The Walt Disney Company (Corporate)
Location
Glendale, CA | United States
Job description
The Vice President, Corporate Management Audit and Chief Audit Executive (CAE) reports functionally to the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors of The Walt Disney Company (TWDC) and administratively to the Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, with additional operational and administrative oversight from the Executive Vice President, Controllership, Financial Planning & Tax. The CAE is responsible for providing an independent and objective evaluation of the design and operating effectiveness of the Company’s internal controls. Key areas of responsibility include: risk assessments, audit plan development, and execution of financial, information technology (IT), operational and compliance audits to evaluate the Company’s internal controls, its adherence to TWDC policies and procedures, and its compliance with applicable legal and regulatory standards. This position is located in Glendale, California.
The Company
The Walt Disney Company, together with its subsidiaries, is a diversified worldwide entertainment company organized into three core, collaborative business segments: Disney Entertainment, ESPN and Disney Parks, Experiences and Products (DPEP). The Disney Entertainment and ESPN segments encompass the Company’s global film, episodic television and sports content production and distribution activities, including streaming services. The DPEP segment significant lines of business are Parks & Experiences, including domestic and international theme parks and resorts, and Disney Signature Experiences, and Consumer Products, including licensing of our trade names, characters, visual, literary and other IP to various third parties throughout the world, and the sale of branded merchandise through retail, online and wholesale businesses.
JOB SUMMARY:
The CAE is responsible for leading a team of over 70 financial, IT, integrated and forensic audit professionals and subject matter resources in performing concurrent fully integrated, financial, operational and information technology-related audits in the areas of design, efficiency and effectiveness of internal controls. The CAE oversees the completion of the annual audit plan, including establishing protocols to confirm audit quality, adherence to the department’s audit methodology, and timely issuance of audit reports. The CAE also has primary responsibility within Disney for financial investigations, including cases of conflicts of interest, misconduct or fraud. The CAE ensures that department resources are effectively and efficiently utilized throughout the year and obtains competent advice and assistance from subject matter resources as needed. Additionally, the CAE provides strategic leadership in the development of integrated systems designed to help management identify, manage, and monitor potential areas of risk, from both a financial and operational perspective.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Monitor and assess the risks associated with the Company's strategic objectives, growth plans and related risks. Partner with financial and operational executives to understand their internal control environments, risks, and risk mitigation activities.
Lead the development and execution of the annual plan including linking strategic initiatives of the Company to key financial, operational and technology risks. Understand business changes and adapt audit plan throughout the year.
Oversee all aspects of Management Audit project activities, including audit planning, audit testing, controls evaluation, report issuance, and issue remediation, in accordance with the department’s audit methodology and professional standards.
Effectively communicate the results of Management Audit’s projects to Senior Management and the Audit Committee throughout the year
Foster a culture of integrity and sound internal controls by promoting an overall risk and controls awareness in the Company, evaluating existing controls and advising on efficient control improvements.
Develop and maintain a value-added business partner relationship with all levels of management. Opine on various company-wide initiatives, such as new business initiatives, system implementations and reviews of policies and procedures.
Provide Management Audit services in a professional manner through effective training, mentoring, and supervision, and obtain competent advice and assistance from subject matter resources as needed to ensure appropriate due professional care. Ensure Management Audit staff maintain their knowledge, skills, and other competencies through continuing professional education.
Identify and maintain leading edge knowledge and audit techniques to improve the audit process and results.
Develop and maintain relationships with external auditors.
Lead, develop and coach a team of over 70 professionals. Develop future Disney finance leaders by encouraging staff growth and development through diverse and rewarding experiences. Coach, train and mentor audit directors, managers and staff in improving audit skills.
REQUIREMENTS:
15+ years of progressive leadership experience, including 5+ years of auditing experience (Big 4 audit experience preferred)
Possess executive presence, excellent communication skills both oral and written (must be able to tailor their communication style as the candidate will interface with employees of all levels)
Demonstrate strong data analytics capabilities, including visualization methods, techniques, and tools (e.g. Alterxy, Tableau)
Superior knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), information technology general controls (ITGCs), automated control environments, cybersecurity best practices, etc.
General understanding of database-driven financial reporting (Cognos, etc.), accounting systems (SAP preferred), Software as a Service, Infrastructure as a Service, and Cloud-based applications and infrastructure and their associated controls and control environment
Dynamic leader and effective manager, who leads by example and mentors a team to meet high-profile and dynamic objectives in a fast-paced environment
Excellent relationship building skills and a highly professional “client service orientation”
Ability to position oneself as a strategic partner to assist audit stakeholders in meeting company objectives
Willingness to travel domestically and internationally
PREFERRED SKILLS:
Practical hands-on management experience working within the internal audit function of a high-profile, brand iconic public company, including 5+ years of professional experience within the Media and Entertainment industry and/or a technology company, is highly desired
REQUIRED EDUCATION/LICENSES/TRAINING:
Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance or Information Systems
CPA, CIA, or equivalent professional certification
PREFERRED EDUCATION:
Master’s degree in Accounting, Finance or Information Systems
CISA or CISSP or equivalent experience
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