Chief Accounting Officer

Company Description

At Western Digital, our vision is to power global innovation and push the boundaries of technology to make what you thought was once impossible, possible.

At our core, Western Digital is a company of problem solvers. People achieve extraordinary things given the right technology. For decades, we’ve been doing just that. Our technology helped people put a man on the moon.

We are a key partner to some of the largest and highest growth organizations in the world. From energizing the most competitive gaming platforms, to enabling systems to make cities safer and cars smarter and more connected, to powering the data centers behind many of the world’s biggest companies and public cloud, Western Digital is fueling a brighter, smarter future.

Binge-watch any shows, use social media or shop online lately? You’ll find Western Digital supporting the storage infrastructure behind many of these platforms. And, that flash memory card that captures and preserves your most precious moments? That’s us, too.

We offer an expansive portfolio of technologies, storage devices and platforms for business and consumers alike. Our data-centric solutions are comprised of the Western Digital®, G-Technology™, and WD® brands.

Today’s exceptional challenges require your unique skills. It’s You & Western Digital. Together, we’re the next BIG thing in data.

Job Description

The Chief Accounting Officer (CAO) will act as a business partner to the CEO, CFO, and other members of the leadership team to provide financial insights to support business strategy. They will oversee the accounting and financial reporting functions and ensure the accuracy and reliability of the financials including compliance with all external reporting requirements and financial regulations. The CAO will also provide leadership in maintaining an effective enterprise-wide system of internal controls to ensure the financial integrity of reported results for the business, and further enhance the company’s Enterprise Resource Planning system.

Position located in either San Jose, CA or Irvine, CA.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Manage all aspects of global accounting, including monitoring internal controls, Sarbanes-Oxley, and GAAP compliance. Oversee the monthly, quarterly and annual financial close process and ensure the timely preparation of financial statements and SEC filings, and required reporting to regulatory agencies under federal, state, and local government regulations.
• Develop the accounting organization, finding ways to streamline the function to better address external reporting requirements and leverage investments in information systems. Implement high impact processes to deliver effective and timely financial reporting and business practices across the globe, creating a "no surprises" reporting environment. Increase effectiveness and scale of accounting centers of excellence and global service centers.
• Interface with the Audit Committee and external auditors. Anticipate key issues that may arise and any informational needs. Be prepared to provide updates on financial reporting, internal controls and compliance, discuss ongoing performance, special projects, and other topics as needed
• Recruit, train, coach and develop a high performing global accounting team to ensure current and future leadership of the accounting function.
• Coordinate with Internal Audit and foreign operations to harmonize and drive continuous improvement in global accounting and internal control processes inclusive of Sarbanes-Oxley and other statutory compliance programs. Ensure the development and institutionalization of strong accounting policies, procedures, controls, and reporting systems; communicate such standards across the organization and enforce best practices.
• Provide guidance, training, and support for business unit and operations finance leads to ensure that reporting and compliance objectives are achieved.
• Support management by providing sound financial and strategic advice to assist in the effective management of the business.
• Interface with Treasury and Tax to ensure effective integration of data and reporting.
• Effectively manage the quarter-end and year-end audit process and relationships with external auditors.

DESIRED OUTCOMES

• Develop a global service delivery strategy for the accounting function focused on improved effectiveness and efficiency in the shared services model approach.
• Develop and execute a forward-looking financial systems strategy and roadmap that supports automation, scalability, and data driven decision making.
• Strengthen internal controls and compliance, ensuring compliance with SOX and other regulatory requirements.
• Lead and develop a high-performing organization, fostering accountability, continuous improvement and