Corporate Accounting Reporting & Analysis Group is looking for a highly skilled, motivated accounting professional and a dynamic leader with a strong drive for people development, synthesizing the complex and cross-functional collaboration.

As a people manager in the Corporate Accounting Reporting and Analysis team, you will lead the governance of consolidated general ledger (GL) close process under US GAAP and be involved in the development, communication, and analysis of Microsoft accounting policy and procedures to ensure close effectiveness. You will also be a key stakeholder to partner with legal, tax and other corporate groups to govern company-wide practices when engaging MS external auditors, and manage master data governance activities in compliance with reporting and monitoring guiding principles driven by various business rhythm and other key corporate initiatives.

Responsibilities

Responsibilities:

• Lead and coach a team of direct reports and perform a functional subject matter expert (SME) role to others, demonstrating Microsoft’s leadership principles of creating clarity, generating energy and delivering success.

• Lead consolidated GL month-end close business rhythm. This includes collaboration with various corporate teams, engineering group controllers and other finance community members on close guidelines and requirements.

• Sub-cycle location owner of Corporate level SOX controls for SAP Close and Consolidation, and Reconciliation Business Management cycles; Ensure that all the control activities are executed in compliance with GAAP and SOX regulations based on various business rhythms.

• Evaluate emerging issues of close and SAP master data life cycle; analyze the driver from different business needs and pursue a timely resolution and right outcome for the company by working with key stakeholders.

• Primary liaison of Microsoft general ledger governance. Work as business sponsor of various accounting compliance tools including Microsoft Journal Entry Management/Retention tool and Account Certification tool. Interpret business and control requirement regarding data maintenanence to tool support team.

• Owner and interpreter of various corporate governance policies in finance & accounting category, including but not limited to month-end control, account reconciliation, journal entry management, intercompany governance, auditor engagement and etc.

• Lead the efforts to continue to strengthen the partnership with various internal financial communities to drive innovative and scalable solutions that have consolidated accounting and reporting impact.

This position has frequent contact with various levels of Microsoft managers throughout Microsoft domestic and international finance. This position partners closely with Microsoft Controller’s Community, Internal Audit, Finance Business Intelligence, Central Finance Team, Finance IT, Tax Management and other corporate governance functions. External contacts include MS external auditors, both in the US and international regions.

Qualifications

Microsoft is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran status, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws, regulations and ordinances.  We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. If you need assistance and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application or the recruiting process, please send a request via the Accommodation request form.

Benefits/perks listed below may vary depending on the nature of your employment with Microsoft and the country where you work.

Qualifications:

Candidates must have a minimum of 10 years of total work experience with the majority in a corporate management capacity with an emphasis on financial close and compliance;
BS/BA in Business, Accounting /Finance or related field is required; MBA/CPA or relevant work experience required;

Must possess strong leadership and management skills and can perform in an environment of ambiguity to deliver high-impact results through both individual and team effort.

Ability to care and coach team (or v-team) members and have excellent interpersonal skills; strong conflict resolution skills in managing virtual projects with diverse and complex responsibilities;
Ability to develop accounting control work flows; Must have strong analytical, problem solving, project management skills;

Ability to plan ahead and anticipate potential problems upon first evidence is a must;

This description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this position. The actual duties, responsibilities, and qualifications may vary based on assignment or group.