Xylem is a Fortune 500 global water solutions company dedicated to advancing sustainable impact and empowering the people who make water work every day. As a leading water technology company with 23,000 employees operating in over 150 countries, Xylem is at the forefront of addressing the world's most critical water challenges. We invite passionate individuals to join our team, dedicated to exceeding customer expectations through innovative and sustainable solutions.
The Senior Director, Global Revenue Accounting leads the company’s Revenue Center of Excellence—also known as the Global Revenue Deals Desk (GRDD)—and is responsible for setting strategy while overseeing the day-to-day execution of contract review, deal structuring, technical accounting, controls, and enablement activities.
This is a high-impact, highly visible leadership role that sits at the intersection of Finance and the business. The position combines deep expertise in revenue recognition (ASC 606) with strong commercial acumen, cross-functional partnership, and people leadership.
This position is based in Charlotte, NC and operates on a hybrid schedule, requiring a minimum of three days per week in the office.
Strategic Deal Structuring & Contract ReviewLead deal structuring. Partner with Sales and Legal during negotiations to structure contracts that achieve commercial goals while delivering the intended revenue outcomes.
Review complex contracts. Oversee review of high-value and non-standard arrangements—evaluating payment terms, acceptance criteria, performance obligations, variable consideration, and other clauses that drive the timing and amount of revenue recognized.
Shift expertise upstream. Embed the GRDD early in the deal lifecycle so revenue risks and opportunities are identified before contracts are signed, not explained after the fact.
Maximize value realization. Ensure deals are structured to optimize margin realization, forecast accuracy, and predictable revenue recognition.
Own ASC 606 application. Serve as the company’s subject-matter authority on revenue recognition under ASC 606 (and related ASC 842 lease considerations), resolving complex technical questions and documenting positions.
Set policy and guidance. Maintain revenue recognition policy, accounting positions, and practical guidance, ensuring consistency across business units and regions.
Provide deal-specific conclusions. Deliver clear, well-documented accounting conclusions on judgmental arrangements that withstand internal and external audit scrutiny.
Align stakeholders. Foster real-time collaboration among Sales, Legal, Finance, and Operations—breaking down silos that historically caused accounting surprises.
Advise commercial teams. Act as a trusted advisor to segment finance and commercial leaders, translating accounting implications into actionable business guidance.
Drive a partnership model. Build ongoing relationships (not just one-off reviews) so the GRDD is engaged proactively on strategic deals.
Own revenue controls. Operate and continuously improve the GRDD’s key revenue controls, including independent review of in-scope contracts and the associated Revenue Recognition Checklist.
Ensure independent sign-off. Confirm appropriate, independent Finance Approver sign-off consistent with the Delegation of Authority (DOA) matrix, and that documentation packages are complete and consistent with accounting conclusions.
Support audits. Partner with internal audit and external auditors, providing clear documentation and standing behind technical positions; track and resolve exceptions to closure.
Maintain metrics & reporting. Oversee the contract log and metrics dashboards that report portfolio TCV, revenue-recognition profile, and review status to leadership.
Lead and develop the team. Manage, coach, and develop a global team of managers and senior analysts; set goals, calibrate performance, and build bench strength and technical capability.
Scale the operating model. Standardize processes and review procedures across business units and regions to ensure consistency, quality, and timeliness.
Allocate capacity. Balance workload across the team to meet quarterly close and deal-flow demands.
Lead revenue transformation. Sponsor and guide revenue lifecycle management, billing, and automation initiatives (e.g., Zuora) and ERP enhancements that streamline revenue processes and improve data accuracy.
Improve contract processes. Partner with Legal and IT on contract lifecycle management (CLM) and contract-language standards that reduce downstream revenue risk.
Champion continuous improvement. Identify and implement process efficiencies that increase the desk’s scalability as deal volume and complexity grow.
Educate the business. Build and deliver training that helps Sales, Legal, and Finance understand how commercial decisions affect revenue recognition.
Create accessible engagement. Maintain intake processes (e.g., the GRDD intake form) and guidance so stakeholders can easily engage the desk at the right time.
