Director of Controllership CoE, Finance Services

Job Description: KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES This position is the Finance Services pillar lead for Financial Reporting & Control with a focus on managing the controls framework and finance policies implementation across all entities. The individual is responsible for a team of approximately 150, with direct reports of 5, and associated talent strategy and development. Key responsibilities include: Controllership Lead and govern the global month-end, quarter-end, and year-end close processes, ensuring accuracy, completeness, and timeliness, working closely with Group GFRA and Regional controllership teams. Ensure accurate and timely preparation of consolidated and entity-level financials in accordance with IFRS Continuously improve the close calendar, critical path management, and automation of reporting processes. Oversight of the record-to-report (R2R) function, ensuring timely and accurate financial close cycles. Coordinate closely with regional and global finance teams to ensure consistency in financial reporting and compliance across multiple geographies. Monitor and ensure the accuracy of intercompany transactions, transfer pricing adjustments, and consolidation entries for group reporting. Revenue Recognition & Technical Accounting Guide revenue recognition under IFRS 15 (Revenue) and IFRS 16 (Leases), ensuring consistent interpretation and application across the group. Support operationalization of revenue recognition policies for complex contracts and business models. Provide technical accounting support for complex transactions, new business models, and business restructuring External & Statutory Reporting Ensure the Controllership CoE operates within a strong internal control environment aligned with corporate policies, SOX compliance, and global audit standards. Support control testing, deficiency remediation, and risk mitigation initiatives across the controllership function. Support finance controllers for internal & external audits through preparing supporting documentation, managing audit queries, and driving resolution of audit findings. Support regulatory and statutory filings in multiple jurisdictions, working in coordination with local finance, tax, and legal teams. Transformation & Governance Ensure seamless transition into the Controllership organization of migration activities from markets Drive strategic finance transformation initiatives focused on standardizing and automating financial operations across regions. Identify opportunities to streamline R2R, cost tracking, and close activities using tools such as SAP, Blackline, and other ERPs Lead process optimization efforts using Lean Six Sigma, RPA (Robotic Process Automation), and AI/ML to improve efficiency, accuracy, and turnaround times. Collaborate with global finance technology teams to evaluate and implement digital finance solutions that support scale, visibility, and compliance. Ensure delivery to the agreed performance standards/ KPIs, and work closely with the Global Process Owner and team to identify and support process improvement initiatives Lead change management initiatives and upskilling programs to align the CoE with future-ready finance capabilities. Partner with the FCAT and risk & compliance teams to manage global risk and control frameworks. Maintaining business continuity measures for the CCoE to ensure seamless service delivery, leveraging both site and technology plans Foster a culture of continuous improvement by mentoring finance teams and advocating for the adoption of best practices. Lead and motivate a team based in India, managing talent development and career opportunities. PERSON SPECIFICATION Chartered Accountant (CA), CPA, or equivalent Progressive finance work experience of 18–25 years, including: At least 5 years in a global controllership or finance operations leadership role Prior experience in shared services / GCC / CoE environments Exposure to the media and entertainment industry is highly preferred Strong knowledge of US GAAP / IFRS, SOX, and internal audit frameworks Expertise in ERP systems (SAP), financial close tools (e.g., Blackline), and BI/reporting platforms Excellent analytical, interpersonal, and stakeholder management skills Demonstrates C-suite maturity and a strong ability to collaborate with multiple levels of the business and functional leaders to work towards the resolution of challenges, constraints, and roadblocks, and lead innovation across operations. Leadership Skills Demonstrate a can-do attitude and the ability to work effectively in a matrix organizational structure, emphasizing collaboration, influence, and persuasion. Excellent communication skills with the ability to present complex concepts, risks, and strategies to senior management in business terms, while being able to discuss detailed technical aspects with internal and external stakeholders. Strong working knowledge of change management with significant experience in understanding organisation design to manage active stakeholder management, engagement, and communication is required. The role will require significant influencing skills to support the successful delivery of role objectives by leveraging the wider Finance team. The role will have significant exposure to senior management and will require a level of gravitas and credibility. Resilience and an ability to navigate through complexity and large amounts of change. Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills. Effective communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and collaborate with stakeholders at all levels of the organization. Experience working in a fast-moving and high-pressure environment.