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 + 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
1. Lead complex NetSuite configuration, workflows, customization, and integration
2. Implement best practices for data governance, security, and compliance within NetSuite and connected systems.
3. Demonstrate proficiency in script understanding and problem resolution
4. Develop and maintain reports, dashboards, and KPIs to provide insights into business performance
5. Coordinate regular system maintenance, upgrades, and troubleshooting to ensure optimal performance and reliability
6. Provide training and support to end-users to enhance their efficiency and proficiency with NetSuite.
7. Oversee Sandbox accounts for development and testing, ensuring seamless deployment of customizations and updates to the production environment
8. Stay updated on new NetSuite features and functionalities, assessing their potential impact on business processes
9. Drive process and systems improvements across teams for end-to-end automation of the full financial life cycle
10. Incorporate industry best practices and emerging technology to raise the bar for reporting speed and accuracy
11. Mentor and aid in developing the wider team of accounting and finance professionals
12. Develop and maintain effective internal over revenue transactions and reporting
13. Research and write accounting memos on relevant policy matters
14. Act as the primary liaison with external auditors in related matters
Valued skills and experience
15. An exceptional academic track record from both high school and university
16. An undergraduate degree in Accounting or Finance, or a compelling narrative about your alternative chosen path
17. CPA, CA or equivalent with excellent technical accounting skills and IFRS experience
18. A detailed understanding of IFRS and relevant rules related to SaaS and services
19. Leadership or management responsibility
20. Drive and a track record of going above-and-beyond expectations
21. Experience of software licensing, subscription and services revenue accounting and operations
22. Experience driving and scaling accounting processes in a high-growth environment
23. Experience with ERP, Rev Rec, CRM, CPQ and other relevant software categories - NetSuite and Salesforce preferred
24. Experience in a multi-country multi-currency, operations and tax environment
25. Professional written and spoken English
26. Excellent interpersonal skills, curiosity, flexibility, and accountability
27. Thoughtfulness and self-motivation
28. Result-oriented, with a personal drive to meet commitments
29. Ability to travel twice a year, for company events up to two weeks long
Additional, optional skills we value
30. Public company reporting and revenue accounting experience
31. Software implementation, integration and user acceptance
32. Software engineering qualification or experience
33. A passion for technology and a desire to work with motivated colleagues
34. MBA or other relevant business degree
What we offer you
We consider geographical location, experience, and performance in shaping compensation worldwide. We revisit compensation annually (and more often for graduates and associates) to ensure we recognise outstanding performance. In addition to base pay, we offer a performance-driven annual bonus or commission. We provide all team members with additional benefits, which reflect our values and ideals. We balance our programs to meet local needs and ensure fairness globally.
35. Distributed work environment with twice-yearly team sprints in person
36. Personal learning and development budget of USD 2, per year
37. Annual compensation review
38. Recognition rewards
39. Annual holiday leave
40. Maternity and paternity leave
41. Employee Assistance Programme
42. Opportunity to travel to new locations to meet colleagues
43. Priority Pass, and travel upgrades for long haul company events