Senior Associate - Business Unit Controllership - Private Assets
MSCI · Chicago
MSCI's All Other - Private Assets operating segment is one of the firm's fastest-growing areas, and we are looking for a hands-on, detail-oriented Business Unit Controller to join the team at the Senior Associate level.
This role reports to the Executive Director, Business Unit Controller for the All Other - Private Assets segment and works closely with a broad set of cross-functional partners including FP&A, Sales Operations, Legal, Corporate Strategy, Sales and Client Coverage organizations, and Business Technology. The ideal candidate brings strong technical accounting skills under ASC 606, a working knowledge of revenue systems, and a genuine interest in leveraging AI tools to work smarter and drive process improvement for a business unit generating $200M–$500M in revenue across subscription and transactional product streams.
Revenue Accounting & Advisory
- Own revenue recognition accounting for the business unit across subscription/recurring and transactional product revenue streams in accordance with ASC 606
- Review and assess new and amended contracts in partnership with Legal and Sales Operations to determine appropriate revenue recognition treatment
- Work directly in RevStream to manage configurations, system interfaces, and data integrity; ensure accurate revenue schedules and deferred/contract liability balances
- Prepare and post revenue-related journal entries in SAP, including deferred revenue, contract assets, and adjustments
- Perform Diligence procedures for potential acquisition targets and lead subsequent integration
- Partner with the Sales and Client Coverage organizations to understand deal structures, modifications, and contract renewals and ensure they are accounted for correctly
- Collaborate with Business Technology on system enhancements, data feeds, and automation initiatives that touch the revenue accounting workflow
Period-End Reporting
- Prepare and deliver period-end management reporting packages in conjunction with the monthly close, including revenue variance analysis, commentary, and key metrics
- Partner with FP&A to ensure actuals reporting is accurate, timely, and consistent with forecast and budget assumptions
- Develop clear, concise narratives that explain revenue performance drivers to finance leadership and business partners
- Maintain and continuously improve reporting templates, schedules, and supporting workpapers
SOX Compliance & Internal Controls
- Execute SOX controls related to revenue recognition; prepare documentation and evidence in support of quarterly and annual testing cycles
- Coordinate with internal audit and the external auditors on revenue-related walkthroughs, PBC deliverables, and audit inquiries
- Identify control gaps or process inefficiencies and propose improvements to strengthen the overall control environment
AI & Process Innovation
- Actively seek out and apply AI tools to automate manual processes, improve reporting accuracy, and enhance analytical output
- Contribute to a culture of continuous improvement by identifying opportunities to modernize accounting workflows within the business unit
- Engage with Business Technology partners to evaluate and implement AI-enabled solutions relevant to the revenue accounting and reporting cycle
Required
- CPA required (or international equivalent)
- 3–5 years of progressive accounting experience with a focus on revenue recognition
- Solid working knowledge of ASC 606, including application to subscription and transactional revenue models
- Experience in a public company environment with SOX compliance exposure
- Strong Excel skills and proficiency with financial reporting; comfortable working with large data sets
- Excellent attention to detail and ability to manage multiple deliverables including recurring periodic deliverables and ad-hoc project-based deliverables
- Strong communicator — able to work effectively with cross-functional partners including Sales, Legal, FP&A, and Technology
Preferred
- Big 4 or national firm public accounting background
- Experience in financial services, data/analytics, or technology industries
- Familiarity with AI tools applied to accounting or finance workflows (e.g., automation, anomaly detection, reporting)
- Hands-on experience with SAP (GL, AR, or revenue modules) and RevStream or a comparable revenue subledger
- Experience with Salesforce as it relates to contract and order data supporting revenue processes
- Experience supporting external audits as a primary preparer