manage SOX compliance requirements and continuously strengthen the control environment and manage the team to 100% SOX compliance
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Support the controllership leadership team in developing the medium- and long-term vision for the controllership function for LATAM
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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
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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
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Lead and drive the effective implementation of corporate policies and procedures and be the owner of business process , policy and procedure for the region . 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
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Provide leadership and management of key system and process integrations in the LATAM 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:
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Effectively manage the impacts to the LATAM accounting systems and processes related to large ERP implementation projects
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Support key accounting (global) projects (e.g., implementation of new accounting standards, reorganizations, process improvements for LATAM controllership)
Qualifications and Experience
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Fluency in English language required – both business and conversationally
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Extensive years of work experience in accounting with a strong understanding of US GAAP, IFRS, SOX 404 and relevant local GAAP as required
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Substantial supervisory experience of large accounting teams. Prior Controller experience strongly desired
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CPA, Chartered Accountant (CA), or equivalent experience
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BS/BA in Accounting (or local equivalent) from accredited university
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Master’s degree in accounting or MBA a plus
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Strong leadership and staff management skills, including demonstrated ability to motivate teams
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Strong finance technical and analytical skills, deep knowledge of multiple LATAM-based country statutory filing requirements, broad tax and treasury knowledge, and project management experience across a range of financial projects
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Able to work independently in a fast-paced and dynamic environment, meet stringent deadlines, lead and drive projects, and wor