Principal, Controller – Accounting & Operations

Company Overview

Blue Owl (NYSE: OWL) is a leading asset manager redefining alternatives® with over $315billion in assets under management as of March
312026. We invest across Credit, Real Assets, and GP Strategic Capital platforms, providing private capital solutions to businesses and differentiated investment opportunities to institutional and individual investors. Dedicated to delivering strong performance, risk‑adjusted returns, and capital preservation, our global team of 1,390+ professionals drives growth and discipline.

Principal, Controller – Compensation Accounting & Operations is a senior finance leader responsible for the firm’s global compensation finance, accounting, payroll operations, and workforce‑level forecasting. The role delivers end‑to‑end ownership of compensation‑related financial processes, including forecasting and analytics, global payroll operations, equity and capital event execution, and regulatory compliance, while serving as a strategic partner to senior leadership.

• Own monthly, quarterly, and annual compensation accounting close processes, including journal entry review, reconciliations, and analytical review.
• Execute cash and equity compensation programs, reviewing and implementing complex compensation arrangements.
• Manage end‑to‑end global payroll operations, including expansion into new jurisdictions.
• Oversee transfer agent reporting and operational execution of capital events such as share issuances, distributions, exchanges, and transfers in an Up‑C structure.
• Lead firmwide compensation planning, forecasting, and analytics, delivering reporting that supports executive decision‑making.
• Collaborate with SEC Reporting, Tax, and Legal partners on quarterly and annual deliverables, including compensation‑related disclosures, tax reporting inputs, and complex transaction support.
• Oversee and maintain SOX controls for compensation processes, ensuring audit readiness and reviewing third‑party assurance reports (e.g., SOC).
• Partner with Human Resources and senior leaders on annual compensation cycles and complex compensation initiatives throughout the year.
• Develop deep expertise in the firm’s compensation plans and structures.
• Lead continuous improvement across compensation accounting, payroll operations, and forecasting by identifying, evaluating, and implementing technology, automation solutions, and systems integrations.
• Standardize processes and controls to improve scalability, accuracy, and efficiency as the firm grows.
• Lead and develop a global team of approximately 20 professionals, both onshore and offshore.
• Coach team members, provide clear development paths, and create opportunities for growth and increased responsibility.
• Establish clear goals aligned with firm guidance, performance metrics, and feedback mechanisms to drive accountability and operational excellence.

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or a related field; CPA or equivalent preferred.
• 15+ years of progressive experience in accounting or finance roles, with meaningful ownership of compensation processes.
• Strong understanding of compensation‑related accounting standards (e.g., ASC
  718), audit processes, and financial planning and analysis.
• Experience operating in a SOX‑controlled environment; public company close and reporting experience strongly preferred.
• Proven success leading and developing onshore and offshore teams.
• Advanced experience with financial systems, data, and automation tools; ability to translate business requirements into scalable processes.
• Familiarity with Oracle, Anaplan, and Workday or similar platforms strongly preferred.

Base annual salary range: $225,000plus. Actual salaries may vary based on skill, experience, and qualification for the role. Employees may be eligible for a discretionary bonus based on individual and team performance.

Blue Owl is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, protected veteran status, and other statuses protected by law.