Director or Senior Director, License Auditing

About ASCAP

The American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) is a membership association of more than one million songwriters, composers and music publishers, and represents some of the world’s most talented music creators. Founded and governed by songwriters, composers and publishers, it is the only performing rights organization in the U.S. that operates on a not-for-profit basis. ASCAP licenses a repertory of over 20 million musical works to hundreds of thousands of businesses that use music, including streaming services, cable television, radio and satellite radio and brick and mortar businesses such as retail stores, hotels, clubs, restaurants and bars. ASCAP collects the licensing fees; identifies, matches and processes trillions of performances every year; and returns nearly 90 cents of every dollar back to its members as royalties. The ASCAP blanket license offers an efficient solution for businesses to legally perform ASCAP music while respecting the right of songwriters and composers to be paid fairly. ASCAP puts music creators first, advocating for their rights and the value of music on Capitol Hill, driving innovation that moves the industry forward, building community and providing the resources and support that creators need to succeed in their careers. Learn more and stay in touch at www.ascap.com, on X and Instagram @ASCAP and on Facebook.

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Job Description:

We are seeking a leader to join our Licensing team in our New York office. The Director or Senior Director, License Auditing (title commensurate with experience), is the leader of the Licensing Audit team and is responsible for overseeing the administration and strategic audit plan of the Licensing Department. The position will report to the Executive Vice President and Head of Licensing.

Areas of Responsibility & Accountability:

• Lead, coach, and mentor the Licensing Department audit team to further develop business knowledge and processes while ensuring that departmental objectives and goals are achieved.
• Review and analyze license fees and reported revenue recognition for Licensee accounts, identified either independently or by Executive Leadership.
• With the input of Executive Leadership and based upon risk assessments, design an audit program and methodology to ensure both accurate Licensee reporting and compliance with applicable Licensee agreements.
• Develop a cohesive approach to auditing with an eye on the quality of the procedures, processes, and assessments that are needed to maintain sound audit practices.
• Establish both a framework and methodology for fact finding meetings and interviews with Licensee stakeholders for the purpose of developing an understanding of various Licensees’ businesses and processes.
• Drive discussions with Licensees throughout the duration of audit engagements to communicate either status or concerns.
• Directly oversee and manage revenue audit engagements performed by external audit firms and/or consultants, including, but not limited to, engagement design, project management, findings readouts to Executive Leadership, budget management and negotiations, and the resolution of such audits.
• Act as a strategic advisor to Executive Leadership on the management of the audit portfolio, recognizing and anticipating emerging trends, and identifying operational efficiencies, opportunities, and risks.
• Complete work on a timely basis while delivering work products that meet the objectives and standards of both our methodology and any contractual/regulatory requirements.
• Lead the development of audit reports using appropriate business and technical language.
• Manage various projects/ad hoc departmental initiatives, as needed.

Qualifications & Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Business Administration, Finance, Applied Mathematics, or a related field.
• Valid U.S. Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license required.
• At least eight (8) years of professional experience with at least four (4) years in an audit function within a global Financial Services firm or Media & Entertainment company and with at least four (4) years in a managerial or supervisory role.
• Strong understanding of revenue recognition principles, revenue management, expense allocations or project accounting for Media & Entertainment organizations.
• High proficiency in Excel (pivot tables, advanced Excel formulas) with experience within financial dashboards or automation tools being a plus.
• Experience interfacing with multiple organizational functions including Finance, Operations, Compliance, IT/ Engineering, and Cybersecurity in both internal and external capacities.
• The ideal candidate will possess strong relationship building skills, have the ability to partner with key internal stakeholders, learn quickly, and have the capacity to be both flexible and strategic.
• Demonstrated ability to assess complex issues through root cause analysis and other analytical techniques; structure potential solutions; and move towards a resolution with Executive Leadership.
• Exemplify the highest degree of trust and integrity by continually upholding the principles of professional standards.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to both present complex/sensitive issues to Executive Leadership and explain financial information to non-finance stakeholders.
• Strong presentation skills when conducting interviews, and has the ability to deliver presentations with Executive presence.
• Proven ability to multitask, assess and shift priorities around as needed.
• Excellent attention to detail, organizational skills, and the ability to meet deadlines under pressure.
• Ability to work well both individually and on a team while sharing pertinent information, supporting colleagues, and encouraging participation.
• Occasional travel for in-person meetings may be required.

Please be aware that ASCAP is not a nut-free or other allergen-free workplace.

Compensation/Benefits:

Besides providing a unique and dynamic work environment, there are a few other reasons you should consider ASCAP in your career planning. We also offer generous benefit options that are comprehensive and provide the flexibility that most employees want and need. These health care and financial plan options include the following:

• A choice of either network-only provider medical and dental plans or more flexible medical and dental plans where you can see providers in or out-of-network
• Vision plan that offers both in and out-of-network provider options
• 401(k) Plan that offers pre-tax, Roth, and an after-tax employee contribution option which includes a company match.
• An additional employer paid discretionary profit share contribution, regardless of your participation in the 401(k) Plan
• Generous time-off policy
• 12 company holidays
• Health care and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• Short-term disability insurance/salary continuation and long-term disability insurance
• Company provided basic life and accidental death and dismemberment insurance
• Employee gym discounts at select gyms
• Commuter benefits
• Voluntary pet health insurance
• Voluntary auto and homeowners insurance
• Voluntary employee, spouse, and dependent life insurance options
• Voluntary ID protection Coverage

ASCAP is an equal opportunity employer. All ASCAP employment decisions are made on the basis of individual qualifications and performance and not on the basis of race, national origin, ethnicity, sex, age, marital status, sexual orientation or preference, gender identity, genetic information, disability, handicap, color, creed, religion, veteran status, or any characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local laws.

The anticipated base salary range for this position is $135,000 to $170,000 and will be determined on an individualized basis depending on several factors that are unique to each candidate including geographic location (due to differences in the cost of labor), skills, education and prior relevant experience.