Chief Accounting Officer jobs at Western Digital in United States, San Jose

Today’s exceptional challenges require your unique skills. Together, we can build the future of data storage.

As the Chief of Staff for Western Digital’s VP of Corporate Real Estate & Workplace (CREW), you’ll serve as a strategic thought partner and advisor for the VP and play a key leadership role in the organization. With a keen understanding of the business context, you’ll partner to translate business to people needs and establish and govern a diverse portfolio of strategic initiatives. The role requires high-energy, outstanding communication skills, forward-thinking, intimate understanding of the business and operations requirements, and drive to influence accountability and execution.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Create and manage the organization’s operational rhythm, allowing for transparency, consistency, and proactive planning.
• Establish and maintain cadence for key meetings and processes that help drive team and stakeholder connectedness, alignment, and engagement.
• Lead cross functional strategic and transformational projects, drive workforce planning, and project plan activities for the organization as needed.
• Manage a team that includes ELT / HQ liaison and CREW Financial Management (oversight of OPEX and CapEx processes).
• Influence a network of stakeholders driving engagement improvements and process simplification wherever possible.
• Curate a network of internal and external stakeholders that complement and provide insight to advance the WDC & CREW agenda.
• Foster a culture of trust, strengths-based development, healthy debate, and inclusion for all
• Provide partnership across teams for the organization of cross company projects / reporting / initiatives.

Communications Responsibilities:

We’re looking for a strategic communicator to shape and amplify the voice of the CREW organization.

• Craft and drive the narrative for CREW’s vision, strategy, and key results across internal and external audiences.
• Lead all CREW communications, championing change and embedding best practices.
• Serve as the strategic liaison with Corporate Communications to ensure alignment between business goals and messaging.
• The CoS works closely with EVP’s and CoS of Finance, Global Operations and ELT; communication partners and business leaders across the enterprise, as well as our external vendors and partners.

REQUIRED

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent practical experience
• 15 years of relevant work experience in a global, diverse organization
• 8 or more years in a strategic business or consulting role with a focus on talent operations, strategy and planning, or organizational change
• Demonstrated success leading large, complex projects with multi-function stakeholders and Teams

PREFERRED

• Strategic thinking with the ability to see the big picture, balancing short- and long-term objectives.
• Most importantly, the ability to interpret business strategy, connect it to the people priorities and see them through to successful implementation
• Organizational and team effectiveness, change leadership and design thinking experience required with the ability to advocate change through influence and trust rather than authority
• Ability to navigate complex and ambiguous environments with an agile mindset ready to pivot and iterate as needed
• Experience serving as an objective sounding board and ability to anticipate the needs of the VP of CREW and CREW team
• Proven success in managing Executive and Board of Directors messaging and presentations
• Disciplined execution skills with influence to effect change and break down barriers to ensure results and impact are delivered
• Ability to build trust and partnering relationships with executives and internal / external
• stakeholders of all levels
• Skilled at synthesizing large amounts of data to identify critical trends and present data in an impactful way and a consulting mindset
• Ability to ideate, test, iterate and implement new initiatives with a keen focus on change management and development of strong ecosystem partnerships for collective success

Compensation & Benefits Details

• An employee’s pay position within the salary range may be based on several factors including but not limited to (1) relevant education; qualifications; certifications; and experience; (2) skills, ability, knowledge of the job; (3) performance, contribution and results; (4) geographic location; (5) shift; (6) internal and external equity; and (7) business and organizational needs.
• The salary range is what we believe to be the range of possible compensation for this role at the time of this posting. We may ultimately pay more or less than the posted range and this range is only applicable for jobs to be performed in California, Colorado, New York or remote jobs that can be performed in California, Colorado and New York. This range may be modified in the future.
• If your position is non-exempt, you are eligible for overtime pay pursuant to company policy and applicable laws. You may also be eligible for shift differential pay, depending on the shift to which you are assigned.

