Director of Finance & Controller

Hearst Communications, Inc.; New York (NY); Hybrid; USD 155,000 - 175,000; Full time

Job summary

An innovative media company is seeking a strategic Director of Finance & Controller to lead financial excellence across a network of respected newspapers. This hybrid role offers the chance to drive financial operations, enhance accounting processes, and collaborate with teams nationwide. With a focus on digital transformation and process improvement, this position is ideal for a seasoned financial leader ready to make a significant impact in the evolving media landscape. Join a dynamic team and help shape the future of media finance while enjoying a comprehensive benefits package that supports your well-being and professional growth.

Benefits

Medical Coverage

Dental Coverage

Vision Coverage

Competitive Retirement Plan

Generous Paid Time Off

Paid Parental Leave

Child & Dependent Care Reimbursement

Mental Wellness Benefits

Inclusive Health Services

Pet Wellness Reimbursement

Qualifications

• 10+ years of financial management experience in media or related industries.
• Strong leadership skills and ability to manage remote teams.

Responsibilities

• Oversee accounting operations, budgeting, and financial controls.
• Ensure financial integrity and compliance through audits and internal controls.

Skills

Financial Management

Accounting

Leadership

Process Improvement

Interpersonal Skills

Communication Skills

Technical Skills

Education

CPA Certification

Job description

Title: Director of Finance & Controller – Hearst Newspapers

Location: New York City, NY – this is a hybrid role

Shape the Future of Media Finance

Hearst Newspapers is seeking a dynamic, strategic, and hands-on financial leader to join our team as Director of Finance & Controller. This role offers the opportunity to drive financial excellence for one of the nation's most respected media organizations, overseeing accounting operations, budgeting, and financial controls for our 24 daily and 52 weekly newspapers, including the Houston Chronicle, San Francisco Chronicle and San Antonio Express-News.

If you're a seasoned financial professional with a passion for process improvement, leadership, and media finance, this is your chance to make an impact in an evolving digital and print landscape.

What You’ll Do

• Lead and optimize accounting operations – overseeing Billing, A/R, Collections, Cash, GL, and Payroll.
• Manage centralized accounting teams for GL, Cash Application, and Collections.
• Ensure financial integrity – overseeing internal controls, audits, and compliance.
• Enhance accounting processes and provide technical accounting guidance (e.g., leases, revenue recognition).
• Oversee state and local reporting and tax compliance, including sales tax.
• Drive the monthly financial close process to ensure accuracy and efficiency.
• Lead capital expenditure budgeting and reporting.
• Partner with Shared Services and Business Units across the U.S. to enhance financial collaboration.
• Own budgeting, forecasting, and expense reporting for central newspaper operations.

What You Bring

• CPA required with 10+ years of financial management and accounting experience.
• Experience in digital media, publishing, or related industries preferred.
• Proven ability to lead remote teams and collaborate across multiple business units.
• Passion for streamlining processes and driving financial efficiencies.
• Exceptional interpersonal, communication, and technical skills to foster cross-functional relationships.

Why Join Us?

• Be part of an innovative media company with a strong commitment to digital transformation.
• Work with top-tier newspapers and media brands across the country.
• Lead strategic financial initiatives that directly impact our business.
• Collaborate with industry leaders in a fast-paced and evolving environment.
• Learn more about Hearst Newspapers at www.joinhnp.com

Our Benefits:

• Physical Wellbeing: Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage to keep you and your family healthy.
• Invest for the Future: Competitive retirement plan with matching program in most markets.
• Generous Paid Time Off: Recharge with ample time off, including holidays and vacation.
• Paid Parental Leave: Support for growing families, with paid leave for new parents.
• Monthly Child & Dependent Care Reimbursement: Financial support for the care of your loved ones.
• Emotional Wellbeing: Be your best self with our mental wellness benefits.
• LGBTQ+ & Inclusive Health Services: Inclusive healthcare designed for every individual’s unique needs.
• Fertility Coverage & Menopause Support: Helping you along every step of your family journey.
• Pet Wellness Reimbursement & Rover Credits: We care about your pets, too – helping you keep them happy and healthy.
• And more, click here for additional benefits and details.

If you're ready to take on a high-impact leadership role in media finance, we'd love to hear from you! Apply today and help shape the financial future of Hearst Newspapers.

In accordance with applicable law, Hearst is required to include a reasonable estimate of the compensation for this role if hired in New York. The reasonable estimate, if hired in New York, is $155,000 - $175,000 + bonus. Please note this information is specific to those hired in New York. If this role is open to candidates outside of New York, the salary range would be aligned to that specific location. A final decision on the successful candidate’s starting salary will be based on a number of permissible, non-discriminatory factors, including but not limited to skills and experience, training, certifications, and education.

About Hearst Newspapers:

With 2,500 employees across the nation, HNP represents a network of 24 daily and 52 weekly publications, including the San Francisco Chronicle, Houston Chronicle, San Antonio Express-News and Albany Times Union, several top digital-only news and lifestyle sites, marketing services businesses, and entertainment businesses such as King Features Syndicate. At HNP, we are investing in new and innovative ways to tell stories–growing newsrooms, diversifying tools, evolving platforms–to support the millions of people who trust us each month to help them make decisions, take action and be inspired.

Be a part of something bigger–Your Headline Awaits