JOB BOARD: Product Specialist - Equity Methods, Scottsdale, AZ - 5 May 2009

Company Description:

A wholly owned subsidiary of Merrill Lynch, Equity Methods serves a diverse clientele primarily consisting of Fortune 1000 companies. The firm strategically partners with some of the largest financial institutions and works closely with Big 4 and other large public accounting firms. The firm’s academic affiliates have provided key guidance to the FASB and SEC as they formulate policy regarding FAS123R and equity accounting.

Equity Methods provides valuation and accounting solutions in equity compensation, with a particular focus on the various compliance challenges created by Statement of Financial Accounting Standard 123 Revised (FAS123R), SFAS 128, and SFAS 109. The practice is constantly performing research to expand the firm’s offerings into new areas valued by its client base.

Job Responsibilities:

•    Educate clients and Equity Methods Financial Reporting Team members on the financial reports, report methodology and financial data
•    Answer technical questions on the Financial Reports submitted by clients and team members
•    Identify key differences in reporting methodologies (client’s legacy approach and approach of FASTrak(r)/Option Navigator) and communicate to clients
•    Perform and analyze variance analysis and identify differences for clients with a “Reconciliation Service” contract
•    Document common questions/variances on the Financial Reports for inclusion in software’s help module
•    Identify, define and execute projects that facilitate learning/knowledge transfer such as client training documentation or recorded training sessions
•    Provide input into and feedback on new product developments
•    Manage, analyze and measure the process relating to client and team member requests

Qualifications:

•    Bachelor’s degree in finance or accounting
•    Min 3-5 years of experience in G&L experience working at a publicly traded company, G&L reconciliation and/or corporate financial reporting
•    Proven understanding of GAAP accounting and Expense accrual process
•    In-depth understanding of financial reports/filings including balance sheet and income statement accounting, 10k and 10Q filings
•    FAS123R Reporting experience preferred
•    Strong analytical and/or quantitative skills and problem-solving skills
•    Proficient in MS Office, particularly in Excel (macro development, pivot tables)
•    Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to effectively interact with both internal and external clients
•    Ability to effectively educate and train others
•    Demonstrated ability to develop and meet project milestones and schedules for deliverables, and effectively communicates project status, requirements, and issues.
•    Proven ability to effectively communication with all levels of Management
•    Detail-oriented
•    Demonstrated ability to remain flexible while responding quickly to changing priorities.
•    Demonstrated ability to self-learn complex subject matter quickly and independently  
•    Ability to work market hours if required: (9am – 5pm EST)
•    Experience and/or knowledge of finance, accounting or financial organizations, Sarbanes Oxley (SOX),
•    Audit experience a plus
•    Experience working in a client-facing role (account management, client service) a plus

Contact Information:

Tricia Clifford
(212) 236-2856
Patricia_clifford@ml.com