Description :
Job Title: Financial Analysis & Controls Management
Job Category: Finance
Product: (Not Product Specific)
Date Posted: 08/19/2008
Job Code: 240259
Location: WA - Redmond
Travel Required:
Business Purpose:
In this highly visible role, the Senior Director of Finance for Xbox Live Software and Studios (LSS) will be a vital business partner to the VP of LSS - bringing financial expertise and business insight to one of E&D's most dynamic, fast growing and profitable businesses. The Senior Director of Finance will have responsibility for leading and driving the optimal investment strategy (both short and long-term) for the Xbox Live Software and Studios businesses. With more than 12m members, the Xbox Live business is a key differentiator for our gaming business, and our Studios business includes some of the most coveted franchises in gaming (Halo, Gears of War, Fable, Age of Empires). LSS is one of the most strategic assets in EDD, and the backbone of our connected entertainment strategy.
Involvement in the LSS strategic decision making process requires outreach to multiple groups including development, operations, 1st party studio leadership, sales & marketing, retail and finance partners, and other E&D businesses. The business is very complex and candidates must balance both transactional and subscription business models simultaneously. The optimal candidate should demonstrate exceptional leadership capability and have a track record of success. S/He will be looked upon to develop the team members - both in terms of their functional expertise as well as in helping them to further their own careers at Microsoft.
Core Job Responsibilities:
* Lead the overall vision and execution of the Xbox Live Software and Studios Finance Team.
* Manage two sub teams: One supporting our live business and one supporting our first party studio development efforts
* Actively participate and lead financial insight and decision making into the development of future business offerings
* Orchestrate an integrated financial "Rhythm of the Business" (ROB) focusing on timely decision making and ROI frameworks. Lead the cross-functional teams, and manage the processes, tools, and procedures enabling the business to drive toward the ROB.
* Provide business, financial, and strategic analysis (e.g. business cases, return on investment) and scenario modeling to impact top-line and bottom-line results and to support senior management decision-making. Develop an understanding of key business levers and drive the business toward clear decision making.
* Partner with the LSS leadership team to drive business insight throughout the organization, further differentiating Xbox offerings from the competition
* Support major business reviews, including periodic strategy reviews and business plan reviews with senior leadership.
* Evangelize and communicate both short term and long range business plans. Ensure that both internal and external teams execute against the plans. Regularly update business leaders to reinforce the fundamentals of the plan and highlight potential risks to the plan. Ability to develop and implement risk mitigation plans.
* Ensure high quality financial and reporting processes for the Xbox console and Xbox accessories businesses.
* Spearhead budget / forecast cycles and manage performance to plan throughout the year.
Requirements/Qualifications:
* A minimum of 10-15 years of demonstrated work experience in Finance / Technology. MBA/CPA preferred
* Proven ability to successfully lead projects and collaborate with business partners to drive process improvement.
* Background in digital distribution, content creation, or subscription business models preferred
* Project leadership skills to transform ideas into successful execution while being capable of driving complex projects across multiple groups.
* Financial and Billing system experience
* Senior financial leadership experience working with and influencing Vice-President level leaders. The candidate must have the confidence and fortitude to contribute as an integral part of the senior management team