Director: Regional VASS Controllership

Director: Regional VASS Controllership

Full-Time 100000 - 150000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead accounting governance for innovative payment solutions across multiple regions.
  • Company: Join Mastercard, a global leader in digital payments and technology.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, professional growth opportunities, and a chance to make a global impact.
  • Other info: Be part of a mission-driven team that empowers economies worldwide.
  • Why this job: Shape the future of finance while ensuring financial integrity in a dynamic environment.
  • Qualifications: 12+ years in accounting leadership with expertise in U.S. GAAP and complex revenue recognition.

The predicted salary is between 100000 - 150000 £ per year.

Our Purpose Mastercard powers economies and empowers people in 200+ countries and territories worldwide. Together with our customers, we’re helping build a sustainable economy where everyone can prosper. We support a wide range of digital payments choices, making transactions secure, simple, smart and accessible. Our technology and innovation, partnerships and networks combine to deliver a unique set of products and services that help people, businesses and governments realize their greatest potential.

About Mastercard Mastercard is a global technology company in the payments industry. Our mission is to connect and power an inclusive, digital economy that benefits everyone, everywhere by making transactions safe, simple, smart, and accessible. Using secure data and networks, partnerships and passion, our innovations and solutions help individuals, financial institutions, governments and businesses realize their greatest potential.

Position Overview The Director, VASS Controllership provides senior level accounting leadership and governance for Value Added Services & Solutions (VASS) across the Regions (AP, EEMEA, Europe, LAC and NAM). This role ensures consistent application of accounting policy, controls, processes and governance while enabling the business to scale rapidly, move faster on go‑to‑market initiatives, while ensuring alignment with Corporate Controllership. The role has been established to strengthen regional execution, improve responsiveness, and mitigate financial integrity and audit risks associated with rapid VASS growth.

Role & Responsibilities

  • Serve as the senior controllership partner to regional VASS business leaders, FP&A and product teams.
  • Provide expert guidance on complex accounting matters including:
    • Revenue recognition (market‑wide initiatives, contra vs. expense)
    • Bundles, Funds, and go‑to‑market program structures
    • Gross vs. net assessments and considerations
  • Ensure early controllership engagement in new VASS products, pricing bulletins and scale initiatives.
  • Design, implement and monitor robust front and back‑end controls for VASS activities within the region.
  • Ensure compliance with Mastercard accounting policies, SOX requirements and internal governance standards.
  • Proactively identify and remediate risks related to fragmented execution, inconsistent accounting treatment and rapid business expansion.
  • Act as the primary regional owner for VASS controllership matters, resolving the majority of VASS inquiries locally.
  • Support the business with accounting matters by ensuring:
    • Timely issue resolution
    • Consistent accounting application
    • Scalable and repeatable processes
  • Support regional delivery of Funds, Bundles, impairment reviews and VASS specific assessments.
  • Partner with Corporate Controllership to execute global accounting guidance and policy changes at the regional level.
  • Drive standardization of VASS accounting treatments, documentation and controls across markets.
  • Collaborate closely with:
    • Corporate Controllership
    • FP&A and Finance Business Partners
    • Tax and Legal
    • GBSC
  • Act as a bridge between regional execution and corporate policy intent.
  • Produce quarterly VASS reporting packs to Corporate Controllership.

All About you

  • CPA, ACA or equivalent professional qualification preferred.
  • Minimum of 12 years of progressive controllership / accounting leadership experience, preferably in a multinational environment.
  • Deep expertise in U.S. GAAP; with an emphasis in complex revenue recognition and product‑driven business models. IFRS knowledge is a plus.
  • Extensive experience in technical accounting, financial reporting or audit (public accounting and/or large multinational environment).
  • Proven ability to handle complex, ambiguous accounting issues and influence senior stakeholders.
  • Excellent communication and presentation skills - particularly for technical accounting documentation and audit support.
  • Experience creating and delivering presentations for training events.
  • Must have strong attention to detail and the ability to work independently through obstacles.
  • Comfortable owning ambiguity and scaling new models.
  • Strong influencer across Finance and Business leadership.
  • Trusted advisor with high credibility at both regional and corporate levels.

Corporate Security Responsibility All activities involving access to Mastercard assets, information, and networks comes with an inherent risk to the organization and, therefore, it is expected that every person working for, or on behalf of, Mastercard is responsible for information security and must:

  • Abide by Mastercard’s security policies and practices.
  • Ensure the confidentiality and integrity of the information being accessed.
  • Report any suspected information security violation or breach, and
  • Complete all periodic mandatory security trainings in accordance with Mastercard’s guidelines.

Director: Regional VASS Controllership employer: Mastercard

Mastercard is an exceptional employer that champions a culture of innovation and inclusivity, empowering employees to thrive in a dynamic environment. With a strong commitment to professional growth, employees benefit from extensive training opportunities and the chance to work on impactful projects that shape the future of digital payments. Located in a vibrant region, Mastercard offers a collaborative atmosphere where diverse perspectives are valued, making it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding careers.

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Contact Details:

Mastercard Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Director: Regional VASS Controllership

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to connections in the industry, attend events, and engage on platforms like LinkedIn. We can’t stress enough how personal connections can open doors that applications alone can’t.

Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Understand Mastercard’s mission and values, and think about how your experience aligns with their goals. We want you to shine when it’s your turn to impress!

Tip Number 3

Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors to refine your answers and boost your confidence. We believe that being well-prepared can make all the difference in landing that dream job.

Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to follow up after interviews! A simple thank-you email can leave a lasting impression. We recommend expressing your appreciation and reiterating your enthusiasm for the role – it shows you’re genuinely interested!

We think you need these skills to ace Director: Regional VASS Controllership

Accounting Leadership
Governance
Revenue Recognition
Complex Accounting Matters
U.S. GAAP
IFRS Knowledge
Technical Accounting

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Director: Regional VASS Controllership role. Highlight your expertise in accounting leadership, especially in multinational environments, to catch our eye!

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about joining Mastercard and how your background in complex revenue recognition can contribute to our mission of powering an inclusive digital economy.

Showcase Your Communication Skills:Since this role involves influencing senior stakeholders, make sure to demonstrate your excellent communication skills in your application. Whether it's through your CV or cover letter, clarity and professionalism are key!

Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for the best chance of being noticed. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it gets to the right people!

How to prepare for a job interview at Mastercard

Know Your Numbers

As a candidate for the Director of Regional VASS Controllership, you need to be well-versed in U.S. GAAP and complex revenue recognition. Brush up on key accounting principles and be ready to discuss how you've applied them in previous roles. This will show your expertise and confidence in handling complex accounting matters.

Showcase Your Leadership Skills

This role requires strong leadership and the ability to influence senior stakeholders. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully led teams or projects, particularly in a multinational environment. Highlight how you’ve navigated ambiguity and driven standardisation in accounting practices.

Prepare for Technical Questions

Expect technical questions related to financial reporting, audit processes, and compliance with accounting policies. Review common scenarios that may arise in VASS controllership and think through your responses. Being able to articulate your thought process will demonstrate your problem-solving skills.

Communicate Clearly

Excellent communication is key for this position. Practice explaining complex accounting concepts in simple terms, as you may need to present to non-financial stakeholders. Consider preparing a short presentation on a relevant topic to showcase your ability to convey information effectively.