Join Cognizant as a Corporate Finance Leader – Drive Global Accounting & Audit Excellence
Corporate Finance Leadership Opportunity at Cognizant
Overview
Cognizant, a globally recognized leader in professional services, is seeking an experienced finance professional to join its dynamic team. This high-impact role involves leading critical initiatives in technical accounting, statutory audits, and global financial reporting. The ideal candidate will bring deep expertise in US GAAP, IFRS, and public accounting, coupled with exceptional leadership and mentoring abilities. If you are passionate about accuracy in financial reporting, regulatory compliance, and team development, this is an excellent opportunity to shape global finance functions at a world-class organization.
Key Responsibilities
As a Corporate Finance Lead, you will be instrumental in ensuring accurate financial reporting and compliance across Cognizant’s global operations. Your primary duties will include:
- Technical Accounting Oversight: Lead the development of technical accounting research memos and provide strategic pre-transaction advisory under US GAAP and IFRS frameworks. Offer guidance for complex, non-routine business transactions, including mergers and acquisitions, regulatory developments, and significant trigger events.
- Audit and Compliance Leadership: Oversee global statutory audits and ensure compliance with local statutory filing requirements. Partner with internal and external stakeholders to support the legal entity rationalization process, tax planning, and audit readiness.
- Policy Development and Governance: Maintain and update Cognizant’s comprehensive accounting policy manual for both US GAAP and IFRS standards. Drive the creation and implementation of streamlined accounting processes and internal controls to enhance global financial reporting practices.
- Regulatory Monitoring and Impact Analysis: Track emerging changes in SEC regulations, IFRS, and US GAAP. Conduct impact assessments and sensitivity analyses to identify how evolving standards may affect Cognizant’s financial statements and disclosure requirements.
- Stakeholder Collaboration: Serve as a trusted advisor to cross-functional teams, including Global Tax, Legal, FP&A, and Corporate Development. Ensure alignment and integration of accounting practices in strategic planning and operational execution.
- Mentorship and Team Development: Coach and mentor team members within the Global Controllership function. Foster a culture of learning, accountability, and excellence in financial reporting.
- Quarter-End and Year-End Close Deliverables: Manage quarterly financial close deliverables, including detailed SEC disclosures, audit documentation, and executive summaries for senior leadership. Ensure timely and accurate submission of reports in accordance with company and regulatory deadlines.
- Project Leadership: Take ownership of various projects delegated by the VP of Accounting Advisory and Policy. These projects will span across the enterprise, aiming to continuously improve financial processes, automation capabilities, and operational efficiency.
Qualifications and Certifications
Successful candidates for this position should possess the following key qualifications and credentials:
- Professional Certification: Candidates must hold a valid Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or Chartered Accountant (CA) qualification to be considered for this role. Candidates should also possess certifications or extensive training in US GAAP and/or IFRS from a reputable institution or firm.
- Experience: Candidates should bring 8 to 10 years of relevant experience in technical accounting, financial reporting, or audit functions, ideally supported by a solid background in public accounting.
- Leadership Skills: Proven ability to lead high-performing finance teams and large-scale global finance initiatives.
- Analytical Mindset: Strong capability to analyze complex transactions, assess regulatory risks, and develop well-structured accounting position papers.
- Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present technical accounting issues clearly to non-financial stakeholders and senior executives.
Why Join Cognizant?
Cognizant is more than just a workplace; it’s a thriving global community of over 300,000 professionals who collaborate, innovate, and drive transformation. Here’s what makes Cognizant a top employer:
- Inclusive Culture: We celebrate diversity and are deeply committed to creating an inclusive, respectful, and empowering work environment for all employees.
- Global Presence and Recognition: Cognizant, headquartered in the United States, is a globally respected organization and a NASDAQ-100 constituent. The company has been consistently recognized by Forbes as one of the World’s Best Employers for its commitment to employee well-being and global excellence. We operate globally but always maintain a people-first approach.
- Professional Growth: At Cognizant, we encourage continuous learning and support personalized career development. You will have access to training programs, leadership development initiatives, and advancement opportunities.
- Ethical Practices and Sustainability: At Cognizant, integrity and accountability are core values. We are dedicated to making responsible decisions that benefit our clients, employees, communities, and the environment. Our commitment to ethical conduct is matched by our focus on sustainable and socially responsible business practices.
- Industry Recognition: Recognized as one of the world’s most admired companies, Cognizant is a trusted partner for Fortune 500 enterprises across diverse sectors, driving digital transformation through innovation.
Equal Opportunity Commitment
Cognizant is dedicated to fostering a workplace culture that values equality, inclusivity, and mutual respect. We provide equal employment opportunities and are committed to embracing diversity at all levels of the organization. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment regardless of race, color, religion, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, age, disability, pregnancy, veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable laws.
Accessibility and Interview Accommodations
Our goal is to ensure an inclusive and accessible recruitment journey for every applicant. If you have a disability and require a reasonable accommodation to search or apply for a position, please contact our team at Ca********@*******nt.com. Please include your full name and contact information so that we can provide the necessary assistance.
Interviews may be conducted either in person or via secure video conferencing platforms. Candidates may be required to present a valid, government-issued ID during the interview process for verification purposes.
Disclaimer
Salary and compensation details provided at the time of posting are subject to change. Cognizant reserves the right to adjust or update compensation structures in accordance with business needs and legal requirements.
Conclusion
This is a unique opportunity for a highly skilled finance professional to take on a leadership role at one of the world’s foremost professional services companies. If you are a strategic thinker with a solid background in US GAAP, IFRS, and audit, and are looking to make a meaningful impact on a global scale, Cognizant invites you to join its finance leadership team.
To learn more about Cognizant and explore current career opportunities, visit www.cognizant.com.
Take the next step in your career and help shape the future of global finance with Cognizant.