Vice President & Assistant Controller

Our mission is to create the Experience of a Lifetime for our employees, so they can, in turn, create the Experience of a Lifetime for our guests. We own and operate the most renowned destination resorts in the world as well as regional and local ski areas outside major cities, and connect them all through one unrivaled network. We are looking for ambitious leaders, innovators and creators to join our talented team. If you’re ready to pursue your fullest potential, we want to get to know you!

Candidates for year-round positions are reviewed on a rolling basis. Applications will be accepted up to 90 days after the posting date, or until the position is filled (whichever is first).

Job Summary:

The Vail Resorts Finance Team is committed to Building Leaders and Driving Value.  The VP Accounting, Assistant Controller is a critical role for the Vail Resorts Finance Team and an integral member of the finance senior leadership team.  This position leads a team of professionals with day-to-day responsibility for the Company’s North America accounting and consolidated financial reporting. Specific oversight responsibilities including Vail’s Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) reporting under US GAAP, technical accounting (US GAAP/IFRS) and internal controls over financial reporting, revenue accounting, general ledger accounting, capital asset accounting, and acquisition and transaction support.  The position is responsible for setting, maintaining and executing a strategic vision, including a focus on continuous improvement and talent development.  This role partners extensively across the organization with operations leaders to evaluate the impact to Vail Resorts’ published financial results from proposed transactions, acquisitions, real estate projects and other complex accounting matters.  The role is responsible for the leadership and development of the talent on the Assistant Controller’s team which is a critical part of the success for the finance department at Vail Resorts. 

The VP Accounting, Assistant Controller will report directly to the Chief Accounting Officer (CAO) within the Vail Resorts Finance organization.

The Assistant Controller is a pragmatic, partner-minded, business-oriented accountant and strategic partner of high intellect and demonstrated technical acumen with an eye toward continuous process improvement.  The Assistant Controller has full accountability for all external reporting matters, and ensures integrity of all financial reporting.  The Assistant Controller has the ability to navigate through complex business and accounting issues, complete technical research, including the adoption of new accounting standards, by utilizing internal resources and outside advisors to reach practical and defensible conclusions.  He or she has the ability to clearly and accurately identify the accounting issues inherent in a given situation and articulate recommended solutions logically, rationally and convincingly.  Beyond first-rate accounting skills, the Assistant Controller is able to be proactive and out front of potential issues and can see beyond the “black and white” of situations to help the Company reach solutions.  The Assistant Controller has a strong business/commercial orientation and is responsible for the following:

Job Responsibilities:

• Supports the CAO in determining accounting conclusions for all material business decisions, including growth strategies, investments, acquisitions and partnerships;
• Owns all financial reporting, including all SEC reporting and statutory reporting;
• Ensures that effective internal controls are in place and ensures compliance with relevant (most commonly US GAAP and IFRS);
• Oversees regulatory compliance for all accounting matters, including the adoption of new accounting pronouncements.
• Responsible for the Company’s annual external audit, including the coordination with and management of third parties required to support the process such as external auditors and advisory experts;

• Responsible for the Company’s views on technical accounting matters;
• Oversight for all day-to-day accounting activities associated with the Company’s North America operations, including leading the Capital Asset Accounting, Revenue Accounting, and General Ledger Accounting teams
• Responsible for and/or manages third party advisory services related to due diligence associated with potential merger and acquisition activity;
• Assists with financial reviews, budgeting, forecasting, public investor communications and executive level discussions;
• Provides strategic perspective on capital structuring and M&A structuring, including capital allocation, accounting, purchase accounting, and due diligence;

• Apply broad and deep subject matter expertise to solve a variety of highly complex business issues;
• Effectively manage and continue to build high performing capabilities and strong development culture of the accounting team to ensure that the team sustainably drives value for the Company;
• Build relationships and establish trust across the organization to also challenge leaders across the organization.

