Vice President, Controllership (Head of Technical Accounting & External Reporting)

Company Description

Nielsen, we are passionate about our work to power a better media future for all people by providing powerful insights that drive client decisions and deliver extraordinary results. Our talented, global workforce is dedicated to capturing audience engagement with content - wherever and whenever it’s consumed. Together, we are proudly rooted in our deep legacy as we stand at the forefront of the media revolution. When you join Nielsen, you will join a dynamic team committed to excellence, perseverance, and the ambition to make an impact together. We champion you, because when you succeed, we do too. We enable your best to power our future.

Job Description

We are seeking an experienced and highly skilled professional to lead the Technical Accounting and External Reporting function for Nielsen, a US-headquartered, Private Equity-backed technology and data company in the Media and Entertainment Sector. This role will be responsible for overseeing complex accounting matters, ensuring compliance with applicable accounting standards, and preparing the organization for public company reporting requirements as and when needed. The ideal candidate will bring deep expertise in US GAAP, strong working knowledge of IFRS, and hands-on experience with SEC reporting and SOX compliance frameworks.

​Candidates located in the Tri-state area are preferred. While the role offers flexibility, you will have the option to work in-person at our New York, New York, office location.

Key Responsibilities:

Technical Accounting Leadership:

• Serve as the subject matter expert on US GAAP, providing guidance on complexaccounting issues, including revenue recognition (subscription based, data licensing, multi-element, bundled services, etc.), leases, capitalization of software development costs, business combinations, financial instruments, and stock-based compensation.
• Provide technical accounting guidance on strategic initiatives such as new product launches, pricing models, customer contracts, and partnerships.
• Evaluate and document accounting implications of significant transactions, including
• M&A, restructuring, financing arrangements, and new business initiatives.
• Evaluate accounting implications of acquisitions (particularly technology and data assets), including purchase price allocation and intangible asset valuation.
• Monitor emerging accounting standards and assess their impact on the company, leading implementation efforts where required. 
• Provide advisory support to cross-functional teams on accounting treatment and policy interpretation.

External Reporting:

• Lead the preparation and review of financial statements in compliance with US GAAP 
• Oversee the preparation of SEC filings (e.g., S-1, 10-K, 10-Q, 8-K), including disclosure notes, key metrics and non-GAAP measures, as and when required.
• Partner with Investor Relations and Legal teams to ensure consistency in external messaging and financial disclosures.
• Ensure accuracy, completeness, and timeliness of all external financial reporting deliverables.
• Coordinate closely with external auditors and manage the audit process.

Public Company Preparedness:

• Drive public company readiness initiatives, including establishing robust reporting processes, disclosures, and documentation.
• Develop and implement scalable financial reporting frameworks aligned with public company standards.
• Partner with legal, investor relations, and executive leadership on public company readiness.

SOX & Internal Controls:

• Design, implement, and maintain a strong SOX-compliant internal control environment over financial reporting.
• Lead risk assessments, control design, testing, and remediation efforts. 
• Collaborate with internal and external auditors to ensure compliance and continuous improvement.

Policy Development & Governance:

• Develop, maintain, and update accounting policies and procedures in line with US GAAP and IFRS requirements.
• Establish governance processes to ensure consistency and compliance across the organization.
• Support the governance process around quarterly/ annual Audit & Risk Committee meetings and Disclosure Committee meetings.

Team Leadership:

• Build, mentor, and lead a high-performing technical accounting and reporting team.
• Foster a culture of continuous learning, accountability, and excellence.
• Collaborate effectively with business, FP&A, tax, treasury, legal, and operational teams.

Qualifications

• 15 + years of progressive experience in accounting and financial reporting.
• Min 5 years in a leadership role within technical accounting and/or external reporting.
• Strong expertise in US GAAP is mandatory.
• Working knowledge of IFRS is required.
• Prior experience with SEC reporting and public company requirements is highly desirable.
• Hands-on experience with SOX compliance and internal control frameworks.
• Experience in a Private Equity-backed environment and/or public company readiness is strongly preferred.
• CPA, or equivalent professional qualification required.
• Background in Big 4 accounting firms is a plus.

Key Competencies:

• Evaluates key business challenges; directs the development of new or innovative solutions.
• Serves as a thought leader, integrates functional and business knowledge to anticipate changing business direction.
• Ability to translate complex accounting into clear business guidance.
• Deep technical accounting expertise and analytical capability.
• Strong leadership and team management skills.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management.
• High attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Strategic mindset with strong execution capabilities.

Additional Information

#LI-FM1

Enabling your best to power a better media future.

Holistic Rewards: We are committed to an inclusive benefits package that supports our employees and their families. This includes comprehensive health and wellness plans, a 401(k) with a Nielsen company match, and a generous paid time off policy. Depending on the role, additional benefits may include a company-provided vehicle and/or discretionary incentive/bonus eligibility.

Compensation Transparency: The posted base salary range is a reasonable estimate that  may be adjusted based on the final work location of the selected employee. Individual pay within the range is determined by factors such as experience, training, geography, certifications, and business needs. Beyond base salary, this role may be eligible for bonuses, equity, or other incentives.

Nielsen makes hiring decisions without regard to disability status, protected veteran status, or membership in any other protected class.

Please be aware that job-seekers may be at risk of targeting by scammers seeking personal data or money. Nielsen recruiters will only contact you through official job boards, LinkedIn, or email with a nielsen.com domain. Be cautious of any outreach claiming to be from Nielsen via other messaging platforms or personal email addresses. Always verify that email communications come from an @nielsen.com address. If you're unsure about the authenticity of a job offer or communication, please contact Nielsen directly through our official website or verified social media channels.