Director, Accounting – TV Networks (News, Sports and Entertainment)

VERSANT is a leading force in news, sports, and entertainment—home to iconic and trusted brands that inspire, inform, and delight audiences. Our unique combination of content, technology, and services enriches the cultural fabric, igniting passions, sparking conversations, and connecting people to what they love most. As an independent, publicly traded company, VERSANT brings together powerhouse cable networks—including USA Network, CNBC, MSNBC, Oxygen, E!, SYFY, and Golf Channel—with dynamic digital and direct-to-consumer brands such as Fandango, Rotten Tomatoes, GolfNow, GolfPass, and SportsEngine.

About the role

We are seeking a dynamic and forward-thinking Director, Accounting to lead critical accounting operations supporting the TV Networks businesses at Versant. Reporting to the Controller, TV Networks, this role will help oversee the accounting and reporting of the Central Services Agreement (CSA) between Versant and NBCUniversal and serve as the key accounting partner to the Content Distribution business. The Director will lead centralization efforts across the TV Networks Controllership organization, driving process improvements, ERP transformation, and building the accounting foundation of a newly independent public company. The ideal candidate thrives in environments of change, enjoys building structure within evolving organizations, and brings a combination of strong technical accounting expertise, operational leadership, and process improvement experience.

Responsibilities

• Manage the accounting and governance of the Central Services Agreement (CSA) between Versant and NBCUniversal, including shared services supporting advertising sales, TV content distribution, and other transition service arrangements.
• Lead accounting for the Content Distribution business, including journal entries, reconciliations, variance analysis, subscriber audits, and financial reporting.
• Manage month-end close activities, balance sheet integrity, reconciliations, and reporting for the Central Accounting team.
• Oversee accounting for cross-brand transactions and strategic initiatives.
• Partner with Technical Accounting, Corporate Accounting, Business Unit Controllership, Treasury, Legal, Accounting Operations, FP&A, Tax, Technology, Internal Audit, and external auditors to support business initiatives and resolve complex accounting matters.
• Lead accounting process improvements, standardization, documentation, and ERP implementation initiatives to build scalable processes and strengthen internal controls.
• Identify accounting issues, implement sustainable solutions, and improve processes through automation, standardization, and strong governance.
• Ensure compliance with US GAAP, SOX requirements, and company accounting policies.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance, or a related field; CPA required.
• 10+ years of progressive accounting experience, including leadership responsibility within a complex organization.
• Big Four or other similar public accounting experience and/or public company experience preferred.
• Strong technical accounting knowledge, including financial reporting, month-end close, reconciliations, balance sheet governance, and SOX.
• Experience in media, entertainment, advertising sales, content distribution, licensing, or other complex revenue environments preferred.
• Ability to interpret contracts and translate key terms into appropriate accounting treatment and reporting requirements.
• Strong project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities, deadlines, and cross-functional stakeholders.
• Excellent communication skills, including the ability to partner effectively with Accounting, Finance, Content Distribution, Corporate, and external auditors.
• Detail-oriented and highly organized, with a strong commitment to accuracy, completeness, and process discipline.
• Proactive problem-solver who can identify issues, investigate root causes, and drive practical resolutions.
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced close environment with competing priorities and evolving business needs.
• Collaborative team player with the ability to lead through influence, build relationships, and support team development.
• Strong systems aptitude, including experience with ERP systems, reporting tools, and reconciliation or close-management platforms preferred.
• Exceptional attention to detail, organizational skills, and commitment to process documentation, with the ability to establish scalable, well-controlled accounting processes and maintain high standards of accuracy and accountability.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k)
• Paid leave
• Tuition reimbursement
• Variety of other discounts and perks

Pay

Salary Range: $135,000 - $160,000 (bonus and long-term incentive eligible)

Schedule

Hybrid: This position has been designated as hybrid, generally contributing from the office a minimum of three days per week. Subject to change based on business need.

Location

This role is based at Versant’s CNBC headquarters in Englewood Cliffs, NJ, and offers the opportunity to work alongside senior Finance and business leaders in a highly collaborative environment. The office is easily accessible from New York City, Westchester County, and New Jersey, with a complimentary daily shuttle from Manhattan.