NielsenIQ—Senior Associates – Balance Sheet and Control CoE

Job description

Description: The Senior Accounting Control Associate is responsible for driving the organization's financial governance and control framework through the execution, oversight and continuous enhancement of key accounting controls. This role provides advanced support across balance sheet reconciliations, ASC 606 revenue recognition compliance, journal entry governance, SOX controls, audit readiness, and financial close processes. The role requires strong analytical capabilities, the ability to independently manage complex accounting control activities, identify and mitigate financial risks and partner with cross-functional stakeholders to strengthen the overall control environment. The Senior Associate is also expected to lead process improvement initiatives, mentor junior team members and support management in ensuring compliance with accounting standards, internal policies and regulatory requirements. Key Responsibilities 1. Balance Sheet Reconciliations & Account Governance - Lead the preparation and review of complex balance sheet reconciliations, ensuring accuracy, completeness, and timely completion. - Perform detailed analysis of high-risk and critical accounts, identifying trends, anomalies, and potential control concerns. - Drive resolution of aged reconciling items and collaborate with business stakeholders to remediate issues. - Monitor compliance with reconciliation policies, governance standards, and control requirements. - Support management reviews and provide insights on account integrity and financial risk exposure. - Coach and guide team members on reconciliation best practices and quality standards. 2. Revenue Recognition Controls (ASC 606) - Execute and oversee revenue recognition control activities in compliance with ASC 606 and company policies. - Review complex revenue transactions and supporting documentation to ensure accurate accounting treatment. - Assess and investigate revenue-related risks, exceptions and control gaps, driving timely remediation. - Partner with Revenue Assurance, Finance, Commercial, and Controllership teams to ensure compliance and operational effectiveness. - Support implementation of new revenue recognition requirements, process changes, and control enhancements. - Provide subject matter expertise on revenue control matters and assist with issue resolution. 3. Journal Entry Governance & Financial Close - Review and approve journal entries for accuracy, completeness, and compliance with accounting policies. - Coordinate and support month-end, quarter-end, and year-end close activities to ensure timely reporting. - Monitor close performance metrics and identify opportunities to improve efficiency and quality. - Ensure appropriate documentation, review evidence and control execution are maintained throughout the close cycle. - Support resolution of complex accounting issues impacting financial reporting and close processes. - Assist management in driving a robust financial close governance framework. 4. SOX Compliance, IPE & Audit Management - Execute and oversee SOX controls and Information Produced by the Entity (IPE) validation procedures. - Maintain audit-ready documentation and ensure control evidence meets internal and external audit requirements. - Coordinate responses to audit requests and support walkthroughs, testing and remediation activities. - Identify control deficiencies, recommend corrective actions and track remediation to closure. - Partner with Internal Audit, External Audit, Compliance and Controllership teams to strengthen governance practices. - Contribute to risk assessments and the continuous enhancement of the control environment. 5. Reporting, Analytics & Continuous Improvement - Develop and enhance control dashboards, KPIs, and management reporting to support governance oversight. - Perform trend analysis and identify emerging risks, control exceptions and improvement opportunities. - Lead automation and process optimization initiatives utilizing technology and reporting tools. - Drive standardization of processes, documentation and control execution across operating units. - Support implementation of best practices related to controllership, compliance and financial governance. - Recommend and implement improvements that enhance efficiency, control effectiveness, and reporting quality. 6. Leadership & Stakeholder Management - Serve as a key point of contact for finance, controllership, audit, and business stakeholders. - Provide guidance, coaching, and knowledge sharing to junior associates and new team members. - Lead small projects and improvement initiatives with minimal supervision. - Support managers in strategic controllership and governance programs. - Promote a culture of accountability, compliance, and continuous improvement. - Master’s or Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Commerce, or a related discipline. - 5-8 years of experience in accounting, controllership, financial controls, audit, SOX compliance, or financial governance functions. - Strong knowledge of US GAAP, ASC 606 revenue recognition requirements and SOX compliance frameworks. - Proven experience supporting month-end close, balance sheet reconciliations, and financial reporting processes. - Experience working with internal and external auditors in a regulated environment. - Strong analytical, problem-solving, and risk assessment capabilities. - Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills. - Ability to manage multiple priorities, influence outcomes, and deliver under tight deadlines. - Demonstrated ability to work independently while contributing effectively within a team environment. Preferred Skills & Experience - Experience working in a multinational, publicly traded, or SOX-regulated organization. - Advanced experience with: - OneStream (Account Reconciliations and Controls) - SAP (General Ledger, Journal Entries, Financial Reporting) - Advanced Microsoft Excel & Power BI, Alteryx, or similar reporting and automation tools - Strong understanding of internal control frameworks, risk management, and governance practices. - Knowledge of emerging technologies and automation solutions in finance and controllership functions. Internal Note: The role is at P5 Job Location: Pune Mode : Hybrid Our Benefits - Flexible working environment - Volunteer time off - LinkedIn Learning - Employee-Assistance-Program (EAP) NIQ may utilize artificial intelligence (AI) tools at various stages of the recruitment process, including résumé screening, candidate assessments, interview scheduling, job matching, communication support, and certain administrative tasks that help streamline workflows. These tools are intended to improve efficiency and support fair and consistent evaluation based on job-related criteria. All use of AI is governed by NIQ’s principles of fairness, transparency, human oversight, and inclusion. Final hiring decisions are made exclusively by humans. NIQ regularly reviews its AI tools to help mitigate bias and ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations. If you have questions, require accommodations, or wish to request human review were permitted by law, please contact your local HR representative. For more information, please visit NIQ’s AI Safety Policies and Guiding Principles: https://nielseniq.com/global/en/info/niqs-ai-safety-policies/ About NIQ NIQ is the world’s leading consumer intelligence company, delivering the most complete understanding of consumer buying behavior and revealing new pathways to growth. In 2023, NIQ combined with GfK, bringing together the two industry leaders with unparalleled global reach. With a holistic retail read and the most comprehensive consumer insights—delivered with advanced analytics through state-of-the-art platforms—NIQ delivers the Full View™. NIQ is an Advent International portfolio company with operations in 100+ markets, covering more than 90% of the world’s population. For more information, visit NIQ.com Want to keep up with our latest updates? Follow us on: LinkedIn | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook Our commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion At NIQ, we are steadfast in our commitment to fostering an inclusive workplace that mirrors the rich diversity of the communities and markets we serve. We believe that embracing a wide range of perspectives drives innovation and excellence. All employment decisions at NIQ are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws. We invite individuals who share our dedication to inclusivity and equity to join us in making a meaningful impact. To learn more about our ongoing efforts in diversity and inclusion, please visit the https://nielseniq.com/global/en/news-center/diversity-inclusion