Canonical is a leading provider of open source software and operating systems to the global enterprise and technology markets. Our platform, Ubuntu, is very widely used in breakthrough enterprise initiatives such as public cloud, data science, AI, engineering innovation and IoT. Our customers include the world's leading public cloud and silicon providers, and industry leaders in many sectors. We are also a pioneer of global distributed collaboration, with 1000+ colleagues in 70+ countries and very few roles based in offices. Teams meet two to four times yearly in person, in interesting locations around the world, to align on strategy and execution.

The company is founder led, profitable and growing. We are hiring a Systems & Controls Accountant with experience to drive best practices in systems, processes, and controls.

In our finance function we aspire to set the industry pace for speed and accuracy of reporting. We aim to achieve this by driving our product pricing and terms, contracting, sales processes and systems into alignment.

We are looking for a professionally qualified accounting leader with expertise in NetSuite to build scalable processes, automated through correct and auditable implementations in NetSuite, Salesforce and other connected business systems.

This lead will work across teams including product management, legal, FP&A, sales operations and commercial business systems to align understanding and ensure that the accounting and revenue recognition treatment of contracts and products is straightforward and correct, with a very high level of automation. Perhaps unusually we prefer a leader with deep personal interest in the software and technology industry, and ideally some data analytics and software engineering experience. The Systems & Controls Accountant will ensure the proper application of revenue accounting guidance for public market scrutiny. Ideally they will also be technically savvy and able to work effectively with technical teams and software engineers.

This is a driving position which requires confidence in presentation, setting goals, and directing the work of others. We expect to grow a team with a particular emphasis on systems and automation, that puts us at the top of the leaderboard for clarity, correctness, transparency and speed of reporting as a global tech company.

Location: This role is home-based in EMEA time zones, with the option to be based in our London office. It will report to our Global Head of Accounting.

Key responsibilities

Lead complex NetSuite configuration, workflows, customization, and integration
Implement best practices for data governance, security, and compliance within NetSuite and connected systems.
Demonstrate proficiency in script understanding and problem resolution
Develop and maintain reports, dashboards, and KPIs to provide insights into business performance
Coordinate regular system maintenance, upgrades, and troubleshooting to ensure optimal performance and reliability
Provide training and support to end-users to enhance their efficiency and proficiency with NetSuite.
Oversee Sandbox accounts for development and testing, ensuring seamless deployment of customizations and updates to the production environment
Stay updated on new NetSuite features and functionalities, assessing their potential impact on business processes
Drive process and systems improvements across teams for end-to-end automation of the full financial life cycle
Incorporate industry best practices and emerging technology to raise the bar for reporting speed and accuracy
Mentor and aid in developing the wider team of accounting and finance professionals
Develop and maintain effective internal over revenue transactions and reporting
Research and write accounting memos on relevant policy matters
Act as the primary liaison with external auditors in related matters

Valued skills and experience

An exceptional academic track record from both high school and university
An undergraduate degree in Accounting or Finance, or a compelling narrative about your alternative chosen path
CPA, CA or equivalent with excellent technical accounting skills and IFRS experience
A detailed understanding of IFRS and relevant rules related to SaaS and services
Leadership or management responsibility
Drive and a track record of going above-and-beyond expectations
Experience of software licensing, subscription and services revenue accounting and operations
Experience driving and scaling accounting processes in a high-growth environment
Experience with ERP, Rev Rec, CRM, CPQ and other relevant software categories - NetSuite and Salesforce preferred
Experience in a multi-country multi-currency, operations and tax environment
Professional written and spoken English
Excellent interpersonal skills, curiosity, flexibility, and accountability
Thoughtfulness and self-motivation
Result-oriented, with a personal drive to meet commitments
Ability to travel twice a year, for company events up to two weeks long

Systems & Controls Accountant

EMEA, Americas

Remote

Senior

Canonical