The Intellectual Property Group (IPG) is responsible for the strategic management of Microsoft’s industry leading intellectual property portfolio. This includes building a strong and robust intellectual property asset base to advance Microsoft’s corporate strategy through acquisitions and divestitures, formation of joint-ventures and industry consortiums, and negotiation of complex cross-licensing agreements and strategic alliances. Strategic management efforts also encompass monetization of the patent portfolio through a variety of revenue programs.
The IPG Finance team is responsible for business development and strategy, management and oversight of equity investments, asset acquisitions and divestitures, portfolio management, finance, and operations.
Scope
The right candidate will have meaningful contribution to driving analysis of revenue, business credits and costs associated with IPG’s patent portfolio.
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IP License Revenue: The right candidate will drive market intelligence and revenue analysis for IP licensing programs. IP licensing programs are highly complex and dynamic given the proliferation of smart devices and garners a significant level of senior leadership attention. The role includes both ad hoc market and revenue analysis as well as rhythm of the business responsibilities.
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Business Credits: A key component to some IP licenses is business credits which provide an offset to IP license revenue for certain business value derived by Microsoft through business collaboration with the licensee. This provides a rare opportunity to learn about core businesses and business models across different organizations at Microsoft.
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Patent Costs: One of the most significant costs associated with Microsoft’s patent portfolio is the patent filing, maintenance and prosecution fees over the lifetime of the patents. Estimating these costs requires a complex framework and analysis of our patent filing, maintenance and prosecution strategy.
The complexity and high profile of the role presents a great opportunity for a high potential individual to familiarize themselves with the IP world and eventually transition to a more senior role in the Finance organization. The role has a strong business excellence component with rhythm requirements and complex orchestration across several BGs. The role also requires strong business insights and significant senior executive communication and presentations skills.
Responsibilities
- Annual Budget Process and Quarterly Financial Forecast - assist with the annual budget, 3-year plan and quarterly forecast process. This includes modeling forecasted royalty revenue, business credits, and patent fees, working with IPG management to understand long-term expectations for these items, and communicating with Central Finance Teams to ensure completeness and accuracy.
- Reporting & Market Analysis – conduct due diligence on licensees based on market intelligence, and perform efficacy evaluations from business credits in our IP deals.
- Quarterly Business and Midyear Reviews - participate in the development and delivery of presentations designed to communicate financial performance from a quarterly, annual and long-term perspective.
- Coordinate with patent strategy team on updated strategies and plans for patent filing, prosecution, and maintenance.
- Coordinate with relevant product finance and business planning teams to measure and estimate the metrics associated with the business credits.
- Monitor market news and activity related to devices to help inform volume forecasting.
Qualifications
- 5+ years financial or accounting experience
- Strong modeling and problem solving skills, with a history of delivering actionable analysis
- Excellent cross-group collaboration and business partnering that drive results
- Ability to communicate clearly, concisely, and professionally both written and verbally
- Attention to detail, pride in data accuracy, and a proven ability to meet tight deadlines
- Advanced Excel and PowerPoint skills
- Previous experience with Microsoft financial reporting systems/tools is desired
- BS/BA degree in finance, economics, business administration or accounting or related field.
Microsoft is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran status, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws, regulations and ordinances. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. If you need assistance and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application or the recruiting process, please send a request via the Accommodation request form.
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