• You will be eligible to be considered for bonuses under either Western Digital’s Short Term Incentive Plan (“STI Plan”) or the Sales Incentive Plan (“SIP”) which provides incentive awards based on Company and individual performance, depending on your role and your performance. You may be eligible to participate in our annual Long-Term Incentive (LTI) program, which consists of restricted stock units (RSUs) or cash equivalents, pursuant to the terms of the LTI plan. Please note that not all roles are eligible to participate in the LTI program, and not all roles are eligible for equity under the LTI plan. RSU awards are also available to eligible new hires, subject to Western Digital’s Standard Terms and Conditions for Restricted Stock Unit Awards.

• We offer a comprehensive package of benefits including paid vacation time; paid sick leave; medical/dental/vision insurance; life, accident and disability insurance; tax-advantaged flexible spending and health savings accounts; employee assistance program; other voluntary benefit programs such as supplemental life and AD&D, legal plan, pet insurance, critical illness, accident and hospital indemnity; tuition reimbursement; transit; the Applause Program; employee stock purchase plan; and the Western Digital Savings 401(k) Plan.
• Note: No amount of pay is considered to be wages or compensation until such amount is earned, vested, and determinable. The amount and availability of any bonus, commission, benefits, or any other form of compensation and benefits that are allocable to a particular employee remains in the Company's sole discretion unless and until paid and may be modified at the Company’s sole discretion, consistent with the law.

Today’s exceptional challenges require your unique skills. It’s You & Western Digital. Together, we’re the next BIG thing in data.

Position located in either San Jose, CA or Irvine, CA.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Manage all aspects of global accounting, including monitoring internal controls, Sarbanes-Oxley, and GAAP compliance. Oversee the monthly, quarterly and annual financial close process and ensure the timely preparation of financial statements and SEC filings, and required reporting to regulatory agencies under federal, state, and local government regulations.
• Develop the accounting organization, finding ways to streamline the function to better address external reporting requirements and leverage investments in information systems. Implement high impact processes to deliver effective and timely financial reporting and business practices across the globe, creating a "no surprises" reporting environment. Increase effectiveness and scale of accounting centers of excellence and global service centers.
• Interface with the Audit Committee and external auditors. Anticipate key issues that may arise and any informational needs. Be prepared to provide updates on financial reporting, internal controls and compliance, discuss ongoing performance, special projects, and other topics as needed
• Recruit, train, coach and develop a high performing global accounting team to ensure current and future leadership of the accounting function.
• Coordinate with Internal Audit and foreign operations to harmonize and drive continuous improvement in global accounting and internal control processes inclusive of Sarbanes-Oxley and other statutory compliance programs. Ensure the development and institutionalization of strong accounting policies, procedures, controls, and reporting systems; communicate such standards across the organization and enforce best practices.
• Provide guidance, training, and support for business unit and operations finance leads to ensure that reporting and compliance objectives are achieved.
• Support management by providing sound financial and strategic advice to assist in the effective management of the business.
• Interface with Treasury and Tax to ensure effective integration of data and reporting.
• Effectively manage the quarter-end and year-end audit process and relationships with external auditors.

DESIRED OUTCOMES

• Develop a global service delivery strategy for the accounting function focused on improved effectiveness and efficiency in the shared services model approach.
• Develop and execute a forward-looking financial systems strategy and roadmap that supports automation, scalability, and data driven decision making.
• Strengthen internal controls and compliance, ensuring compliance with SOX and other regulatory requirements.
• Lead and develop a high-performing organization, fostering accountability, continuous improvement and innovation.

IDEAL EXPERIENCE

Financial leadership experience in positions of increasing scope and responsibility at companies with significant international operations. Will have led a geographically disperse finance/accounting function. Experience with public company external reporting requirements. Solid knowledge of US GAAP and regulatory environment. Experience with global accounting operations including use of third-party accounting service providers. Experience in a complex, global manufacturing organization with geographically dispersed sales, engineering and factories is a plus.

Superior analytical skills

Demonstrated ability to analyze financial results to identify variations and trends that indicate possible exposures and the need for countermeasures.

Organizational development experience

A track record of recruiting, developing, coaching, training and retaining top talent. A focus on developing talent and bench strength as a coach and mentor; capable of providing staff members with opportunities for professional and personal growth.