Active CPA required.
12+ years of progressive accounting experience, preferably including Big 4/public accounting and/or corporate or industry experience with a focus on revenue recognition
Deep, hands-on expertise applying ASC 606 (and familiarity with ASC 842) to complex, judgmental commercial arrangements.
Demonstrated experience leading and developing teams, including people-management responsibility.
Proven ability to partner across Sales, Legal, and Finance and to influence senior stakeholders without direct authority.
Experience with revenue-related internal controls (SOX), audit support, and documentation of technical accounting positions.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to translate technical accounting into clear business guidance.
The estimated salary range for this position is $180,000 to $230,000 plus bonus and LTI. Starting pay is dependent on multiple factors, such as skills, experience and work location, and is not typically at the top of the range. At Xylem we offer a competitive compensation package with a generous benefit package, including Medical, Dental, Vision plans, 401(k) with company contribution, paid time off, paid parental leave and tuition reimbursement.
Why Xylem?
We believe in supporting our employees both professionally and personally. Our benefits include:
· Paid parental leave, maternity support, and fertility benefits
· Flexibility and hybrid work options where applicable
· Health, dental, and vision insurance from day one
· Emotional health and wellness programs and Volunteer program (Watermark)
· Paid time off (PTO)/Flexible time off (FTO) and paid holidays
· Career development, advancement, tuition reimbursement, and student loan forgiveness
· Generous retirement savings plan with company contribution
· Employee recognition and discount programs
Ready to grow your career while making a difference? Join a team that values your skills, supports your development, and empowers you to help solve global water challenges.
#LI-RR1
Join the global Xylem team to be a part of innovative technology solutions transforming water usage, conservation, and re-use. Our products impact public utilities, industrial sectors, residential areas, and commercial buildings, with a commitment to providing smart metering, network technologies, and advanced analytics for water, electric, and gas utilities. Partner with us in creating a world where water challenges are met with ingenuity and dedication; where we recognize the power of inclusion and belonging in driving innovation and allowing us to compete more effectively around the world.
At Xylem, you'll not only contribute to solving water issues but also have the chance to make a difference through our paid Volunteer Program, Xylem Watermark. We prioritize our employees' well-being through inclusion and belonging as well as our Employee Resource Groups (ERG). Proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity (including disability and veterans) and Affirmative Action workplace, Xylem fosters an inclusive environment free from discrimination or harassment.
Please note that the information in this job description outlines the general nature of the position and is not an exhaustive list of duties. Xylem is dedicated to providing reasonable accommodations to enable all employees to perform their essential job functions. We reserve the right to modify this job description and assign additional duties as needed. Embrace the opportunity to be part of Xylem's transformative journey in shaping the future of water technology! #XylemCareers #GlobalImpact #WaterInnovation
Skills Required
- Active CPA
- 12+ years progressive accounting experience, preferably including Big 4/public accounting or corporate revenue focus
- Deep, hands-on expertise applying ASC 606 and familiarity with ASC 842
- Demonstrated experience leading and developing teams with people-management responsibility
- Proven ability to partner across Sales, Legal, and Finance and influence senior stakeholders
- Experience with revenue-related internal controls (SOX), audit support, and technical accounting documentation
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, translating technical accounting into business guidance
- Position based in Charlotte, NC; hybrid schedule requiring minimum three days per week in office
What We Do
Xylem |ˈzīləm| 1) The tissue in plants that brings water upward from the roots; 2) a leading global water technology company. Xylem, a leading global water technology company dedicated to solving the world’s most challenging water issues, is the leading global provider of efficient, innovative and sustainable water technologies improving the way water is used, managed, conserved and re-used. Our international team is unified in a common purpose: creating advanced technology and other trusted solutions to solve the world’s water challenges. We are committed to creating an organization of inclusion and diversity, where everyone feels involved, respected, valued and connected, and where everyone is free to bring their authentic selves and ideas. If you are excited and passionate about helping us #letssolvewater, we want to hear from you!
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