Meet Seven Employees Supporting Disney Accounting & Finance
Whether you're looking for inspiration, career guidance, or simply intrigued by the movers and shakers in the financial realm, you're in the right place. Follow along as we delve into the career journeys, insights, and contributions of seven professionals supporting accounting and finance who continue to make an impact in their roles at The Walt Disney Company.
Wallace Cornelius, Manager, Financial Systems
Tell us about yourself! Where are you from and what led you to work at Disney?
“I am originally from northeast Pennsylvania but have lived in Florida for 13 years. I have always wanted to work for Disney! I am drawn to Disney because of the professional development opportunities, Disney’s focus on excellence, and the immense impact our products and services have on our guests.”
What is your favorite experience or memory from working at Disney?
“I deployed to Iraq in 2023. Before I left and while I was gone all my leaders, peers, team, and stakeholders showed such support, care, and kindness. It’s an experience that is hard to describe but truly a favorite.”
Jovanna Alvarez, Senior Manager, Global Development
What experiences helped prepare you for your career at Disney?
“My career started in investment banking, covering media companies like Disney. I loved getting to know Disney as a company and made it a goal of mine to eventually move back to LA to work here. I did investment banking for 3 years, followed by a year of investing in early-stage startups, before getting my MBA. After my MBA, I joined Disney and have learned an incredible amount about how a company as big as ours navigates operations across the world, taking into account local regulations, consumer preferences, and different cultures.”
What are some of your main responsibilities?
“I get to work with the various lines of business within Disney Experiences, learning about their strengths, challenges, and long-term goals. I work closely with the teams to run analyses that help us identify opportunities that are financially viable and strategically informed. The most rewarding part of my role is being able to see how passionate and hardworking all my fellow cast members are and how it translates into being able to create wonderful experiences for guests globally.”
Edgar Ruiz, Senior Manager, SEC Financial Reporting
What is your favorite part of your role?
“My favorite part is learning from others at the Company. No matter what role or level, everyone has a unique story and perspective to learn from. I also enjoy the opportunities to share my knowledge and teach others.”
What is your favorite experience from working at Disney?
“One of my favorite memories at the company was attending the Avengers: Infinity War screening at the Frank G. Wells building two days before its wider theatrical release. It was around Marvel Studios’ 10th anniversary, and I remember the excitement and awe on everyone’s face, including mine, walking out of that theater.”
Ian Waterhouse, Director, Integrated Audit
Tell us about your role. Walk us through a day in your life, including your main responsibilities.
“A day in the life of my role primarily includes collaborating with my team and the businesses that we are auditing to help strengthen the Company’s control environment. During each of our audits, we work with business leaders to understand the various risks facing their business, including financial, operational and technology risks that may impact our operations, regulatory requirements or brand. We seek to understand the controls that the business leaders have put in place to mitigate those risks and perform tests on those controls to validate that the controls are operating effectively. If we find controls missing or controls not operating effectively, we work with business leaders to make recommendations on changes they should implement.”
Imagine you’re spending a day off from work at a Disney theme park or resort. Where do you go and what are your must-dos?
“Having started my career at the Jungle Cruise, of course that is a must-do! I love to take friends and family through the park and show them the new additions or areas they may not have experienced before. I personally love to find a quiet spot to sit and absorb the magic of being in a Disney park.”
Stefano Lahoud, Senior Manager, Finance
What inspired you to pursue a career at Disney?
“I am originally from Beirut, Lebanon. I grew up watching the Disney Channel and had the opportunity to go to Disneyland Paris a couple of times throughout my childhood, which helped form the love I have for the Company and its intellectual property. I attended college in the United States and was able to secure an internship post-graduation with Disney, which ultimately led me to a full-time role.”
How does it feel to work for a company with a legacy like Disney’s?
“It feels incredible to have the opportunity to be a part of building the future of the company, not only does it have an incredible impact on the day-to-day lives of millions of people, but the history and legacy that was built here is one of a kind.”
Lauren Morrison, Senior Manager, Identity & Cultural Insights Consumer Insight, Measurement & Analytics
What sets working for Disney apart in your opinion?
“In a short time, I have seen firsthand that Disney genuinely cares about both guests and cast members alike. The level of meticulous detail that goes into our products, offerings, and experiences is done with care and intent to ensure that everyone feels welcome.”
Why do you enjoy the work you do?
“Disney has helped me develop by giving me an opportunity to apply the skills gained in the automotive industry to the travel, theme park, and cruise line industries and to expand the scope of my knowledge about diverse consumer segments. No segment we research is a monolith. Each has unique needs, values, passions, interests, and lived experiences that impact the way that our offerings resonate with them. I appreciate the research we’re doing that helps us to better understand the differences and nuances within diverse consumer segments as well as the universal human truths that resonate across those segments. Both are important to understand as we continue to make magic for the consumer of today and tomorrow!”
Jill Aoki, Senior Manager, Financial Accounting
What’s it like supporting Disney Music Group?
“Disney Music Group is the music hub for The Walt Disney Company, encompassing all aspects of music commercialization and marketing: Recorded Music (Walt Disney Records and Hollywood Records), Disney Music Publishing, and Disney Concerts. Disney Music Group distributes music both physically and digitally, and licenses music throughout the world in various forms of media including television, print, gaming, and consumer products. I find it very rewarding to know that my work contributes to the overall success of Disney Music Group. My team’s work is critical in tracking revenues and expenses, ensuring participants are paid, and evaluating initiatives. I am proud to be a part of Disney’s music!”
What would you say to someone considering an Accounting or Finance career at Disney? Do you have any advice for them?
“Disney is a fantastic place for Accounting and Finance roles! There are so many different businesses to support, ranging from parks, films, music, stores, and more, all requiring Accounting and Finance support. You can find something you like and stay or move around like I have. I’ve had opportunities for career growth through ad hoc projects, training and mentor programs, interim assignments, and more. My career with Disney Accounting has been amazing!”