Certification and bachelor’s degree required

Candidate credentials will include an undergraduate degree or international equivalent of a four-year college degree in accounting, finance, or other related discipline. Appropriate certification, such as a CPA, CMA, or an MBA or other advanced degree will be given preferred consideration.

Leading Change and Driving Results

• Identifies needed changes and has the conviction and ability to present a point of view to senior management and key stakeholders.
• Challenges assumptions about “the way things are done.” The successful candidate will be able to say “no” while at the same time offering alternative solutions.
• Adjusts communication style to the audience to help them understand and accept the change.
• Enables higher performance by incrementally improving approaches based on calculated risks and benefits.
• Benchmarks own performance against industry best practices.
• Proactively seeks to improve processes and implement best in class solutions, raising quality and productivity in a calculated way.
• Identifies new processes and systems to improve productivity and efficiency.

Leading People

• Empowers the entire team to deliver on strategic objectives.
• Passes leadership responsibilities down through the organization, ensuring alignment with the overall strategy and direction.
• Sets up forums or practices to reinforce independent and open communication among team members.
• Gives the team broader visibility inside the organization, including publicly recognizing its accomplishments.

OTHER PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS

• Integrity, credibility, and character with demonstrated moral and ethical behavior.

Compensation & Benefits Details

• An employee’s pay position within the salary range may be based on several factors including but not limited to (1) relevant education; qualifications; certifications; and experience; (2) skills, ability, knowledge of the job; (3) performance, contribution and results; (4) geographic location; (5) shift; (6) internal and external equity; and (7) business and organizational needs.
• The salary range is what we believe to be the range of possible compensation for this role at the time of this posting. We may ultimately pay more or less than the posted range and this range is only applicable for jobs to be performed in California, Colorado, New York or remote jobs that can be performed in California, Colorado and New York. This range may be modified in the future.
• If your position is non-exempt, you are eligible for overtime pay pursuant to company policy and applicable laws. You may also be eligible for shift differential pay, depending on the shift to which you are assigned.

• You will be eligible to be considered for bonuses under either Western Digital’s Short Term Incentive Plan (“STI Plan”) or the Sales Incentive Plan (“SIP”) which provides incentive awards based on Company and individual performance, depending on your role and your performance. You may be eligible to participate in our annual Long-Term Incentive (LTI) program, which consists of restricted stock units (RSUs) or cash equivalents, pursuant to the terms of the LTI plan. Please note that not all roles are eligible to participate in the LTI program, and not all roles are eligible for equity under the LTI plan. RSU awards are also available to eligible new hires, subject to Western Digital’s Standard Terms and Conditions for Restricted Stock Unit Awards.

• We offer a comprehensive package of benefits including paid vacation time; paid sick leave; medical/dental/vision insurance; life, accident and disability insurance; tax-advantaged flexible spending and health savings accounts; employee assistance program; other voluntary benefit programs such as supplemental life and AD&D, legal plan, pet insurance, critical illness, accident and hospital indemnity; tuition reimbursement; transit; the Applause Program; employee stock purchase plan; and the Western Digital Savings 401(k) Plan.
• Note: No amount of pay is considered to be wages or compensation until such amount is earned, vested, and determinable. The amount and availability of any bonus, commission, benefits, or any other form of compensation and benefits that are allocable to a particular employee remains in the Company's sole discretion unless and until paid and may be modified at the Company’s sole discretion, consistent with the law.

You will be central to how the product organization operates—streamlining processes, aligning resources, and helping translate vision into results.

