The Role:
We are looking for a (Senior) Director, Finance for our AUS & NZ region to join our global Finance team, which is focused on business partnership, innovation, automation, and process improvement. This individual will lead Morningstar's local financial reporting and accounting, appropriate for a publicly traded U.S. corporation, for our Australian and New Zealand operations.
The role is also responsible for assisting in the planning, forecasting, and analysing of the company's local financial results and working collaboratively with our business groups and other areas of our Finance team to provide financial insight and decision-making support.
This role reports to the Regional Finance Director based in London, is a full-time position, and is based in our Sydney office. We are operating in a hybrid environment where we are in office 3 days/week.
Responsibilities
Oversee general accounting functions, including monthly close process, financial audits, and tax/statutory reporting with support from U.S. and shared services accounting and finance teams.
Optimize the organizational structure of the local finance team to best support the unique needs of the country and the team, ensuring training, mentoring, and career development.
Maintain and champion internal controls and processes appropriate for a U.S. publicly traded company to achieve global harmonization.
Lead an efficient financial reporting process and month-end close to produce timely and accurate financial reports reflecting Morningstar's global accounting policies.
Partner with the Australian regional business leaders and other areas of Finance to support the growth of the business and ensure accuracy of forecasts and budgets.
Identify and lead system and process improvement initiatives in support of global standardization, including the use of shared service capabilities within Finance.
Oversee all statutory reporting requirements in the region, including assisting regulatory submissions to ASIC, to ensure timely submission and compliance with local regulations.
Lead and oversee various country projects and participate in global transformation projects, including system implementations, M&A activities, and process improvements.
Coordinate with local external advisers for various activities, including audit, tax, payroll, insurance, and other compliance activities.
Establish and manage banking relationships in partnership with the corporate treasury function.
Serve as a member of the Australian Leadership team which may require appointment to committees and boards where necessary.
Assist with transfer pricing and other tax planning strategies in conjunction with the corporate team.
Perform other duties as assigned including the preparation of accounting memorandums and local policy documentation.
Desired Skills and Experience
Experience in closing, consolidation, and reporting under multiple legal entities; knowledge of internal control over financial reporting requirements appropriate for a U.S. publicly traded company.
Proven ability to foster high-performance teams and build relationships with team members, business leaders, shared services, and global accounting functions.
Ability to understand business strategy and articulate/present a strategic point of view.
Ability to synthesize the strategic and commercial implications of financial information and contribute to decision making.
A detail-oriented individual with a passion for ensuring accuracy.
Deep knowledge and understanding of financial structures, drivers of business value and performance.
Ability to multi-task and manage shifting priorities and deadlines.
Forward thinking attitude with a continuous improvement mindset.
A detailed knowledge of AASB would be expected / US-GAAP is preferred.
A bachelor's degree or equivalent in Finance or Accounting, as well as a CA (AUS NZ), CPA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent accounting qualification are required.
Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in the Accounting/Finance function for a multinational organization.
Advanced skills in all major Microsoft Office programs.
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