Sr. Director, Global Revenue Accounting

About the role

The Senior Director, Global Revenue Accounting leads the company’s Revenue Center of Excellence—also known as the Global Revenue Deals Desk (GRDD)—and is responsible for setting strategy while overseeing the day-to-day execution of contract review, deal structuring, technical accounting, controls, and enablement activities.

Responsibilities

• Lead deal structuring. Partner with Sales and Legal during negotiations to structure contracts that achieve commercial goals while delivering the intended revenue outcomes.
• Review complex contracts. Oversee review of high-value and non-standard arrangements—evaluating payment terms, acceptance criteria, performance obligations, variable consideration, and other clauses that drive the timing and amount of revenue recognized.
• Shift expertise upstream. Embed the GRDD early in the deal lifecycle so revenue risks and opportunities are identified before contracts are signed, not explained after the fact.
• Maximize value realization. Ensure deals are structured to optimize margin realization, forecast accuracy, and predictable revenue recognition.
• Own ASC 606 application. Serve as the company’s subject-matter authority on revenue recognition under ASC 606 (and related ASC 842 lease considerations), resolving complex technical questions and documenting positions.
• Set policy and guidance. Maintain revenue recognition policy, accounting positions, and practical guidance, ensuring consistency across business units and regions.
• Provide deal-specific conclusions. Deliver clear, well-documented accounting conclusions on judgmental arrangements that withstand internal and external audit scrutiny.
• Align stakeholders. Foster real-time collaboration among Sales, Legal, Finance, and Operations—breaking down silos that historically caused accounting surprises.
• Advise commercial teams. Act as a trusted advisor to segment finance and commercial leaders, translating accounting implications into actionable business guidance.
• Drive a partnership model. Build ongoing relationships (not just one-off reviews) so the GRDD is engaged proactively on strategic deals.
• Own revenue controls. Operate and continuously improve the GRDD’s key revenue controls, including independent review of in-scope contracts and the associated Revenue Recognition Checklist.
• Ensure independent sign-off. Confirm appropriate, independent Finance Approver sign-off consistent with the Delegation of Authority (DOA) matrix, and that documentation packages are complete and consistent with accounting conclusions.
• Partner with internal audit and external auditors. Provide clear documentation and stand behind technical positions; track and resolve exceptions to closure.
• Maintain metrics & reporting. Oversee the contract log and metrics dashboards that report portfolio TCV, revenue-recognition profile, and review status to leadership.

Requirements

• Active CPA required.
• 12+ years of progressive accounting experience, preferably including Big 4/public accounting and/or corporate or industry experience with a focus on revenue recognition.
• Deep, hands-on expertise applying ASC 606 (and familiarity with ASC 842) to complex, judgmental commercial arrangements.
• Demonstrated experience leading and developing teams, including people-management responsibility.
• Proven ability to partner across Sales, Legal, and Finance and to influence senior stakeholders without direct authority.
• Experience with revenue-related internal controls (SOX), audit support, and documentation of technical accounting positions.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to translate technical accounting into clear business guidance.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Experience: 12+ years of progressive accounting experience, preferably including Big 4/public accounting and/or corporate or industry experience with a focus on revenue recognition.
• Technical Expertise: Deep, hands-on expertise applying ASC 606 (and familiarity with ASC 842) to complex, judgmental commercial arrangements.
• Leadership: Demonstrated experience leading and developing teams, including people-management responsibility.
• Partnership: Proven ability to partner across Sales, Legal, and Finance and to influence senior stakeholders without direct authority.
• Internal Controls: Experience with revenue-related internal controls (SOX), audit support, and documentation of technical accounting positions.
• Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to translate technical accounting into clear business guidance.

Skills

• Revenue Recognition: Strong understanding of ASC 606 and related ASC 842 lease considerations.
• Collaboration: Ability to foster real-time collaboration among Sales, Legal, Finance, and Operations.
• Adaptability: Proven ability to adapt to changing business needs and priorities.
• Technical Writing: Ability to provide clear, well-documented accounting conclusions on judgmental arrangements.
• Process Improvement: Experience with identifying and implementing process efficiencies.

Benefits

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• 401(k) with company contribution
• Paid time off (PTO)/Flexible time off (FTO)
• Paid parental leave
• Tuition reimbursement

Pay

The estimated salary range for this position is $180,000 to $230,000 plus bonus and LTI. Starting pay is dependent on multiple factors, such as skills, experience and work location, and is not typically at the top of the range.

Schedule

This position is based in Charlotte, NC and operates on a hybrid schedule, requiring a minimum of three days per week in the office.

Company Information

Xylem is a Fortune 500 global water solutions company dedicated to advancing sustainable impact and empowering the people who make water work every day. As a leading water technology company with 23,000 employees operating in over 150 countries, Xylem is at the forefront of addressing the world's most critical water challenges. We invite passionate individuals to join our team, dedicated to exceeding customer expectations through innovative and sustainable solutions.

Why Xylem?

We believe in supporting our employees both professionally and personally. Our benefits include: Paid parental leave, maternity support, and fertility benefits Flexibility and hybrid work options where applicable Health, dental, and vision insurance from day one Emotional health and wellness programs and Volunteer program (Watermark) Paid time off (PTO)/Flexible time off (FTO) and paid holidays Career development, advancement, tuition reimbursement, and student loan forgiveness Generous retirement savings plan with company contribution Employee recognition and discount programs Ready to grow your career while making a difference? Join a team that values your skills, supports your development, and empowers you to help solve global water challenges. Join the global Xylem team to be a part of innovative technology solutions transforming water usage, conservation, and re-use. Our products impact public utilities, industrial sectors, residential areas, and commercial buildings, with a commitment to providing smart metering, network technologies, and advanced analytics for water, electric, and gas utilities. Partner with us in creating a world where water challenges are met with ingenuity and dedication; where we recognize the power of inclusion and belonging in driving innovation and allowing us to compete more effectively around the world. At Xylem, you'll not only contribute to solving water issues but also have the chance to make a difference through our paid Volunteer Program, Xylem Watermark. We prioritize our employees' well-being through inclusion and belonging as well as our Employee Resource Groups (ERG).

Equal Employment Opportunity

Proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity (including disability and veterans) and Affirmative Action workplace, Xylem fosters an inclusive environment free from discrimination or harassment.