Key Responsibilities:

• Partner directly with the Chief Product Officer to drive strategy execution, streamline operations, and manage key priorities across Western Digital’s product lines
• Lead and coordinate high-impact, cross-functional programs, including independent execution of time-sensitive or strategically critical initiatives, must be a change agent
• Act as a primary liaison for the CPO with internal stakeholders, executive leadership, and external partners, ensuring alignment and timely communication
• Participate in financial planning activities including budgeting, headcount forecasting, and strategic investment alignment
• Deliver strategic insights, data-driven analysis, and recommendations to improve product performance and organizational effectiveness
• Build and maintain operational systems that improve decision-making, communication, and execution across the product organization
• Prepare executive-level presentations, board materials, and product strategy documents in collaboration with the CPO
• Ensure accountability and progress on key initiatives by managing follow-through, reporting, and priority tracking across departments

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Engineering, Business, or a related field
• 10+ years of experience in program/project management, strategy, or business operations in a technology company
• Strong understanding of Western Digital’s products, technologies, and industry landscape , especially around enterprise and cloud data storage
• Demonstrated capability in workforce planning, financial modeling, and cross-functional coordination
• High financial acumen with experience supporting P&L, budgeting, and strategic investment planning
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to influence and align senior stakeholders
• Comfortable operating in dynamic, fast-paced environments with complex, cross-functional challenges
• Highly analytical and results-driven; capable of making fast, informed decisions with incomplete information
• Executive presence, professionalism, and discretion in handling confidential business matters

Preferred Qualifications:

• Previous experience as Chief of Staff or in a strategic role supporting a C-level executive
• Experience in enterprise hardware, storage, or infrastructure markets
• Familiarity with product development methodologies and lifecycle planning
• Advanced degree (MBA or MS in technical field) is a plus

Compensation & Benefits Details

• An employee’s pay position within the salary range may be based on several factors including but not limited to (1) relevant education; qualifications; certifications; and experience; (2) skills, ability, knowledge of the job; (3) performance, contribution and results; (4) geographic location; (5) shift; (6) internal and external equity; and (7) business and organizational needs.
• The salary range is what we believe to be the range of possible compensation for this role at the time of this posting. We may ultimately pay more or less than the posted range and this range is only applicable for jobs to be performed in California, Colorado, New York or remote jobs that can be performed in California, Colorado and New York. This range may be modified in the future.
• You will be eligible to participate in Western Digital’s Short-Term Incentive (STI) Plan, which provides incentive awards based on Company and individual performance. Depending on your role and your performance, you may be eligible to participate in our annual Long-Term Incentive (LTI) program, which consists of restricted stock units (RSUs) or cash equivalents, pursuant to the terms of the LTI plan. Please note that not all roles are eligible to participate in the LTI program, and not all roles are eligible for equity under the LTI plan. RSU awards are also available to eligible new hires, subject to Western Digital’s Standard Terms and Conditions for Restricted Stock Unit Awards.
• We offer a comprehensive package of benefits including paid vacation time; paid sick leave; medical/dental/vision insurance; life, accident and disability insurance; tax-advantaged flexible spending and health savings accounts; employee assistance program; other voluntary benefit programs such as supplemental life and AD&D, legal plan, pet insurance, critical illness, accident and hospital indemnity; tuition reimbursement; transit; the Applause Program, employee stock purchase plan, and the Western Digital Savings 401(k) Plan.
• Note: No amount of pay is considered to be wages or compensation until such amount is earned, vested, and determinable. The amount and availability of any bonus, commission, benefits, or any other form of compensation and benefits that are allocable to a particular employee remains in the Company's sole discretion unless and until paid and may be modified at the Company’s sole discretion, consistent with the law.

Today’s exceptional challenges require your unique skills. Together, we can build the future of data storage.

You are expected to work with the highest level of confidentiality, understanding the needs of the executive and fostering relationships across the business to deliver desired outcomes. You need to be organized and innovative, able to balance competing priorities in a fast-paced environment. You must be willing to pitch in and work collaboratively to execute effectively and efficiently.

You need to be a self-starter and detail-oriented with superior written and verbal communication skills. You have a strong executive presence and can maintain the utmost level of professionalism.

