Do you want to shape the future of children's publishing through strategic leadership and financial excellence? Random House Children's Books, the home of iconic authors and unforgettable series and brands, is seeking a visionary finance leader to step into the role of Vice President, Director of Finance and Business Strategy.
Reporting directly to the division's President, you'll play a vital role in guiding both day-to-day financial operations and long-term business strategic direction. You'll partner closely with the divisional lead team which includes the deputy publisher, publishers, and department heads, as well as the corporate finance team to ensure the continued growth and impact of our books and brands for the next generation of readers.
This role is perfect for a finance professional who's not just numbers-driven, but purpose-driven - someone who believes in the power of storytelling and wants their work to have a meaningful cultural footprint.
Specific responsibilities i nclude:
Lead the Finance Function for the #1 Kids Publisher in the U.S.
Manages and mentors a talented finance team of three.
Oversees budgeting, forecasting, variance analysis, and strategic modeling to support titles that inspire millions of young readers.
Delivers timely and insightful reporting to senior leadership, connecting financial trends with creative and operational decisions.
Ensures compliance with financial standards, policies, and audit processes in partnership with Corporate Finance.
Act as a Strategic Partner
Advises on key acquisitions, title development, pricing strategies, and inventory decisions.
Collaborates with the Legal and Contracts teams on deal structuring and negotiation,especially for licensed properties.
Analyzes and interprets business drivers - from sales velocity to cost structures - to recommend actionable steps for growth and efficiency.
Guides strategic priorities across the division and help optimize resource allocation, partnering with the production team and other departments.
Drive Long-Term Growth
Identifies and communicates risks, opportunities, and industry trends that influence financial performance.
Provides financial support for licensing deals, joint ventures, and potential M&A opportunities.
Maintains strong relationships with licensors, agents, and external partners - including reviewing forecasting and reporting.
Please apply if you meet the following qualifications:
A bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field; MBA preferred
10+ years of progressive experience in finance or accounting - ideally in children's publishing, media, or entertainment
Advanced Excel skills; experience with SAP, Power BI, and Anaplan a plus
A big-picture thinker with a sharp analytical mind and clear communication style
Someone who thrives in cross-functional environments, balancing structure with flexibility
Experience managing a team, with a collaborative leadership approach
A genuine interest in the creative industries, especially children's media and publishing
The salary range for this position is $170,000 - $225,000. All positions are currently eligible for an annual profit award or bonus, subject to company results. ?
This is a hybrid position with in-office responsibilities. We will consider candidates who can work from a commutable distance to our offices at 1745 Broadway, which includes the tri-state area (NJ, CT, & PA).
Please apply by August 22, 2025 and include your resume and cover letter for consideration. Before applying for any role at Penguin Random House, we recommend you review our applicant resources page (https://careers.penguinrandomhouse.com/applicant-resources/) and our FAQs page. (https://careers.penguinrandomhouse.com/applicant-resources/frequently-asked-questions/)
Why Join Us?
At Random House Children's Books, you'll help build the future of reading. You'll be part of a creative, mission-driven team that publishes over 800 new books a year that make kids fall in love with stories.
You'll work with licenses such as Disney, Nickelodeon, and Sesame Street; classic brands including Dr. Seuss, Richard Scary, Leo Lionni, the Boxcar Children, Magic Tree House, and Junie B. Jones; best-selling, award-winning books like The Phantom Tollbooth, The Golden Compass, Wonder , The Wonderful Things You Will Be, All Are Welcome , Eragon, and The Good Girl's Guide to Murder.
With hybrid flexibility (minimum 3 days in-office), top-tier benefits, and the chance to lead meaningful strategic initiatives, this is your opportunity to make a real difference in an industry that matters.
Penguin Random House job postings include a good faith compensation range for each open position. The salary range listed is specific to each particular open position and takes into account various factors including the specifics of the individual role, and candidate's relevant experience and qualifications.
Full-time employees are eligible for our comprehensive benefits program. Our range of benefits include, but are not limited to, Medical/Prescription drug insurance, Dental, Vision, Health Care/Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account, Health Savings Account, Pre-Tax and Roth 401(k), Short and Long-Term Disability Insurance, Life/AD&D Insurance, Commuter Benefits, Student Loan Repayment Program, Educational Assistance & generous paid time off.
Penguin Random House is the leading adult and children's publishing house in North America, the United Kingdom and many other regions around the world. In publishing the best books in every genre and subject for all ages, we are committed to quality, excellence in execution, and innovation throughout the entire publishing process: editorial, design, marketing, publicity, sales, production, and distribution. Our vibrant and diverse international community of nearly 300 publishing brands and imprints include Ballantine Bantam Dell, Berkley, Clarkson Potter, Crown, DK, Doubleday, Dutton, Grosset & Dunlap, Little Golden Books, Knopf, Modern Library, Pantheon, Penguin Books, Penguin Press, Penguin Random House Audio, Penguin Young Readers, Portfolio, Puffin, Putnam, Random House, Random House Children's Books, Riverhead, Ten Speed Press, Viking, and Vintage, among others. More information can be found at http://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/.
Penguin Random House values the array of talents and perspectives that a diverse workforce brings. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, national origin, religion, age, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or protected veteran status.
Company: Penguin Random House LLC | Job ID: 282117
Date: Aug 14, 2025
Location:
New York, NY, US, NY 10019
