Vice President, Controllership (Head of Technical Accounting & External Reporting)

We are seeking an experienced and highly skilled professional to lead the Technical Accounting and External Reporting function for Nielsen, a US-headquartered, Private Equity-backed technology and data company in the Media and Entertainment Sector. This role will be responsible for overseeing complex accounting matters, ensuring compliance with applicable accounting standards, and preparing the organization for public company reporting requirements as and when needed. The ideal candidate will bring deep expertise in US GAAP, strong working knowledge of IFRS, and hands-on experience with SEC reporting and SOX compliance frameworks.

​Candidates located in the Tri-state area are preferred. While the role offers flexibility, you will have the option to work in-person at our New York, New York, office location.

Key Responsibilities:

Technical Accounting Leadership:

• Serve as the subject matter expert on US GAAP, providing guidance on complexaccounting issues, including revenue recognition (subscription based, data licensing, multi-element, bundled services, etc.), leases, capitalization of software development costs, business combinations, financial instruments, and stock-based compensation.
• Provide technical accounting guidance on strategic initiatives such as new product launches, pricing models, customer contracts, and partnerships.
• Evaluate and document accounting implications of significant transactions, including
• M&A, restructuring, financing arrangements, and new business initiatives.
• Evaluate accounting implications of acquisitions (particularly technology and data assets), including purchase price allocation and intangible asset valuation.
• Monitor emerging accounting standards and assess their impact on the company, leading implementation efforts where required. 
• Provide advisory support to cross-functional teams on accounting treatment and policy interpretation.

External Reporting:

• Lead the preparation and review of financial statements in compliance with US GAAP 
• Oversee the preparation of SEC filings (e.g., S-1, 10-K, 10-Q, 8-K), including disclosure notes, key metrics and non-GAAP measures, as and when required.
• Partner with Investor Relations and Legal teams to ensure consistency in external messaging and financial disclosures.
• Ensure accuracy, completeness, and timeliness of all external financial reporting deliverables.
• Coordinate closely with external auditors and manage the audit process.

Public Company Preparedness:

• Drive public company readiness initiatives, including establishing robust reporting processes, disclosures, and documentation.
• Develop and implement scalable financial reporting frameworks aligned with public company standards.
• Partner with legal, investor relations, and executive leadership on public company readiness.

SOX & Internal Controls:

• Design, implement, and maintain a strong SOX-compliant internal control environment over financial reporting.
• Lead risk assessments, control design, testing, and remediation efforts. 
• Collaborate with internal and external auditors to ensure compliance and continuous improvement.

Policy Development & Governance:

• Develop, maintain, and update accounting policies and procedures in line with US GAAP and IFRS requirements.
• Establish governance processes to ensure consistency and compliance across the organization.
• Support the governance process around quarterly/ annual Audit & Risk Committee meetings and Disclosure Committee meetings.

Team Leadership:

• Build, mentor, and lead a high-performing technical accounting and reporting team.
• Foster a culture of continuous learning, accountability, and excellence.
• Collaborate effectively with business, FP&A, tax, treasury, legal, and operational teams.