Supporting an executive for a company spread across the globe, at times you will need to be flexible with working hours, and self-time management will be necessary. Daily in-office presence at WD’s Great Oaks office is required.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Calendar Management: Ensure the leaders time is well organized and used to best support the goals of group and the broader company.
• Meeting Planning and Organization: Assist the leader in the planning and organizing of internal and external meetings, team off sites, country visits, and other meetings.
• General Inquiries: Act as the source for inquiries into the leaders’ office and the ability to refer routine matters to appropriate parties.
• Correspondence/Approvals: Act as a proxy for communications and approvals, where applicable.
• Tool Management: Manage expense reports, Statements of Work and Purchase Orders, and become savvy with WD’s internal tools such as M365, Co-Pilot etc.
• Briefing Documents: Manage briefing documents for key internal/external meetings and create briefing packets for business trips.
• Projects: Partners with key stakeholders within the group and other senior leaders on special projects, as needed.
• Travel: Manage the leaders travel needs, including planning optimum travel arrangements
• Community: Build the necessary communities to further drive your own development, and to support your peers across the business.

REQUIRED

• Advanced knowledge of desktop computer applications such as Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, One Drive, SharePoint
• Highly organized, resourceful, and detail-oriented
• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks at the same time
• Ability to work unsupervised
• Utmost integrity and professionalism

SKILLS

• Must be a team player, able to work across multiple different teams
• Ability to carefully manage the time of the executive, while also ensuring openness, being approachable and easy to deal with
• Demonstrated ability to partner with peers for shared success

Based on our experience, we anticipate that the application deadline will be

Compensation & Benefits Details

• An employee’s pay position within the salary range may be based on several factors including but not limited to (1) relevant education; qualifications; certifications; and experience; (2) skills, ability, knowledge of the job; (3) performance, contribution and results; (4) geographic location; (5) shift; (6) internal and external equity; and (7) business and organizational needs.
• The salary range is what we believe to be the range of possible compensation for this role at the time of this posting. We may ultimately pay more or less than the posted range and this range is only applicable for jobs to be performed in California, Colorado, New York or remote jobs that can be performed in California, Colorado and New York. This range may be modified in the future.
• If your position is non-exempt, you are eligible for overtime pay pursuant to company policy and applicable laws. You may also be eligible for shift differential pay, depending on the shift to which you are assigned.
• You will be eligible to participate in Western Digital’s Short-Term Incentive (STI) Plan, which provides incentive awards based on Company and individual performance. Depending on your role and your performance, you may be eligible to participate in our annual Long-Term Incentive (LTI) program, which consists of restricted stock units (RSUs) or cash equivalents, pursuant to the terms of the LTI plan. Please note that not all roles are eligible to participate in the LTI program, and not all roles are eligible for equity under the LTI plan. RSU awards are also available to eligible new hires, subject to Western Digital’s Standard Terms and Conditions for Restricted Stock Unit Awards.
• We offer a comprehensive package of benefits including paid vacation time; paid sick leave; medical/dental/vision insurance; life, accident and disability insurance; tax-advantaged flexible spending and health savings accounts; employee assistance program; other voluntary benefit programs such as supplemental life and AD&D, legal plan, pet insurance, critical illness, accident and hospital indemnity; tuition reimbursement; transit; the Applause Program; employee stock purchase plan; and the Western Digital Savings 401(k) Plan.
• Note: No amount of pay is considered to be wages or compensation until such amount is earned, vested, and determinable. The amount and availability of any bonus, commission, benefits, or any other form of compensation and benefits that are allocable to a particular employee remains in the Company's sole discretion unless and until paid and may be modified at the Company’s sole discretion, consistent with the law.

Today’s exceptional challenges require your unique skills. Together, we can build the future of data storage.

Reporting to the Chief Strategy Officer, you will partner closely with the Strategy team and other senior leaders to the executive.

In this role, you will be trusted to work with the highest level of confidentiality, understanding the needs of the executive while carefully balancing relationship building across the business. You will need to be organized and innovative, while thriving in a fast-paced environment. You must have a can-do attitude, and be willing to pitch in and help others, to execute effectively and efficiently.

You will need to have strong attention to detail and ability to manage competing priorities. A strong written and verbal communication skills, and ability to maintain the utmost level of professionalism is required.