Approach & Behavior – Cultural Characteristics & Leadership Qualities :

• Credible businessperson who will be a trusted expert to senior management.  Must be an influential advisor, bold and courageous, with the ability to constructively challenge and hold others accountable.
• Strong agile learner.  Enjoys and excels in environments where he/she must tackle and solve new and increasingly complex strategic business challenges and issues—incorporating the newest ideas, technologies, and approaches.
• Authentic individual with impeccable integrity whose personal and professional values are consistent with Vail Resorts’ mission and vision.
• A brave, ambitious, and passionate leader who is comfortable in his/her own skin while also demonstrating a high level of emotional intelligence and self-awareness.
• A skilled communicator and relationship builder who takes a global perspective and is able to connect with all levels and areas of the organization around the world.
• Performance-driven and change-oriented leader who shows ingenuity and fortitude in overcoming obstacles to achieve a bigger impact in an increasingly competitive marketplace.
• Inspirational coach, leader, colleague, and culture champion.

Job Requirements:

The Assistant Controller is an experienced business and accounting professional with the background and interpersonal skill sufficient to function successfully in a highly visible, growth-enabling and challenging position.  The following background is strongly preferred:

• Bachelor’s degree and CPA required.  MBA or advanced degree preferred;
• Public accounting experience preferred;
• A minimum of 12+ years’ experience as a practicing accountant and experience as an Assistant Controller in a mid-size to large-cap public company and/or other experience with comparable technical and leadership requirements;
• Strong technical accounting pedigree and experience with complex accounting issues including mergers and acquisitions;
• Strong leadership presence that creates a high sense of accountability and integrity throughout the organization and promotes a positive and supportive work environment; demonstrated ability to coach and develop team members;
• Strong communicator with ability to succinctly articulate business and accounting issues to finance and non-finance audiences alike;
• Creative problem-solver who exercises sound judgment and who confidently makes measured decisions based on accurate and timely analysis;
• Experience with and desire to work in fast-paced, growth-oriented environment;
• Experience navigating through complex leadership challenges; high level of self-awareness and focus on own development areas;
• Demonstrates expert written and verbal communication skills; excellent responsiveness and follow up with strong business acumen skills;
• Demonstrates a continuous improvement mentality and drive/passion for career development and growth;
• Experience working with Senior Executives, synthesizing information, developing insights to be used in making strategic decisions and communicates effectively.  Must possess the ability to influence others, including Senior Executives;
• Experience building and leading highly effective teams and displays strong capabilities for talent assessment, including providing direct and candid feedback;
• Superb attention to detail balanced by ability to focus on the "big picture".

The expected Total Compensation for this role is $240,000 - $280,000 + annual bonus + equity. Individual compensation decisions are based on a variety of factors.
 

Job Benefits

• Ski/Mountain Perks! Free passes for employees, employee discounted lift tickets for friends and family AND free ski lessons
• MORE employee discounts on lodging, food, gear, and mountain shuttles
• 401(k) Retirement Plan
• Employee Assistance Program
• Excellent training and professional development

Full Time roles are eligible for the above, plus:

• Health Insurance; Medical Insurance, Dental Insurance, and Vision Insurance plans (for eligible seasonal employees after working 500 hours)
• Free ski passes for dependents
• Critical Illness and Accident plans

Vail Resorts offers a ‘Hybrid’ work environment where employees living within 50 miles of the Broomfield office work on-site Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and have flexibility to work off-site on Mondays and Fridays.  Employees living outside of a commutable distance can work remotely from British Columbia, Washington D.C., and the 16 U.S. states* in which we currently operate. This includes: California, Colorado, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New York, Nevada, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Utah, Vermont, Washington State, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.

Please note that the ability to work in person or off-site, and the particulars related to such work, are subject to change at any time; and, accordingly, the Company reserves the right to change its policies and/or require in-person/in-office work or off-site work at any time in its sole discretion. 

In completing this application, and when submitting related documentation, applicants may redact information that identifies their age, date of birth, and/or dates of attendance at or graduation from an educational institution. 

We follow all federal, state, and local laws including restrictions on child/minor labor. Minors hired into this position will not be asked or permitted to engage in any activities restricted to adult workers.

Vail Resorts is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, protected veteran status or any other status protected by applicable law.

Requisition ID  509172
Reference Date: 06/17/2025 
Job Code Function: Accounting