Finance Controller, Universal Pictures

Join NBCUniversal, a global leader in media and entertainment, and contribute to the success of Universal Pictures International (UPI) Netherlands as a Finance Controller. Be part of a dynamic team that produces and distributes premier filmed entertainment and programming, and operates world-renowned theme parks and attractions.

About NBCUniversal

NBCUniversal is one of the world's leading media and entertainment companies, creating and distributing world-class content across film, television, streaming, and theme parks. We own and operate leading entertainment and news brands, including NBC, NBC News, MSNBC, CNBC, NBC Sports, Telemundo, NBC Local Stations, Bravo, USA Network, and Peacock, our premium ad-supported streaming service. We produce and distribute premier filmed entertainment and programming through Universal Filmed Entertainment Group and Universal Studio Group, and have world-renowned theme parks and attractions through Universal Destinations & Experiences.

Job Description

The Finance Controller is responsible for the completeness and accuracy of the general ledger, balance sheet, and corporate reporting for UPI Netherlands, including managing key financial cycles, ensuring compliance with accounting and NBCU policies, and local regulations. This role reports directly to the Finance Director of UPI in the Netherlands and oversees all finance tasks outsourced to Accenture, our external finance partner. The Finance Controller will be the “go to” finance person for stakeholders of multiple disciplines (Auditors, internal and external, Treasury, Fin Ops, Tax, legal, payroll, marketing, sales team, etc.) for day-to-day issues and query resolution.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee the completeness and accuracy of day-to-day operations for the general ledger, including sub-system reconciliations, intercompany, Accounts Receivable, Accounts Payable, cashpool, and other activities.
• Manage all elements of the close process; sign off on key journal entries and all balance sheet reconciliations.
• Responsible for cash forecasting.
• Review monthly and quarterly balance sheets and P&L to ensure compliance with Group policies and alignment with business understanding.
• Prepare and review quarterly supplemental data request submissions and ensure all corporate reporting obligations are met.
• Provide ad-hoc reporting and analysis, including for non-finance departments.
• Support NBCU’s FinOps end-to-end RTR, P2P, and OTC process improvement projects with operational input.
• Work closely with Fin Ops and Accenture Team lead to ensure all outsourced accounting activities are performed as agreed; support performance metrics on outsourced work, and identify areas for improvement or expansion of the scope of work.
• Facilitate reporting to distribution partners according to contractual requirements, with timely cash settlement of royalties, including any internal stakeholder management.
• Identify, document, and drive compliance with local statutory requirements for NBCU.
• Assist in external and internal audits and work with the statutory controller and outsourced finance partner to collect audit evidence and support for the Financial Statements and required disclosures.
• Support the NBCU Tax team to ensure compliance with local tax regulations and reporting requirements in the area of corporate income tax and VAT.
• Maintain a strong internal control environment, ensuring compliance with group policies and procedures, laws and regulations, and the integrity of financial and operational information. Identify and communicate risks, together with suggestions on how to mitigate the risk.
• Develop and leverage key relationships with Controllership Teams across UPI and NBCU, demonstrating a high level of cultural consciousness, collaboration, and flexibility.
• Support special finance initiatives as assigned, acting as a business partner and consultant. Projects may include improving the monthly close process, IT enhancement projects, implementation of new reporting tools, simplification and integration projects, etc.
• Support the Finance Director in areas where required, including budgeting, forecasting, and data analytics.
• Work closely with the Finance Analyst on day-to-day finance operations and various internal projects.
• Become a super-user of SAP and Data Warehouse solutions, continuously work on system improvements, optimize automated reporting tools, and close procedures.

Qualifications

• Relevant degree or an accredited professional finance qualification.
• Strong financial reporting experience (SAP).
• Very strong Microsoft Office (Word/Excel/PowerPoint) skills.
• Fluent in English and Dutch (verbal and written).

About You

• Advanced degree in finance or accounting (preferred ACA, ACCA, CIMA, US CPA, Dutch RA/RC).
• Experience in Audit and preferably in a similar position in an international business environment.
• Strong technical accounting knowledge.
• Developed analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Experience with working with outsourced finance partners or managing remote teams is a plus.
• Organised and thorough, with the ability to prioritise tasks.
• Demonstrates ability to build relationships and engage and influence people to work effectively with internal and external stakeholders.
• Keen eye for emerging (AI) and tech trends to support the Finance Director.
• Ability to cope in a fast, dynamic organisation and manage competing priorities and deadlines.
• Willingness to work flexible hours during close.