Senior Specialist, Global Controls

We are UMG, the Universal Music Group. We are the world’s leading music company. In everything we do, we are committed to artistry, innovation and entrepreneurship. We own and operate a broad array of businesses engaged in recorded music, music publishing, merchandising, and audiovisual content in more than 60 countries. We identify and develop recording artists and songwriters, and we produce, distribute and promote the most critically acclaimed and commercially successful music to delight and entertain fans around the world.
 

How we LEAD:

Universal Music Group’s Global Controls & Assurance (GCA) Department is a global team of professionals responsible for defining UMG’s ICFR framework, internal control requirements, and related guidance and training. Our team is responsible for:

• Assessing the design and ongoing effectiveness of the company’s internal controls;

• Identifying, evaluating, and supporting the mitigation and remediation of risk;

• Providing consultative support to Operating Companies and management;

• Driving continuous improvement, integration, and transformation initiatives; and

• Developing talent through coaching, collaboration, and knowledge sharing.

Join a dynamic environment where emerging technology, global scale, and an inclusive culture help you achieve your potential while supporting the artists, labels, and businesses shaping the future of music. The team reports to the VP, Global Controls & Assurance.

How you’ll CREATE:

• Own and support defined workstreams within Global Controls & Assurance initiatives, including internal audit initiatives, internal controls over financial reporting/SOX compliance, risk assessments, maturity assessments, and related control assurance activities across UMG Operating Companies, Corporate functions, and key business areas.

• Support the evaluation of process and controls, including process walkthroughs, risk and control identification, control design assessments, operating effectiveness testing, evidence evaluation, and documentation of results.

• Develop, update, or review audit programs, testing steps, working papers, draft observations, internal control reports, remediation plans, and related deliverables to confirm alignment with initiative objectives, risk areas, and control requirements.

• Analyze complex problems, validate exceptions, identify root causes and impacts, and develop practical recommendations that support issue resolution and control improvement.

• Use data analytics, approved technology tools, and innovative approaches to support risk assessment, testing, reporting, quality review, and insight generation.

• Develop a thorough understanding of UMG business processes, systems, stakeholders, and industry context to connect assigned work to relevant risks, controls, and business objectives.

• Maintain exceptional standards in deliverables by preparing review-ready workpapers, supporting conclusions with sufficient evidence, incorporating feedback, and following GCA methodology.

• Build and sustain productive relationships with control owners, Operating Companies, Corporate functions, Business Units, and initiative team members while maintaining objectivity, confidentiality, and professional skepticism.

• Escalate risks or obstacles early, communicating status clearly, and collaborating with management to deliver quality solutions.

• Enhance personal brand and technical proficiency through continuing professional development, knowledge sharing, and participation in training, guidance, and thought leadership activities.

• Travel as needed domestically and internationally, including supporting work on-site.

Bring your VIBE:

• A minimum of two (2) years of experience in assurance, controls, and/or or operational roles with a focus on performing internal audits.

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college/university in an appropriate field, such as Accounting, Finance, Management Information Systems, Computer and Information Science, or a related discipline.

• CPA, CIA, CISA, or other relevant professional certification, or active progress toward certification, is preferred.

• Problem solving and analytical mindset with ability to use data effectively to identify and resolve issues.

• Ability to identify observations and recommendations for business operations and control issues in correlation with key risk disciplines, including financial reporting, regulatory, and operational.

• Working knowledge of risk, controls, accounting and / or information technology operations; understanding of U.S. GAAP and IFRS is preferred.

• Exce