Senior Finance Manager (M5)

Applied Materials; Santa Clara (CA); On-site; USD 158,500 - 218,000; Full time

Job summary

Applied Materials in Santa Clara, CA, is seeking a senior finance professional to lead global finance policy, policy governance, and technical accounting efforts. You will oversee month‑end close, policy enforcement, and training while partnering with cross‑functional teams to ensure US GAAP compliance and reporting quality.

The role emphasizes continuous improvement, automation opportunities, and a leadership pathway within Corporate Accounting and policy transformation.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field
• 6–10+ years of relevant experience (Corporate Accounting, Technical Accounting, or Big 4)
• Strong knowledge of US GAAP and financial reporting
• Experience working with cross‑functional stakeholders on complex accounting topics
• CPA (or equivalent) preferred
• Experience with ERP systems (SAP S/4HANA preferred)
• Exposure to SEC reporting and external audit processes

Responsibilities

• Support development, maintenance, and governance of global finance policies (US GAAP)
• Provide technical accounting guidance on complex transactions
• Assist in drafting technical accounting memos and policy documentation
• Partner cross‑functionally to ensure policy adherence
• Support implementation of new accounting standards and policy updates
• Oversee global month‑end and quarter‑end close and consolidation
• Lead quarterly balance sheet and income statement analysis
• Drive improvements in close timelines and reporting quality
• Oversee the design and delivery of finance policy and accounting training programs
• Identify and drive process improvements and IT/system enhancements

Skills

US GAAP expertise

Cross-functional collaboration

Communication

Project management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance

CPA preferred

Tools

SAP S/4HANA

Job description

Company Overview

Applied Materials is a global leader in materials engineering solutions used to produce virtually every new chip and advanced display in the world. We design, build and service cutting‑edge equipment that helps our customers manufacture display and semiconductor chips – the brains of devices we use every day. As the foundation of the global electronics industry, Applied enables the exciting technologies that literally connect our world – like AI and IoT. If you want to push the boundaries of materials science and engineering to create next‑generation technology, join us to deliver material innovation that changes the world.

What We Offer

Salary: $158,500 – $218,000

Location: Santa Clara, CA

You’ll benefit from a supportive work culture that encourages you to learn, develop, and grow your career as you take on challenges and drive innovative solutions for our customers. We empower our team to push the boundaries of what is possible—while learning every day in a supportive leading global company.

We care about the health and wellbeing of our employees. We’re committed to providing programs and support that encourage personal and professional growth and care for you at work, at home, or wherever you may go.

Key Responsibilities

• Finance Policy & Technical Accounting
  • Support development, maintenance, and governance of global finance policies
  • Provide technical accounting guidance on complex and non‑routine transactions (US GAAP)
  • Assist in drafting technical accounting memos and policy documentation
  • Partner cross‑functionally to ensure appropriate accounting treatment and policy adherence
  • Support implementation of new accounting standards and policy updates
  • Partner with global accounting teams to ensure consistent policy application
• Policy Governance, Compliance & Audit
  • Ensure alignment with US GAAP, SOX/internal controls, and company policies
  • Participate in balance sheet review (BSR) processes and identify control gaps
  • Support external audit processes and preparation of audit deliverables
  • Assist in resolution of accounting issues and policy exceptions
  • Contribute to strengthening internal controls and governance frameworks
• Corporate Accounting
  • Oversee global month‑end and quarter‑end close and consolidation
  • Lead quarterly balance sheet and income statement flux analysis
  • Drive improvements in close timelines, accuracy, and reporting quality
• Finance Training & Development
  • Oversee the design and delivery of finance policy and accounting training programs
  • Develop scalable training content (e.g., live sessions, e‑learning, playbooks)
  • Support onboarding and continuing education for finance organization
  • Improve usability and accessibility of finance policy resources
• Process Improvement & Transformation
  • Identify and drive initiatives to simplify and standardize accounting processes
  • Partner with systems/IT on process and tool enhancements (e.g., ERP, automation, AI)
  • Support finance transformation initiatives across policy, accounting, and reporting
  • Promote continuous improvement and data‑driven decision‑making

Qualifications

• Minimum Qualifications
  • Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field
  • 6–10+ years of relevant experience (Corporate Accounting, Technical Accounting, or Big 4)
  • Strong knowledge of US GAAP and financial reporting
  • Experience working with cross‑functional stakeholders on complex accounting topics
• Preferred Qualifications
  • CPA (or equivalent)
  • Experience in multinational or semiconductor / manufacturing environment
  • Exposure to SEC reporting and external audit processes
  • Experience with ERP systems (SAP S/4HANA preferred)
  • Prior experience developing or delivering training programs
• Key Competencies
  • Technical Expertise: Strong US GAAP and technical accounting capability
  • Collaboration: Effective cross‑functional business partnering
  • Communication: Ability to translate complex accounting topics clearly
  • Execution: Strong project management and prioritization skills
  • Continuous Improvement: Focus on simplification, scalability, and automation

Why Join Us

• High visibility within the Corporate Controller and CAO organization
• Exposure to complex global accounting and policy topics
• Opportunity to shape finance policy, training, and transformation efforts
• Strong career progression into Corporate Accounting, Technical Accounting, or leadership roles

Additional Information

Time Type: Full time

Employee Type: Assignee / Regular

Travel: Yes, 10% of the Time

Relocation Eligible: No

The salary offered to a selected candidate will be based on multiple factors including location, hire grade, job‑related knowledge, skills, experience, and consideration of internal equity of our current team members. In addition to a comprehensive benefits package, candidates may be eligible for other forms of compensation such as participation in a bonus and a stock award program, as applicable.

Applied Materials is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, citizenship, ancestry, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, veteran or military status, or any other basis prohibited by law.

In addition, Applied endeavors to make our careers site accessible to all users. If you would like to contact us regarding accessibility of our website or need assistance completing the application process, please contact us via e‑mail at [e-mail], or by calling our HR Direct Help Line at 877‑612‑7547, option 1, and following the prompts to speak to an HR Advisor. This contact is for accommodation requests only and cannot be used to inquire about the status of applications.