Director, Finance - Controllership

The Director, Finance - Controllership at Experian is responsible for leading financial reporting efforts for North America. This includes designing and implementing internal controls across various accounting areas, conducting risk assessments, monitoring adherence to controls, and managing multiple technical accounting matters. The role also involves leading audits and preparing financial statements while collaborating with senior executives on critical financial issues.

Candidates applying for the Director, Finance - Controllership position at Experian must hold a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field, along with a CPA certification. At least eight years of experience in accounting and finance is essential, particularly within a US SOX environment, and demonstrated people leadership experience is needed to build and manage effective teams.

Experian places a strong emphasis on work-life balance for its employees, including the Director, Finance - Controllership. The company offers a flexible work environment that includes options for remote and hybrid work. Additionally, Experian provides generous time-off policies, including vacation, sick leave, and volunteer time off, ensuring employees can maintain a healthy balance between their professional and personal lives.

The Director, Finance - Controllership at Experian enjoys a comprehensive benefits package that includes competitive compensation, a robust bonus plan, medical, dental, and vision insurance, as well as a matching 401K program. Experian also promotes employee wellness and personal growth through various programs and initiatives, making it a rewarding place to work.

The company culture at Experian is centered around diversity, equity, and inclusion. As a Director, Finance - Controllership, you will experience a supportive work environment that values collaboration, authenticity, and employee development. Experian has received numerous awards for its workplace culture, emphasizing a commitment to celebrating individuality and fostering an inclusive atmosphere where every employee can thrive.

When discussing your experience with internal controls, focus on specific examples where you designed or implemented control frameworks, identified weaknesses, and how you mitigated risks. Highlight your understanding of accounting principles, particularly in aspects like revenue recognition and cash handling, that are relevant to the Director, Finance - Controllership role at Experian.

To effectively prioritize tasks, articulate your strategies for project management, such as using tools for tracking progress and deadlines. Emphasize the importance of aligning projects with the company's financial goals and the ability to adapt to shifting priorities while ensuring compliance and accuracy in financial reporting.

Share a specific scenario where you encountered a challenge, such as resistance to new policies or errors in reporting. Discuss how you addressed these issues, focusing on your leadership style, communication, and team engagement strategies that ultimately led to a positive resolution.

Highlight your technical accounting skills, particularly in areas such as lease accounting, capitalization of software, or asset impairment. Provide examples of how you applied these skills in previous roles, demonstrating your expertise and readiness to handle the responsibilities of the Director, Finance - Controllership at Experian.

Explain your approach to ensuring SOX compliance through regular audits, control assessments, and documentation processes. Share your experiences in implementing strong internal controls and how this has enhanced compliance in your previous roles, making it relevant to the responsibilities of the Director, Finance - Controllership.

Share your philosophy on talent development, emphasizing mentoring, training, and creating a supportive learning environment. Discuss specific programs or initiatives you’ve successfully implemented to enhance the skills and career advancement of finance professionals in your teams.

Discuss your conflict resolution strategies, emphasizing the importance of open communication, understanding different perspectives, and fostering a collaborative approach in resolving disagreements. Share examples of how you've managed conflicts constructively in your previous roles.

Talk about your roles in the audit process and your preparations, including documentation and coordination with internal and external auditors. Highlight your understanding of common audit challenges and how you've addressed them to ensure a smooth auditing process.

Explain your methods for assessing cash flow, such as utilizing forecasting models and analyzing trends. Provide examples of how your evaluations have informed financial decision-making and influenced strategic initiatives within your previous organizations.

Discuss your approach to stakeholder engagement, including effective communication, understanding business needs, and aligning financial strategies with company goals. Share examples of relationships you've fostered and how they positively impacted financial decisions or outcomes.