Sr. Accounting Analyst - job 12 of 23

As a Sr. Accounting Analyst at Visa, your key responsibilities include analyzing and recording financial transactions, conducting month-end close activities, performing detailed flux analyses, and preparing quarterly and annual reporting packages for SEC filings. You'll also play an active role in researching accounting issues, ensuring compliance with US GAAP, and maintaining operational procedures. Your ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams will be vital to addressing operational accounting challenges.

To be considered for the Sr. Accounting Analyst position at Visa, you should have a strong understanding of US GAAP and solid accounting principles. Typically, candidates possess a bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance along with relevant professional experience in accounting roles. Strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and experience in financial reporting and compliance are also essential attributes that Visa looks for.

The Sr. Accounting Analyst at Visa significantly influences the company's financial performance by ensuring accurate and timely financial reporting and compliance. By effectively managing balance sheet and income statement components, conducting thorough analyses, and proactively addressing accounting issues, you help maintain the integrity of Visa's financial data, ultimately supporting better decision-making and risk management within the organization.

As a Sr. Accounting Analyst at Visa, you'll experience a hybrid work environment based in Foster City, where flexibility is valued. You'll collaborate closely with teams across functions, engage with various levels of management, and foster relationships with internal and external audit teams. The culture promotes inclusivity, knowledge sharing, and professional growth, making it an ideal setting for someone looking to develop their career in accounting.

At Visa, a Sr. Accounting Analyst has numerous opportunities for career advancement. Through engaging in diverse projects and taking ownership of various accounting functions, you can develop specialized skills and gain deeper insights into the organization’s financial processes. Visa also emphasizes ongoing training and development, allowing analysts to transition into leadership roles or move into different areas of finance as they grow within the company.

To ensure a smooth month-end close, I start by reviewing each account for discrepancies and reconciling any variances. I then prepare journal entries and ensure all transactions are recorded accurately and timely. Communicating with my team is vital for addressing any issues quickly, which prevents delays and ensures that our financial statements are reliable and complete.

I stay updated on US GAAP changes by regularly reading industry publications, participating in webinars, and being an active member of professional organizations such as the AICPA. Additionally, I follow updates from the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) for the latest standards and interpretations, which is crucial for ensuring compliance in my role as a Sr. Accounting Analyst.

When approaching complex account reconciliations, I break the process down into manageable components. I first gather all necessary documentation, then analyze the transactions line by line. I focus on identifying trends or discrepancies, and if any issues arise, I investigate thoroughly to find their root cause. This methodical approach helps ensure that my reconciliations are accurate and comprehensive.

In a previous role, I noticed inconsistencies in the revenue recognition process tied to a new software implementation. I conducted a detailed review and found that certain contracts hadn’t been assessed for proper accounting treatment. I promptly raised my findings with management, suggesting a revised training for the team on the revenue recognition principles, which ultimately mitigated potential compliance risks.

When prioritizing multiple projects, I assess the urgency and importance of each task. I maintain a detailed project list and set deadlines for review to ensure accountability. Effective communication with stakeholders also helps adjust priorities when needed. Regular check-ins with my team allow us to collaborate efficiently and remain focused on our most critical objectives.

I utilize various tools for financial reporting and analysis, including ERP systems like SAP or Oracle, along with Excel for detailed analytics and modeling. Leveraging reporting tools and dashboards also allows me to visualize data effectively, making it easier to present insights to management and stakeholders.

I assess current workflows to identify bottlenecks and areas for improvement. Once I've pinpointed these inefficiencies, I collaborate with my team to develop new procedures that streamline operations using automation tools where appropriate. Training and consistent follow-up ensure the new processes are adopted, leading to enhanced productivity.

I have extensive experience with SOX 404 compliance, where I've led initiatives to document and maintain processes related to our financial controls. I collaborate with internal audit teams to review controls and ensure all practices align with regulatory requirements, fostering a culture of compliance throughout the accounting department.

In a past role, I encountered a significant financial discrepancy during a month-end review. I performed a detailed audit of transaction records, traced entries back to source documents, and discovered that a number of transactions had been recorded incorrectly due to user error. I rectified the entries, communicated the changes with my team, and implemented additional checks to prevent future occurrences.

To ensure accuracy in financial reports, I adopt a multi-step approach: I meticulously review each entry, reconcile accounts, and perform variance analyses. I also utilize automated checks and promote peer reviews within my team to catch discrepancies before final submission. This rigorous attention to detail is crucial in maintaining the integrity of financial information.