SPG Segment Lead Accounting Business Partner

Applied Materials; Santa Clara (CA); On-site; USD 134,000 - 184,000; Full time

Job summary

Applied Materials, the global leader in materials science and engineering solutions, seeks a senior accounting professional in Santa Clara, CA. You will lead SPG close processes, ensure compliance with US GAAP, and drive reporting accuracy with cross-functional partners.

This role emphasizes SOX controls, policy guidance, and continuous process improvement, with a comprehensive benefits package and opportunity to impact a global tech leader.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field.
• CPA or equivalent accounting certification preferred; inactive CPA acceptable.

Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate SPG Balance Sheet Review, pre-close, and quarter-end close processes.
• Manage SPG close deliverables, including corporate reporting requirements and reserve reviews.
• Identify risks through close activities and communicate actionable insights to partners.
• Perform analysis of inventory reserves and reserve adequacy.
• Support SOX controls across SPG, including training, walkthroughs, and remediation support.
• Monitor open internal control issues and ensure visibility in balance sheet review and close processes.
• Provide guidance on accounting policies and training across SPG units.
• Represent SPG Finance in policy discussions and cross-functional initiatives.
• Partner with stakeholders to evaluate and disposition expired purchase credits.
• Serve as SPG Finance contact for China trade restrictions issues.
• Monitor SRD activity to support revenue recognition integrity.
• Drive continuous improvement of close, review, and control processes.

Skills

GAAP knowledge

SOX controls

Analytical skills

Cross-functional collaboration

Communication skills

Ownership

Attention to detail

Problem solving

Microsoft Copilot / AI tools

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting/Finance

CPA or equivalent preferred

Tools

Excel

PowerPoint

SAP

Job description

Who We Are

Applied Materials is the global leader in materials science and engineering solutions that are at the foundation of virtually every new semiconductor chip and advanced display in the world. The equipment that we create and service is essential to advancing AI and accelerating the commercialization of next-generation semiconductor chips. Join us and push the boundaries of materials science and engineering in a company at the foundation of the electronics industry. The work we do together advances the world’s technology.

What We Offer

Salary: $133,500.00 - $183,500.00

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. Visit our Careers website to learn more.

At Applied Materials, 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. Learn more about our benefits.

Major Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate the consolidated SPG Balance Sheet Review, pre-close, and quarter-end close processes, partnering with Business Unit Finance, Corporate Accounting and shared service teams, including IBM Guadalajara (ACE) to ensure timely, accurate, and well-supported reporting.
• Manage key SPG close deliverables, including corporate reporting requirements, reserve reviews, inventory and reserve reporting, and related management review materials.
• Identify accounting, control, and business risks through close, pre-close, and balance sheet review activities; communicate actionable insights and recommended actions to business partners and leadership.
• Perform in-depth analysis of inventory reserves, including reserve rollforward, aging and trend analysis, disposition plans, and evaluation of reserve adequacy.
• Support consistent execution of SOX key controls across SPG, including control training, annual walkthroughs, testing coordination, issue identification, and remediation support with Internal Audit and external auditors.
• Monitor open internal control issues and business control weaknesses from identification through closure, ensuring appropriate visibility in balance sheet review, pre-close, and quarter-end close processes.
• Promote consistent application of accounting policies and control expectations across SPG Business Units by providing guidance, developing training, and partnering with Global Accounting Policy and Corporate Accounting.
• Represent SPG Finance in accounting policy discussions, finance policy updates, and cross-functional finance initiatives as requested.
• Partner with Business Management, Finance, and ORCA stakeholders to evaluate and disposition expired purchase credits in accordance with internal SPG policies and Global Finance Policy.
• Serve as an SPG Finance point of contact for accounting considerations related to China trade restrictions, including accounting impacts, settlements and related business processes.
• Monitor Shipment Requirements Deviation (SRD) activity and related process compliance to support revenue recognition integrity and adherence to policy.
• Drive continuous improvement across recurring accounting, close, review, and control processes by identifying opportunities to simplify, standardize, automate, and improve quality.

Qualifications, Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field; Accounting degree is strongly preferred.
• CPA or equivalent accounting certification preferred; inactive CPA acceptable.
• 8+ years of progressive accounting, finance, or controllership experience, preferably in a global technology, semiconductor, or manufacturing environment. Experience in a public company preferred.
• Strong knowledge of U.S. GAAP, financial reporting, month- and quarter-end close processes, balance sheet reviews, accounting policy application, and internal control requirements.
• Experience with SOX controls, audit support, control testing, and cross-functional remediation of control or process gaps.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, including the ability to evaluate complex accounting or business issues, identify root causes, and recommend practical solutions.
• Advanced Excel and PowerPoint skills; experience with ERP systems such as SAP and data analysis or reporting tools preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to leverage digital productivity tools, including Microsoft Copilot or other generative AI tools, to improve analysis, communication, and execution.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to clearly explain accounting, controls, risks, and business implications to Finance and non-Finance stakeholders.
• Ability to influence cross-functionally and work effectively with stakeholders at multiple levels of the organization to drive alignment, accountability, and timely execution.
• Self-starter with strong ownership, sound judgment, attention to detail, and the ability to meet financial cycle deliverables with limited management oversight.
• Curiosity and business acumen to develop a deep understanding of SPG operations, interpret data in context, and communicate key messages, risks, and required actions to business partners.

Additional Information

Time Type

Full time

Employee Type

Assignee / Regular

Travel

No

Relocation Eligible

Yes

The salary offered to a selected candidate will be based on multiple factors including location, hire grade, job-related knowledge, skills, experience, and with 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.

For all sales roles, the posted salary range is the Target Total Cash (TTC) range for the role, which is the sum of base salary and target bonus amount at 100% goal achievement.

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.