Systems & Controls Accountant

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Canonical is a leading provider of open source software and operating systems to the global enterprise and technology markets. Our platform, Ubuntu, is widely used in breakthrough enterprise initiatives such as public cloud, data science, AI, engineering innovation and IoT. Our customers include leading public cloud and silicon providers, and industry leaders across sectors. We are a globally distributed team with 1000+ colleagues in 70+ countries. Teams meet two to four times per year in person 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 aligning product pricing, contracting, sales processes and systems. 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 with product management, legal, FP&A, sales operations and commercial business systems to ensure that the accounting and revenue recognition treatment of contracts and products is straightforward and correct, with a high level of automation. Ideally, we prefer a leader with a deep personal interest in the software and technology industry, and some data analytics and software engineering experience. The role will ensure proper application of revenue accounting guidance for public market scrutiny and work effectively with technical teams and software engineers.

This is a driving position which requires confidence in presenting, setting goals, and directing the work of others. We expect to grow a team with emphasis on systems and automation to achieve clear, correct, transparent and fast 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 reports 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
• Provide training and support to end-users to enhance their efficiency with NetSuite
• Oversee Sandbox accounts for development and testing, ensuring smooth deployment of customizations
• Stay updated on new NetSuite features and assess their impact on business processes
• Drive process and systems improvements for end-to-end automation of the full financial life cycle
• Adopt industry best practices and emerging technology to improve reporting speed and accuracy
• Mentor and develop the wider team of accounting and finance professionals
• Develop and maintain effective internal controls over revenue transactions and reporting
• Research and write accounting memos on relevant policy matters
• Act as primary liaison with external auditors

Valued Skills And Experience

• Strong academic track record from high school and university
• Undergraduate degree in Accounting or Finance, or a compelling alternative narrative
• CPA, CA or equivalent with excellent technical accounting skills and IFRS experience
• Detailed understanding of IFRS and relevant SaaS/services rules
• Leadership or management experience
• Drive and a track record of going above and beyond
• Experience with software licensing, subscription and services revenue accounting and operations
• Experience scaling accounting processes in a high-growth environment
• Experience with ERP, Rev Rec, CRM, CPQ and other relevant software; NetSuite and Salesforce preferred
• Experience in a multi-country, multi-currency environment with operations and tax considerations
• Professional written and spoken English
• Excellent interpersonal skills, curiosity, flexibility, and accountability
• Thoughtfulness and self-motivation
• Result-oriented with a drive to meet commitments
• Ability to travel up to two weeks twice a year for company events

Additional, Optional Skills We Value

• Public company reporting and revenue accounting experience
• Software implementation, integration and user acceptance
• Software engineering qualification or experience
• A passion for technology and collaboration with motivated colleagues
• MBA or other relevant business degree

What we offer you

We consider location, experience and performance in shaping compensation worldwide. In addition to base pay, we offer a performance-driven annual bonus or commission. We provide all team members with benefits reflecting our values. We balance programs to meet local needs globally.

• Distributed work environment with twice-yearly in-person team sprints
• Personal learning and development budget of USD 2,000 per year
• Annual compensation review
• Recognition rewards
• Annual holiday leave
• Maternity and paternity leave
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Opportunity to travel to new locations to meet colleagues
• Travel upgrades for long-haul company events

About Canonical

Canonical is a pioneering tech firm at the forefront of the global move to open source. We publish Ubuntu, a critical open source project and a platform for AI, IoT and cloud. We recruit on a global basis and set high standards for new team members. Most colleagues work from home. Working at Canonical challenges you to think differently, work smarter, and raise your game.

Canonical is an equal opportunity employer. We foster a workplace free from discrimination and value diversity of experience, perspectives, and background. All applicants will be given fair consideration.

• Mid-Senior level

• Full-time

• Finance

• Software Development

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