VP Accounting & Assistant Controller

Sphere Entertainment Co. is a leader in immersive experiences, technology and media. The Company includes Sphere, an experiential medium powered by advanced technologies. The first Sphere opened in Las Vegas, with a second venue planned for Abu Dhabi. In addition, the Company includes MSG Networks, which operates two regional sports and entertainment networks, MSG Network and MSG Sportsnet, as well as a direct-to-consumer and authenticated streaming product, MSG+, delivering a wide range of live sports content and other programming. More information is available at www.sphereentertainmentco.com.

Who are we hiring?

This position supports the SVP, Principal Accounting Officer and is primarily responsible for the operational control of the public company books and records for corporate accounting, MSG Networks, venue operations and monitoring of shared services (which includes accounts payable and accounts receivable) provided by MSG Entertainment. This position is also responsible for day-to-day corporate related operations (inclusive of MSG Networks operations), Sphere venue operations, the monthly closing process, account analysis, quarterly external, internal, and tax reporting packages. The VP Assistant Controller will 1) provide accounting support to the executive departments (CEO, Executive Chairman and Executive Support) and special projects; 2) maintain all necessary accounting policies and systems including general ledger and financial reporting; 3) ensure records are maintained in accordance with US GAAP and SEC rules and regulations; 4) supervise account analysis and reconciliations using Oracle Account Reconciliation Tool; 5) devise internal reports useful to the accounting departments and other departments; 6) maintain SOX compliance, issue internal statements and reports on a timely basis, ensuring all external reporting requirements are met.

What will you do?

• Manage public company monthly closing for corporate accounting, MSG Networks, and various acquired Sphere entities including the review of all journal entries, company-wide mass allocations, recurring entries, in accordance with the monthly closing calendar.
• Manage public company monthly closing for venue operations which includes the timely and accurate reporting of financial results, including all F&M revenue/COGS, proper accounting and oversight of all event related expenses, including internal labor, review of residency consignment merchandise settlements, and responsibility for inventory reconciliation process with operations.
• Manage overall monthly closing process, reviewing journal entries as well as reviewing Oracle financial reports for variances and providing guidance and assistance to Corporate Accounting staff. Ensuring timely and accurate closing of Oracle General Ledger and subledgers (AP, AR, and Fixed Assets).
• Support the Company’s expansion efforts with respect to both general process guidance during the setup for new venues as well as the related operational accounting and financial reporting during construction and development through opening.
• Effectively manage, motivate, and train assigned staff and provide regular (daily where appropriate) status of work-in-progress responsibilities to the SVP Principal Accounting Officer.
• CEO, Executive Chairman, Executive Support, financial support, including review of proper approval and coding for all invoices, reporting, and special projects.
• Evaluate and identify areas of potential exposure and internal control weakness, and evaluate and improve processes and work flows to improve completion times.
• Assist in updates and system conversions for general ledger and subledgers, suggest enhancements, and confirm functionality of delivered products meet requested expectations.
• Provide insight on current processes and support for the Sphere Finance in delivery of Budget, Forecasts, and Quarterly Business Reviews.
• Provide exceptional experiences for our guests, partners, and team members, including by adhering to our appearance and presentation guidelines while on-site.

What do you need to succeed?

• BS or BA in Accounting/Finance, or equivalent, CPA a must
• Minimum 12-years related experience, strong knowledge of US GAAP and SEC rules and regulations
• High energy with the ability to lead an accounting team through transformational change
• Comfortable with leading discussions on accounting matters with senior leaders including the Chief Accounting Officer
• Prior supervisory experience a must
• Excellent PC, Excel and Word skills
• Strong analytical account analysis skills
• Strong writing skills and can improve accounting policy and procedures
• Strong understanding of monthly closing, forecasting, and budgeting processes
• Oracle (all modules)
• Experience with Financial Systems and corporate applications.
• Oversees this department of approximately 9 people

At MSG, we recognize the importance of upskilling employees’ talents and strengths so they can drive their careers forward. We are proud to offer a robust set of tools and resources to help employees understand their interests and purpose, harness their talents and obtain the skills they need to reach the next step in their careers. Growth and longevity for our employees are top priorities here.

We value diversity and are looking for extraordinary employees of all backgrounds! MSG is an Equal Opportunity Employer and provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, sexual and reproductive health choices, national origin, citizenship, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status. MSG complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination, including considering requests for reasonable accommodations as required.