IT Finance Controller

Cisco Systems, Inc.; North Carolina; On-site; USD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading technology company seeks a Finance Controller to support the IT organization. You will shape financial outcomes, drive operational efficiency, and partner with senior leaders. Ideal candidates have extensive finance experience and strong leadership skills. Join a dynamic team committed to innovation and inclusivity.

Benefits

Dedicated paid time off to volunteer

Employee resource organizations

Qualifications

• 7+ years of progressive experience in finance, FP&A, or controllership roles.
• Advanced Excel and financial modeling skills.
• Proven track record of Opex and headcount management.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute financial strategies aligned with organizational goals.
• Lead month-end and quarter-end close processes.
• Inspire and develop a high-performing finance team.

Skills

Financial Analysis

Strategic Leadership

Business Acumen

Interpersonal Skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Finance

MBA

CPA

Tools

Oracle

Hyperion

SAP

FinBI/FinBO

Job description

The application window is expected to close on: .Job posting may be removed earlier if the position is filled or if a sufficient number of applications are received.Meet the Team

You'll collaborate closely with the Digital Workplace, Data & Analytics, and CETO teams, while being a core member of the Operations Finance organization. We are a dynamic and diverse team with members based in RTP, California, Atlanta, Poland, and remote locations across the U.S.

Your Impact

As a Finance Controller supporting the IT organization, you will play a critical role in shaping financial outcomes and enabling informed decision-making. Your expertise will help drive operational efficiency, strategic investment, and long-term growth.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Financial Leadership

• Develop and execute financial strategies aligned with organizational goals and IT priorities.
• Deliver forward-looking financial analysis, forecasts, and recommendations to support executive decision-making.
• Translate complex financial data into actionable insights to influence strategy, prioritization, and resource allocation.

Business Partnership & Influence

• Partner with senior IT and cross-functional leaders (including Digital Workplace, Data & Analytics, and CETO) to drive alignment and support critical initiatives.
• Communicate financial information to non-financial partners in a clear, concise, and compelling manner.
• Act as an embedded member of the IT leadership team, proactively identifying risks, opportunities, and value-creation levers.

Operational & Financial Excellence

• Lead month-end and quarter-end close processes, ensuring timely and accurate financial reporting.
• Own Opex and headcount planning, forecasting, and analysis, including PO management and accruals.
• Partner closely with Accounting on capitalized costs, payroll allocations, and amortization to ensure financial accuracy.

Compliance, Controls & Risk Management

• Ensure adherence to internal controls, company policies, and external regulatory requirements.
• Drive compliance reviews and support audits to mitigate risk and maintain financial integrity.
• Monitor and improve internal processes to safeguard assets and strengthen operational resilience.

Team Leadership & Development

• Inspire, develop, and lead a high-performing finance team, promoting a culture of collaboration, accountability, and growth.
• Provide mentorship and professional development to elevate team capabilities and ensure readiness for future challenges.

Continuous Improvement & Process Innovation

• Identify and implement best practices and automation opportunities to improve financial processes and reporting accuracy.
• Leverage tools such as Oracle, Hyperion, SAP, FinBI/FinBO, and other digital solutions to drive data-driven decision-making.
• Challenge the status quo and champion initiatives that increase efficiency, agility, and business impact.

Change Leadership & Adaptability

• Navigate organizational change-including restructures, acquisitions, or new system implementations-while maintaining financial field.
• Lead change management efforts and ensure smooth transitions with minimal business disruption.

Minimum Qualifications

• 7+ years of progressive experience in finance, FP&A, or controllership roles
• Advanced Excel and financial modeling skills
• Experience with Oracle, Hyperion, SAP, FinBI/FinBO, and related financial tools
• Proven track record of Opex and headcount management
• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Business, or related field (MBA or CPA a plus)

Preferred Qualifications:

• Strong business acumen and interpersonal skills
• Proven ability to influence across levels and functions
• PO management and accrual accounting experience

We are Cisco

#WeAreCisco where every individual brings their unique skills and perspectives together to pursue our purpose of powering an inclusive future for all.

Our passion is connection-we celebrate our employees' diverse set of backgrounds and focus on unlocking potential. Cisconians often experience one company, many careers where learning and development are encouraged and supported at every stage. Our technology, tools, and culture pioneered hybrid work trends, allowing all to not only give their best, but be their best.

We understand our outstanding opportunity to bring communities together and at the heart of that is our people. One-third of Cisconians collaborate in our 30 employee resource organizations, called Inclusive Communities, to connect, foster belonging, learn to be informed allies, and make a difference. Dedicated paid time off to volunteer-80 hours each year-allows us to give back to causes we are passionate about, and nearly 86% do!

Our purpose, driven by our people, is what makes us the worldwide leader in technology that powers the internet. Helping our customers reimagine their applications, secure their enterprise, transform their infrastructure, and meet their sustainability goals is what we do best. We ensure that every step we take is a step towards a more inclusive future for all. Take your next step and be you, with us!

#LI-IQ