Chief Accounting Officer - Western Digital : Job Details

Job Type: Full-time

Business Function: Accounting

Work Location: San Jose or Irvine, CA

Salary Range: $289,170.00-$409,600.00

At Western Digital, our vision is to power global innovation and push the boundaries of technology to make what you thought was once impossible, possible. At our core, Western Digital is a company of problem solvers. People achieve extraordinary things given the right technology. For decades, we've been doing just that. Our technology helped people put a man on the moon. We are a key partner to some of the largest and highest growth organizations in the world. From energizing the most competitive gaming platforms, to enabling systems to make cities safer and cars smarter and more connected, to powering the data centers behind many of the world's biggest companies and public cloud, Western Digital is fueling a brighter, smarter future. Binge-watch any shows, use social media or shop online lately? You'll find Western Digital supporting the storage infrastructure behind many of these platforms. And, that flash memory card that captures and preserves your most precious moments? That's us, too. We offer an expansive portfolio of technologies, storage devices and platforms for business and consumers alike. Our data-centric solutions are comprised of the Western Digital, G-Technology, and WD brands. Today's exceptional challenges require your unique skills. It's You & Western Digital. Together, we're the next BIG thing in data.

The Chief Accounting Officer (CAO) will act as a business partner to the CEO, CFO, and other members of the leadership team to provide financial insights to support business strategy. They will oversee the accounting and financial reporting functions and ensure the accuracy and reliability of the financials including compliance with all external reporting requirements and financial regulations. The CAO will also provide leadership in maintaining an effective enterprise-wide system of internal controls to ensure the financial integrity of reported results for the business, and further enhance the company's Enterprise Resource Planning system.

Position located in either San Jose, CA or Irvine, CA.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Manage all aspects of global accounting, including monitoring internal controls, Sarbanes-Oxley, and GAAP compliance. Oversee the monthly, quarterly and annual financial close process and ensure the timely preparation of financial statements and SEC filings, and required reporting to regulatory agencies under federal, state, and local government regulations.
• Develop the accounting organization, finding ways to streamline the function to better address external reporting requirements and leverage investments in information systems. Implement high impact processes to deliver effective and timely financial reporting and business practices across the globe, creating a no surprises reporting environment. Increase effectiveness and scale of accounting centers of excellence and global service centers.
• Interface with the Audit Committee and external auditors. Anticipate key issues that may arise and any informational needs. Be prepared to provide updates on financial reporting, internal controls and compliance, discuss ongoing performance, special projects, and other topics as needed
• Recruit, train, coach and develop a high performing global accounting team to ensure current and future leadership of the accounting function.
• Coordinate with Internal Audit and foreign operations to harmonize and drive continuous improvement in global accounting and internal control processes inclusive of Sarbanes-Oxley and other statutory compliance programs. Ensure the development and institutionalization of strong accounting policies, procedures, controls, and reporting systems; communicate such standards across the organization and enforce best practices.
• Provide guidance, training, and support for business unit and operations finance leads to ensure that reporting and compliance objectives are achieved.
• Support management by providing sound financial and strategic advice to assist in the effective management of the business.
• Interface with Treasury and Tax to ensure effective integration of data and reporting.
• Effectively manage the quarter-end and year-end audit process and relationships with external auditors.

DESIRED OUTCOMES

• Develop a global service delivery strategy for the accounting function focused on improved effectiveness and efficiency in the shared services model approach.
• Develop and execute a forward-looking financial systems strategy and roadmap that supports automation, scalability, and data driven decision making.
• Strengthen internal controls and compliance, ensuring compliance with SOX and other regulatory requirements.
• Lead and develop a high-performing organization, fostering accountability, continuous improvement and innovation.

The ideal candidate will be an accomplished financial executive with superior leadership skills, unquestionable integrity, positive reputation, and demonstrated success serving as a CAO, deputy CAO or corporate controller at a public company.

IDEAL EXPERIENCE

Global, public company financial management experience

Financial leadership experience in positions of increasing scope and responsibility at companies with significant international operations. Will have led a geographically disperse finance/accounting function. Experience with public company external reporting requirements. Solid knowledge of US GAAP and regulatory environment. Experience with global accounting operations including use of third-party accounting service providers. Experience in a complex, global manufacturing organization with geographically dispersed sales, engineering and factories is a plus.

Proven ability to leverage technology to improve operating efficiencies and reduce costs

Ability to identify and analyze business issues using advanced financial tools and information technology. Proficiency in financial reporting tools. Excellent project management skills and a continuous process improvement mentality.

Strong business acumen

Deep understanding of business operations and strategy; ability to interpret financial data in context of broader organizational goals.

Superior analytical skills

Demonstrated ability to analyze financial results to identify variations and trends that indicate possible exposures and the need for countermeasures.

Organizational development experience

A track record of recruiting, developing, coaching, training and retaining top talent. A focus on developing talent and bench strength as a coach and mentor; capable of providing staff members with opportunities for professional and personal growth.

Relationship development

Proven ability to interact effectively with financial industry constituencies, peer executives, and the Board of Directors and Audit Committee in a public company setting. Ability to effectively interact with financial institutions, external auditors, and other outside organizations.

Certification and bachelor's degree required

Candidate credentials will include an undergraduate degree or international equivalent of a four-year college degree in accounting, finance, or other related discipline. Appropriate certification, such as a CPA, CMA, or an MBA or other advanced degree will be given preferred consideration.

CRITICAL LEADERSHIP CAPABILITIES

Leading Change and Driving Results

• Identifies needed changes and has the conviction and ability to present a point of view to senior management and key stakeholders.
• Challenges assumptions about the way things are done. The successful candidate will be able to say no while at the same time offering alternative solutions.
• Adjusts communication style to the audience to help them understand and accept the change.
• Enables higher performance by incrementally improving approaches based on calculated risks and benefits.
• Benchmarks own performance against industry best practices.
• Proactively seeks to improve processes and implement best in class solutions, raising quality and productivity in a calculated way.
• Identifies new processes and systems to improve productivity and efficiency.

Leading People

• Empowers the entire team to deliver on strategic objectives.
• Passes leadership responsibilities down through the organization, ensuring alignment with the overall strategy and direction.
• Sets up forums or practices to reinforce independent and open communication among team members.
• Gives the team broader visibility inside the organization, including publicly recognizing its accomplishments.

OTHER PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS

• Integrity, credibility, and character with demonstrated moral and ethical behavior.

Western Digital is committed to providing equal opportunities to all applicants and employees and will not discriminate based on their race, color, ancestry, religion (including religious dress and grooming standards), sex (including pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, breastfeeding or related medical conditions), gender (including a person's gender identity, gender expression, and gender-related appearance and behavior, whether or not stereotypically associated with the person's assigned sex at