Senior Specialist - US Controllers

MSD • Rahway, NJ

2d • Hybrid

About The Position

As a member of the US Controller organization, this Senior Specialist supports controllership, financial reporting, and the internal control environment for assigned US legal entities. The role works closely with the Treasury area and with the Business Service Centers. It has primary responsibility for coordinating and reviewing accounting activities and may also gain exposure to other areas supported by US Controllers, such as Research and Development Division, Human Health, Manufacturing Division, Global Support Functions areas, and Corporate Areas including Consolidation Accounting on an ad hoc basis. The Senior Specialist provides hands-on financial oversight and accounting support for assigned areas, helping ensure accuracy of our company's financial results, balance sheet integrity, intercompany accounting, and close activities. The role also provides the opportunity to participate in financial integrations or divestitures involving US entities through the TRAIN process. Additionally, it contributes to team development by providing day-to-day guidance, reviewing work, and directly supervising two individuals. The position also drives the adoption of technology and emerging AI capabilities to improve consistency and efficiency across assigned activities while working closely with shared service delivery centers. This opportunity offers broad exposure across the enterprise and provides a solid foundation for continued growth within controllership and other finance roles.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
• 2-4 years of progressive accounting experience, with experience coordinating work, reviewing deliverables, or providing guidance to others.
• Possess conceptual understanding of accounting principles and processes, including working knowledge of US GAAP, internal controls, statutory accounting, and legal entity management.
• Ability to collaborate across functions, manage multiple priorities, and communicate effectively with stakeholders in a matrixed organization.
• Strong communication, analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Professional integrity, accountability, and consistent follow-through.
• Attention to detail with the ability to connect financial accuracy, controls, and operational priorities.
• Ability to coach others, review work, share knowledge, and support team development.
• Continuous improvement mindset and openness to new technology and ways of working.
• Ability to work effectively through changing priorities and ambiguous situations.

Nice To Haves

• CPA or progress toward certification.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office applications, SAP, APPIAN, and Blackline
• Experience using AI-powered tools, machine learning engines, or automation software to streamline financial workflows.

Responsibilities

• Supervise day-to-day accounting and controllership activities for assigned Human Health activities within the US Controller organization.
• Review intercompany activity and monitor balance sheet integrity.
• Oversee end-to-end process for miscellaneous check receipts. Includes all aspects for tracking & processing checks, ensuring conformity with third party banks and finalizing impacts associated with cash reported in balance sheet results.
• Coordinate with business and finance partners to research financial results, provide commentary, and help resolve accounting and operational issues.
• Support and coordinate assigned monthly, quarterly, and annual close activities in compliance with US GAAP and applicable statutory requirements.
• Partner with Corporate Accounting, Tax, Treasury, FP&A, Business Service Centers, and external auditors to support accurate reporting, analysis, and disclosure.
• Monitor deliverables, follow up on open items, and help ensure deadlines and quality expectations are met.
• Demonstrate deep understanding of GAAP principles to accurately analyze complex accounting transactions.
• Leverage modern automation, machine learning tools, and generative AI to streamline repetitive financial processes, optimize month-end workflows, and perform high-level data analysis.
• Perform, review, and monitor internal controls over financial reporting and entity-level compliance for assigned responsibilities.
• Support compliance with company policies, SOX requirements, local statutory requirements, and other regulatory obligations.
• Coordinate documentation and responses for internal and external audit requests and support timely issue resolution.
• Identify control gaps or recurring issues and recommend practical corrective actions.
• Serve as a day-to-day finance contact for stakeholders across operating divisions and supporting functions.
• Provide day-to-day guidance, coaching, and work review for team members while promoting accountability, collaboration, and continuous learning.
• Work with finance, operations, and business partners to support decision-making and improve financial outcomes.
• Support defined process improvement initiatives and contribute to broader controllership transformation efforts.
• Communicate issues, risks, and recommendations clearly to management and relevant stakeholders.

Benefits

• medical, dental, vision healthcare and other insurance benefits (for employee and family)
• retirement benefits, including 401(k)
• paid holidays
• vacation
• compassionate and sick days

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior