Director, Financial Accounting

Posted:
5/11/2026, 3:28:44 AM

Location(s):
California, United States ⋅ Glendale, California, United States

Experience Level(s):
Senior

Field(s):
Accounting ⋅ Sales & Account Management

Job Posting Title:

Director, Financial Accounting

Req ID:

10149690

Job Description:

About the Role

The Director, Financial Accounting for Disney Entertainment (“DE”) Content Sales/Licensing leads a high-performing team responsible for complex global accounting operations. This role supports the licensing of Disney, Marvel, Star Wars, Pixar, 20th Television, FX, and National Geographic content to broadcasters and digital platforms worldwide, ensuring accurate, timely, and efficient financial reporting.

As Director, Financial Accounting, you will:

  • Oversee end-to-end accounting across the contract lifecycle of global Film & TV licensing transactions for linear and digital distribution channels.  This includes licenses for network and basic cable syndication, first run programming, pay television, FAST channels, subscription video-on-demand and transactional sales/rental businesses

  • Lead revenue recognition in accordance with US GAAP (ASC 606)

  • Oversee complex balance sheet activity including large AR and deferred revenue balances

  • Partner with global business teams to assess accounting implications of licensing agreements

  • Partner with worldwide Finance teams on AOP, Forecast and Close and to support commercial teams

  • Collaborate with TWDC’s Technical Accounting Transaction Support team to document and conclude on complex, material or non-standard transactions

  • Own and optimize global accounting processes across front-of-house systems and SAP S/4HANA

  • Lead quarter-end close, including review of P&L and Balance Sheet with variance analysis against forecast and prior year

  • Partner with Participation & Residuals and Talent Audit teams to ensure accurate coding and support for talent-related payments and response to disputes and audit claims

  • Oversee amortization, participation, and residual expenses (“APR”) for both Individual & Group Assets and partner with Film & TV Studios to resolve issues/discrepancies when appropriate

  • Support third-party audits of licensees, identifying discrepancies and partnering with Legal and Sales on audit settlements

  • Collaborate with Treasury and FX teams to manage foreign exchange exposure and hedging strategies

  • Partner with Tax to support compliance, planning initiatives, and audit requirements

  • Support system implementations and enhancements in partnership with technology teams

  • Ensure SOX compliance through effective controls, documentation, testing, and audit coordination

  • Partner with external auditors (e.g., PwC) on US GAAP and statutory audits

  • Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance accuracy, efficiency, and scalability

  • Partner with Credit & Collections to monitor receivables, resolve disputes, and optimize cash flow

  • Lead, develop, and coach a team of accounting professionals, fostering a high-performance and inclusive culture

Required Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or Business Administration.

  • CPA/MBA preferred, 10+ years of accounting experience, with 5+ years in leadership roles

  • Strong knowledge of US GAAP, revenue recognition, and internal controls

  • Proven ability to lead teams and drive results through others

  • Experience in Film/TV accounting, including Participation and Residuals

  • Strong analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills

  • Excellent communication and stakeholder management abilities

  • Ability to manage competing priorities and resolve issues in a fast-paced environment

Competency Areas:

1.     Strategic Thinking - Envisions future possibilities and creates breakthrough strategies.

2.     Accountability - Holds self and others accountable to meet commitments.

3.     Effective Planning - Aligns work with organizational goals through effective planning.

4.     Team Leadership - Strong team leader with at least 5 years of prior management experience.

5.     Project Management - Expertise with a track record of driving results.

6.     Public and Private Accounting - Experience in both public and private accounting.

7.     Entertainment Industry Experience - Experience in the entertainment industry.

8.     Financial Record Accuracy - Ensures the accuracy and efficiency of financial records and processes.

9.     Financial Analysis - Supports quarterly close processes and ensures timely and accurate financial and management reporting.

10.  Accounting Guidance - Provides accounting guidance for revenue and expense recognition based on GAAP.

The hiring range for this position in Glendale, CA is $184,800.00 to $225,800.00 per year. The base pay actually offered will take into account internal equity and also may vary depending on the candidate’s geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience among other factors. A bonus and/or long-term incentive units may be provided as part of the compensation package, in addition to the full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the level and position offered.

Job Posting Segment:

Controllership & Tax

Job Posting Primary Business:

DE Controllership

Primary Job Posting Category:

Accounting

Employment Type:

Full time

Primary City, State, Region, Postal Code:

Glendale, CA, USA

Alternate City, State, Region, Postal Code:

Date Posted:

2026-04-30

The Walt Disney Company

Website: https://thewaltdisneycompany.com/

Headquarter Location: Burbank, California, United States

Employee Count: 10001+

Year Founded: 1923

IPO Status: Public

Last Funding Type: Post-IPO Debt

Industries: Amusement Park and Arcade ⋅ Animation ⋅ Consumer Goods ⋅ Digital Media ⋅ E-Commerce ⋅ Media and Entertainment ⋅ Multi-level Marketing ⋅ Performing Arts ⋅ Resorts