ESPN Finance Careers: A Winning Play

ESPN, the leading multinational sports entertainment brand, isn’t just about on-screen talent and captivating sports coverage. Behind the cameras and within the walls of its Bristol, Connecticut headquarters (and other locations), a robust finance department ensures the company’s continued success and profitability. A career in ESPN Finance offers a dynamic and challenging environment for individuals passionate about both numbers and sports. ESPN’s finance team encompasses various roles, from entry-level positions to senior leadership. Opportunities often exist within: * **Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A):** This team is responsible for budgeting, forecasting, and analyzing financial performance. FP&A professionals create financial models, analyze trends, and provide insights to support strategic decision-making. They work closely with various business units to understand their financial performance and identify opportunities for improvement. * **Accounting & Controllership:** This group ensures the accuracy and integrity of ESPN’s financial records. They handle day-to-day accounting operations, prepare financial statements, and ensure compliance with accounting regulations. Roles can range from accounts payable/receivable to general ledger accounting and financial reporting. * **Treasury:** The Treasury department manages ESPN’s cash flow, investments, and debt. They are responsible for ensuring the company has sufficient liquidity to meet its financial obligations and optimize its investment portfolio. * **Tax:** The tax team handles all aspects of ESPN’s tax compliance, including preparing tax returns, managing tax audits, and advising on tax-related matters. * **Internal Audit:** Internal auditors evaluate ESPN’s internal controls and risk management processes to ensure they are effective and efficient. They conduct audits of various business units and provide recommendations for improvement. **What ESPN Looks For:** ESPN seeks highly motivated and analytical individuals with a strong understanding of finance principles. Key qualifications often include: * A bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, economics, or a related field. * Strong analytical and problem-solving skills. * Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. * Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and other financial modeling tools. * Experience with financial systems such as SAP or Oracle. * A passion for sports is a definite plus! **Benefits of Working in ESPN Finance:** Beyond the thrill of working for a globally recognized sports brand, ESPN offers a comprehensive benefits package, including: * Competitive salaries and bonuses. * Comprehensive health insurance. * Paid time off and holidays. * Retirement savings plan. * Employee stock purchase plan. * Opportunities for professional development and advancement. * Access to ESPN events and perks. Working in ESPN Finance provides a unique opportunity to combine a passion for sports with a career in finance. The dynamic environment, challenging projects, and supportive team make ESPN a great place to develop your skills and advance your career in the world of sports finance. Keep an eye on the Disney Careers website (search for ESPN) for open positions and take your shot at joining a winning team!