Director, Networks Distribution Revenue Accounting

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Your New Role

The US Networks Distribution Revenue Accounting Team is responsible for all aspects of distribution revenue accounting for the US linear networks including standard and non-standard deals at Warner Bros Discovery (WBD).  The Director, Networks Distribution Revenue Accounting leads the team responsible for performing the accounting reviews of all domestic linear network affiliate revenue contracts for Discovery and WarnerMedia networks (29 total networks) including reviewing draft agreements during deal negotiations, modeling of rates and determining and recording Most Favored Nation (MFN) and other revenue related reserves. This role will also provide oversight, review, and approval of daily, monthly, and quarterly distribution revenue accounting for WBD US linear networks in accordance with US GAAP and Company policies and practices; prepare and review relevant reports and schedules necessary for management and external reporting obligations; and other duties as listed below. This role will work closely with key stakeholders in FP&A, Distribution Legal, Deal Negotiation and Internal and External Audit.

This position will lead an accounting team of 3 employees located across Knoxville and Atlanta. The Director, Networks Distribution Revenue Accounting will report directly to the VP, Networks Distribution Revenue Accounting.

Your Role Accountabilities

• Provide technical accounting leadership and revenue recognition accounting (ASC 606) and business review of affiliate revenue contracts across both Discovery and WarnerMedia network affiliates, including during the deal negotiation process. The deal negotiation process can be unpredictable and will typically require the ability to flex and work weekends, overtime and off hours as required, and at times with minimal advance notice, to ensure the overall success of the deal negotiation process. Prepare, present, and provide insight to highly complex and technical accounting issues or questions. Write or review technical accounting memos summarizing revenue recognition treatment under ASC 606 for the related contracts.
• Proactively lead and/or perform the period-end closing and operational activities in accordance with US GAAP/WBD Policies and SOX standards.  Review periodic management reports, BS Flux and SEC schedules including applicable regular revenue-related analyses and metrics as well as ad hoc reporting.
• Manage the team (3 employees located across Knoxville, TN and Atlanta, Ga) responsible for performing complex rate modeling between multiple affiliates.  Ensure high quality level of accounting within the revenue streams and provide hands-on support during the day-to-day activities to ensure effective decision making, including career development.  Engage directly with senior leadership in Controllership, GBS, Networks FPA and Legal on business sensitive and critical topics.
• Support and/or manage internal and external audit work (SOX testing, maintenance and updating of internal controls, Financial Compliance processes, external auditor financial statement audits). Manage the top distributer audits and resultant findings.
• Support, as necessary, financial system and boundary system integrations, enhancements, and implementations.
• Develop and recommend innovative process improvements that leverage technology and maximize overall efficiency while maintaining or strengthening internal controls.

Qualifications & Experience

• Active CPA required 
• BS/BA in Accounting and/or Finance from an accredited university. MBA or MAcc preferred
• At least 8 years of work experience in an accounting role and a broad understanding of US GAAP and SOX 404 requirements.  Minimum 5 years of experience in a supervisory/leadership role of an experienced team

• Strong technical understanding of ASC 606 revenue recognition accounting principles
• Demonstrated technical accounting memo writing experience and proficiency
• BIG 4 audit experience strongly preferred
• Knowl