Senior Accounting Manager - job 19 of 20

As a Senior Accounting Manager at Visa, your primary responsibilities will include leading and mentoring an accounting team, overseeing compensation and benefit accounting, handling litigation and equity accounting activities, and steering the month-end close and consolidation processes. You will ensure compliance with US GAAP and SOX 404 standards, collaborate with various departments to optimize operations, and support the preparation of financial reports.

For the Senior Accounting Manager role at Visa, candidates typically need a strong background in accounting with a deep understanding of US GAAP and SOX 404 compliance. Experience in equity accounting and stock-based compensation is essential. A bachelor's degree in accounting or finance is often required, along with relevant certifications such as CPA. Strong leadership skills and experience in mentoring teams are highly valued.

At Visa, we understand the importance of career growth and development for our Senior Accounting Managers. The role offers opportunities to work cross-functionally with dynamic leadership teams, engage in special projects, and implement process improvements. Continuous training, mentorship programs, and access to industry resources allow our teams to thrive and develop their skills further.

The work environment for a Senior Accounting Manager at Visa is collaborative and flexible. This hybrid position allows employees to alternate between remote work and in-office tasks, fostering a balanced work-life dynamic. Our offices are designed to facilitate teamwork and creative problem-solving, while still supporting personal productivity through remote work options.

As a Senior Accounting Manager at Visa, you could lead various special projects ranging from global process standardization to system upgrades and new business initiatives. These projects aim to streamline operations, enhance efficiency, and mitigate financial risks while collaborating with cross-functional teams across the company.

To ensure compliance with US GAAP as a Senior Accounting Manager, I maintain a thorough understanding of current standards and protocols. I implement best practices in financial reporting, regularly review consolidated financial statements, and oversee the work of my team to check for accuracy and compliance. Regular training, updates from industry resources, and close collaboration with internal auditors are also part of my approach.

In my experience with equity accounting and stock-based compensation, I have managed multiple facets of the accounting process, including valuation, journal entries, and reconciliations. I have worked closely with HR and legal teams to ensure compliance and accuracy in reporting, and I stay updated on regulations and best practices regarding stock compensation plans to ensure proper execution.

Leading and mentoring my accounting team involves a mix of proactive communication, setting clear expectations, and encouraging a culture of continuous improvement. I regularly hold one-on-one sessions to discuss career development goals, provide feedback, and support skill enhancement opportunities. By promoting teamwork and recognizing achievements, I foster an environment where the team thrives.

The most challenging aspect of the month-end close process can often be coordinating the timelines and ensuring thorough reviews from all departments involved. Navigating different priorities requires effective communication and a clear understanding of roles. I address these challenges by establishing a well-defined timeline, encouraging early submissions of data, and consistently monitoring progress toward the close.

My approach to documenting internal controls for SOX compliance is meticulous and thorough. I work with my team to identify key control areas, assess risks, and develop comprehensive process documentation. By ensuring that each control is well-communicated and understandable, we help maintain adherence to compliance standards and create an environment of accountability.

I have extensive experience in preparing and analyzing financial reporting packages for management and regulatory purposes. This includes consolidating financial statements, analyzing variances, and ensuring that all data is accurate and compliant with reporting standards. I make use of financial software to enhance the quality and timeliness of our reporting processes.

Collaboration with cross-functional teams is crucial in the role of Senior Accounting Manager at Visa. I establish relationships with key players in departments like payroll, tax, and HR to foster open lines of communication. Regular meetings, collaborative projects, and shared goals help to synchronize efforts and drive efficiency in our financial operations.

Managing multiple accounting projects simultaneously requires a structured approach. My strategy includes prioritization based on deadlines and business impact, leveraging project management tools for tracking progress, and maintaining clear communication with my team. Regular check-ins allow us to address any roadblocks proactively and ensure that our objectives are met efficiently.

One significant accounting issue I resolved involved discrepancies in the consolidation process that affected our financial statements. I initiated a detailed review of the related accounts and collaborated closely with the team to identify and rectify the errors. Through a combination of problem-solving and effective communication, we corrected the discrepancies ahead of our reporting deadline.

What motivates me in the role of Senior Accounting Manager at Visa is the opportunity to lead a talented team and make a meaningful impact on the company’s financial health. Knowing that my contributions influence strategic decisions and growth excites me. I also enjoy the fast-paced environment and the constant learning opportunities that come with managing complex accounting functions.