Senior Manager, Global Controls and Assurance

We are UMG, the Universal Music Group. We are the world’s leading music company. In everything we do, we are committed to artistry, innovation and entrepreneurship. We own and operate a broad array of businesses engaged in recorded music, music publishing, merchandising, and audiovisual content in more than 60 countries. We identify and develop recording artists and songwriters, and we produce, distribute and promote the most critically acclaimed and commercially successful music to delight and entertain fans around the world.
 

Universal Music Group’s Global Controls & Assurance (GCA) Department is a global team of professionals responsible for defining UMG’s ICFR framework, internal control requirements, and related guidance and training. Our team is responsible for:

• Assessing the design and ongoing effectiveness of the company’s internal controls;

• Identifying, evaluating, and supporting the mitigation and remediation of risk;

• Providing consultative support to Operating Companies and management;

• Driving continuous improvement, integration, and transformation initiatives; and

• Developing talent through coaching, collaboration, and knowledge sharing.

Join a dynamic environment where emerging technology, global scale, and an inclusive culture help you achieve your potential while supporting the artists, labels, and businesses shaping the future of music. The team reports to the VP, Global Controls & Assurance.

How you’ll CREATE

• Drive and lead the day-to-day execution of Global Controls & Assurance initiatives, including internal audit initiatives, internal controls over financial reporting/SOX compliance, risk assessments, maturity assessments, and related control assurance activities across UMG Operating Companies, Corporate functions, and key business areas.

• Plan initiatives by connecting UMG business priorities, industry developments, process changes, technology dependencies, materiality, and emerging risks to clear objectives, scope, testing strategies, and stakeholder expectations.

• Manage initiatives from planning through completion, including scope, timelines, quality, costs, deliverables, resourcing, status reporting, stakeholder communication, and timely escalation of risks, delays, or obstacles.

• Lead, coach, mentor, and develop team members by setting expectations, reviewing work, providing feedback, supporting individual development plans, and creating opportunities for on-the-job learning and readiness for next-level responsibilities.

• Develop and maintain a positive, productive, collaborative professional relationship with the business and project teams to provide well-coordinated and consistent high-performance results.

• Identify key risks and controls by monitoring changes in company operations, assessing emerging risks, evaluating business process and IT control environments, and translating risks into practical control recommendations.

• Evaluate and enhance controls around business processes and IT environments by developing, optimizing, and executing test plans to evaluate the design and operating effectiveness of entity-level, process, IT general, and application controls.

• Utilize technology, data analytics, and innovative approaches to improve the efficiency, effectiveness, and quality of control assurance activities, reporting, testing, and stakeholder communication.

• Develop, review, and approve audit programs, testing steps, working papers, internal control reports, remediation plans, and related deliverables to confirm alignment with initiative objectives, risk areas, and control requirements.

• Identify and communicate observations, root causes, recommendations, leading practices, and performance improvement opportunities that enhance governance, risk management, control processes, and overall business outcomes.

• Provide objective advice and practical guidance to Operating Companies, Corporate functions, and Business Units to improve control processes, documentation, remediation execution, and readiness for assurance activities.

• Build trusted relationships with senior stakeholders, management, IT, compliance teams, external partners, and initiative teams; communicate risk and control themes clearly and influence action in sensitive situations.

• Manage the day-to-day co-sourcing relationship with external service providers, including monitoring the quality, consistency, and timeliness of their work.

• Drive methodology, training, thought leadership, and continuous improvement activities that strengthen GCA's role as a trusted advisor, business partner, and recognized developer of talent.

• Travel as needed domestically and internationally, including leading work on-site.

Bring your VIBE

• A minimum of eight (8) years of experience in assurance, controls, and/or or operational roles with a focus on performing internal audits; including experience leading initiatives or major workstreams from planning through completion.

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college/university in an appropriate field, such as Accounting, Finance, Management Information Systems, Computer and Information Science, or a related discipline.

• CPA, CIA, CISA, or other relevant professional certification is preferred.

• Relevant experience in project management and the full life cycle of a project; Advanced problem solving and analytical skills with proven ability to use data effectively to identify and resolve issues

• Ability to identify observations and recommendations for business operations and control issues in correlation with key risk disciplines, including financial reporting, regulatory, and operational

• Advanced risk, controls, accounting and / or information technology operations knowledge, as well as strong understanding of governance and internal control regulations and frameworks, including COSO, SOX, and COBIT; understanding of U.S. GAAP and IFRS is preferred

• Proven ability to lead teams, manage resources, supervise co-source providers, develop talent, and deliver high-quality results within scope, time, and budget expectations.

• Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills, with the ability to interact effectively with various levels across the organization and influence stakeholders.

• Demonstrated focus on operational excellence, methodology discipline, quality assurance, continuous improvement, and innovation.

• Fluent English required; another language is an advantage

• Ability to travel up to 25% domestically and internationally; must be authorized to work in the U.S. without the need for employment-based visa sponsorship now or in the future

Perks Playlist:

Join an entrepreneurial, global organization where authenticity, boldness, creativity, connection, drive, and insight aren’t just values—they’re how we work every day. Here are some of the ways we support you along the way (and just a few of the benefits we offer):

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage

• Including 100% coverage for out-patient in-network mental health services

• Fertility coverage for eligible medical plan participants

• Wellbeing reimbursements for fitness classes, spa treatments, meal services, travel, and so much more (up to $720/year)

• Student Loan Repayment Assistance and Tuition Reimbursement

• 401(k) with 100% immediate vesting on the first 5% of your contributions, plus an additional UMG contribution

A variety of ways to prioritize much-needed time away from work including:

• Flexible Paid Time Off (PTO) for exempt employees

• 3-weeks PTO for non-exempt employees

• 2-weeks paid Winter Break

• 10 Company Holidays (including Juneteenth and Wellbeing Day)

• Summer Fridays (between Memorial Day and Labor Day)

• Generous paid parental leave for every type of parent

Check out our full overview of benefits on the Perks Playlist page of the career site.

Disclaimer: This job description only provides an overview of job responsibilities that are subject to change.
Universal Music Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer

We are an E-Verify employer in Alabama, Arizona, Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Utah.

Please note, UMG is not enrolled in E-Verify in California and New York, and cannot support employment of candidates whose employer must enroll in E-Verify, for example candidates on STEM-OPT.

For more information, please click on the following links.

E-Verify Participation Poster: English / Spanish

E-Verify Right to Work Poster: English | Spanish

Salary Range:

The actual base salary offered depends on a variety of factors, which may include, as applicable, the qualifications of the individual applicant for the position, years of relevant experience, specific and unique skills, level of education attained, certifications or other professional licenses held, and the location in which the applicant lives and/or from which they will be performing the job.  All candidates are encouraged to apply.