Supporting an executive for a company spread across the globe, at times you will need to be flexible with working hours, and self-time management will be necessary.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Calendar Management: Ensure the leaders time is well organized and used to best support the goals of group and the broader company.
• Meeting Planning and Organization: Assist the leader in the planning and organizing of internal and external meetings, team off sites, country visits, and other meetings.
• General Inquiries: Act as the source for inquiries into the leaders office and the ability to refer routine matters to appropriate parties.
• Correspondence/Approvals: Act as a proxy for communications and approvals, where applicable.
• Tool Management: Manage expense reports, SOW’s and PO’s, and become savvy with WD’s internal tools such as M365, Co-Pilot etc.
• Briefing Documents: Manage briefing documents for key internal/external meetings and create briefing packets for business trips.
• Projects: Partners with key stakeholders within the group and other senior leaders on special projects, as needed.
• Travel: Manage the leaders travel needs, including planning optimum travel arrangements
• Community: Build the necessary communities to further drive your own development, and to support your peers across the business.

• Advanced knowledge of desktop computer applications such as Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, One Drive, SharePoint
• Highly organized, resourceful, and detail-oriented
• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks at the same time
• Ability to work unsupervised
• Utmost integrity and professionalism
• Must be a team player, able to work across multiple different teams
• Ability to carefully manage the time of the executive, while also ensuring openness, being approachable and easy to deal with
• Demonstrated ability to mentor and guide other administrators, as well as partner with peers for shared success

Requirements:

• Engage with Executive and C-suite Leadership: Collaborate closely with senior leadership, ensuring seamless communication and alignment.
• Onsite Presence and Operational Awareness: Maintain a consistent and proactive presence at headquarters to stay informed on key developments and organizational dynamics.
• Document Preparation and Communication: Demonstrate proficiency in preparing clear, concise documents, including PowerPoint presentations, straightforward Excel models, and meeting summaries, leveraging AI tools for efficiency.
• Experience in a Global, Multinational Environment: Navigate the complexities of working across multiple time zones and manage cross-functional teams within a global organization.
• Minimum of 8 years supporting an Executive Vice President / Senior Vice President (equivalent), of a large public company; ideally having exposure to consulting environment
• Daily presence at WD’s Great Oaks office is required.

Skills:

• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Excellent time management skills

Compensation & Benefits Details

• An employee’s pay position within the salary range may be based on several factors including but not limited to (1) relevant education; qualifications; certifications; and experience; (2) skills, ability, knowledge of the job; (3) performance, contribution and results; (4) geographic location; (5) shift; (6) internal and external equity; and (7) business and organizational needs.
• The salary range is what we believe to be the range of possible compensation for this role at the time of this posting. We may ultimately pay more or less than the posted range and this range is only applicable for jobs to be performed in California, Colorado, New York or remote jobs that can be performed in California, Colorado and New York. This range may be modified in the future.
• If your position is non-exempt, you are eligible for overtime pay pursuant to company policy and applicable laws. You may also be eligible for shift differential pay, depending on the shift to which you are assigned.
• You will be eligible to participate in Western Digital’s Short-Term Incentive (STI) Plan, which provides incentive awards based on Company and individual performance. Depending on your role and your performance, you may be eligible to participate in our annual Long-Term Incentive (LTI) program, which consists of restricted stock units (RSUs) or cash equivalents, pursuant to the terms of the LTI plan. Please note that not all roles are eligible to participate in the LTI program, and not all roles are eligible for equity under the LTI plan. RSU awards are also available to eligible new hires, subject to Western Digital’s Standard Terms and Conditions for Restricted Stock Unit Awards.
• We offer a comprehensive package of benefits including paid vacation time; paid sick leave; medical/dental/vision insurance; life, accident and disability insurance; tax-advantaged flexible spending and health savings accounts; employee assistance program; other voluntary benefit programs such as supplemental life and AD&D, legal plan, pet insurance, critical illness, accident and hospital indemnity; tuition reimbursement; transit; the Applause Program; employee stock purchase plan; and the Western Digital Savings 401(k) Plan.
• Note: No amount of pay is considered to be wages or compensation until such amount is earned, vested, and determinable. The amount and availability of any bonus, commission, benefits, or any other form of compensation and benefits that are allocable to a particular employee remains in the Company's sole discretion unless and until paid and may be modified at the Company’s sole discretion, consistent with the law.