Balance Sheet Substantiation - Team Lead

Job Description

Functional Job Title: Balance Sheet Substantiation - Team Lead

Reports to: Balance Sheet Substantiation - Assistant Manager / Senior Manager

Department / Division: Controllers / Finance

Background

State Street Global Accounting Operations (GAO) is a process-driven function responsible for Record-to-Report (R2R) processes within Controllers, including:

Integrated Close and Intercompany
Revenue Accounting
Expense Accounting
Specialized Product Accounting
Cash and Deposit Governance
Project Accounting
Balance Sheet Substantiation and System-to-System Reconciliations
Transfer Pricing
Financial Systems Support

Each global process is managed by a Global Process Owner (GPO), who oversees business-as-usual operations, process improvements, and automation initiatives.

Goal of the Position

Lead the day-to-day execution of Balance Sheet Substantiation activities.
Ensure timely and accurate completion of reconciliations in accordance with BSS Policy requirements.
Support process improvements, automation initiatives, and control enhancement activities.
Coordinate with global stakeholders to drive timely resolution of reconciliation exceptions.
Coach and support team members while ensuring effective workload management and delivery.

Responsibilities & Tasks

Business as Usual (BAU) Activities

Prepare and review reconciliations in accordance with the Balance Sheet Reconciliation Policy.
Ensure reconciliations are completed accurately and within established timelines.
Monitor reconciling items and drive timely resolution of outstanding exceptions.
Perform quality reviews to ensure adequacy of supporting documentation and audit readiness.
Escalate high-risk, aged, or material exceptions to management as appropriate.
Ensure adherence to SOX, BSS Policy, and GAO control requirements.
Support month-end and quarter-end close activities.
Track service level commitments and contribute to achievement of Balanced Scorecard targets.
Partner with stakeholders across Controllers, GAO, AP, AR, Tax, Treasury, and other support functions to resolve reconciliation issues.
Assist in training new team members and sharing process knowledge across the team.
Identify process risks and recommend remediation actions.

Process Improvement, Automation & Change Management

Support process standardization and continuous improvement initiatives.
Participate in automation and transformation projects impacting the reconciliation process.
Collaborate with Technology, FRIBS, IBM, and project teams to implement process enhancements.
Assist with new entity onboarding, system implementations, restructures, and migration activities.
Contribute ideas to improve operational efficiency, control effectiveness, and exception management.

Job Requirements

Education and Experience

Bachelor's or Master's Degree in Finance, Accounting, Commerce, or Business Administration.
Professional accounting qualification (ACA, ACCA, CPA, CIMA) preferred.
5-7 years of progressive experience in Balance Sheet Substantiation, Reconciliations, Accounting Operations, Controllers, Financial Controls, or Risk Assurance.
Experience working in a shared services or financial services environment.
Good understanding of US GAAP and IFRS accounting principles.
Experience operating within a strong controls and governance framework.

Skills Required

Strong knowledge of reconciliation and substantiation processes.
Advanced Microsoft Excel skills including Pivot Tables, formulas, data analysis, and reconciliation techniques.
Knowledge of Oracle ARCS, Hyperion Essbase, and financial reporting systems preferred.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
Ability to identify risks, investigate exceptions, and drive issue resolution.
Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality.
Ability to manage multiple priorities and work effectively under tight deadlines.
Self-motivated with strong ownership and accountability.
Ability to mentor junior team members and support team development initiatives

About State Street

Across the globe, institutional investors rely on us to help them manage risk, respond to challenges, and drive performance and profitability. We keep our clients at the heart of everything we do, and smart, engaged employees are essential to our continued success.

We are committed to fostering an environment where every employee feels valued and empowered to reach their full potential. As an essential partner in our shared success, you'll benefit from inclusive development opportunities, flexible work-life support, paid volunteer days, and vibrant employee networks that keep you connected to what matters most. Join us in shaping the future.

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we consider all qualified applicants for all positions without regard to race, creed, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, age, disability, genetic information, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, citizenship, marital status, domestic partnership or civil union status, familial status, military and veteran status, and other characteristics protected by applicable law.

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