Vice President, Product Finance

Job Summary:

As a VP of Product Finance at Disney, you will spearhead efforts to enhance the visibility and financial impact of our product and tech organization within the Disney Entertainment and ESPN segments. This position is essential in developing strategic and operating plans that enhance scalability, flexibility, and efficiency while aligning with the company’s broader objectives. Your leadership will provide direction and innovative (financial) solutions to complex business and growth challenges, fostering collaboration across multiple teams to ensure Disney remains at the forefront of technological innovation. A strategic, tech-savvy, and collaborative approach will be key to leveraging financial insights to support storytelling, creativity, and operational excellence.

Responsibilities and Duties of the Role:

• Lead highly efficient team supporting the Disney Entertainment and Sports Product and Technology organization with a focus on career development and fostering a strong, positive team environment.

• Strategic analysis: Support the Product organization as a thought partner in their strategic assessment of the Product / Technology organization and landscape (e.g. In-sourcing / Out-sourcing; Automation; Vendor assessment, etc.) 

• Evaluate business cases for key growth initiatives, ensuring alignment with the product roadmap, while also addressing key business and organizational challenges

• Lead the development of financial models and forecasts to support strategic decision-making, while driving continuous improvement in financial processes and systems to enhance efficiency and effectiveness

• Manage a highly experienced Tech Finance team to track and manage costs, analyze expenses, and manage hiring pacing to ensure efficient resource allocation. Amplify the interaction between  Tech spend and the related topline impacts driven by the Product org.

• Provide stakeholders with data-driven insights and strategic recommendations, while monitoring and reporting on financial performance to offer insights and recommendations to senior leadership.

Required Education, Experience/Skills/Training:

• 15+ years of progressive work experience in a dynamic and fast-paced organization; minimum 5 years in media and entertainment with experience working in entertainment or tech industry.

• Ability to interface and build relationships with diverse stakeholders at all levels of the organization, particularly business, operational and finance leadership.

• Can lead under pressure, work with ambiguity and complexity, and manage competing priorities.

• Proven record in managing and developing teams for success, motivating them to deliver quality results in challenging timeframes and amidst change.

• Exceptional written and storytelling abilities, plus ability to analyze financial impact of complex legal agreements.

• Strong financial acumen and experience in managing financial performance for a business function or region.

• Proven ability to develop and execute financial strategies aligned with business goals.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with a track record of developing innovative solutions.

• Experience in liaising with product development teams and understanding product roadmaps.

• Proficiency in financial reporting and analysis, with a focus on accountability and transparency.

• Tech-savvy with a strong understanding of leveraging technology for financial processes.

Preferred Qualifications & Experience:

• Experience in the media or entertainment industry

• Knowledge of product development and technological innovation

• Background in strategic analysis and financial planning

• Advanced degree in finance, business administration, or a related field.

Education:

• Bachelor's Degree in Finance, Business Administration, or a related field

• Relevant certifications in finance or strategic planning