Technical accounting lead

Overview

A high-growth software company in the sustainability sector is seeking a highly experienced Technical Accounting Lead to manage complex and judgment-intensive areas of financial statements. This role involves designing strategic accounting frameworks, authoring technical memos, and operationalizing key accounting standards in a rapidly evolving regulatory environment.

The position serves as the primary technical accounting authority, focusing on Revenue Recognition (ASC 606), Capitalized Commissions (ASC 340-40), and Internally Developed Software (ASC 350-40). The role also supports month-end close, audit preparation, and financial reporting, collaborating closely with finance and cross-functional teams.

This role is preferred to be based in San Francisco or New York City, with options for US remote work.

Responsibilities

Technical Accounting & Policy

• Own technical accounting for revenue recognition (ASC 606), including review of non-standard contracts, identification of complex terms, and drafting technical revenue memos.
• Manage end-to-end accounting for capitalized commissions (ASC 340-40), including calculation of capitalization rates, amortization periods, and monthly journal entries.
• Lead accounting for internally developed software (ASC 350-40) by partnering with Engineering and Product teams to track development projects and determine capitalization versus expense treatment.
• Author and maintain high-quality technical accounting memos, policies, and standard operating procedures.

Product & Commercial Enablement

• Act as primary accounting partner for new product launches, partnerships, strategic transactions, pricing changes, and monetization experiments.
• Translate technical accounting conclusions into practical guidelines influencing product design, deal structure, and go-to-market strategies.
• Collaborate with Product and Engineering teams to define and validate revenue data pipelines and create scalable accounting workflows.
• Serve as accounting lead in cross-functional forums, proactively identifying risks and driving informed decisions.

Operational Accounting & Reporting

• Participate actively in month-end close activities for technical accounting areas, including journal entries, reconciliations, and variance analyses.
• Lead preparation of monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements in accordance with US GAAP, including footnote disclosures.
• Manage external audit processes, including preparation of audit schedules, technical position papers, and responses to inquiries.
• Drive automation initiatives for contract intake, SSP allocation, and revenue reporting.
• Define long-term priorities for revenue automation and continuous process improvements leveraging AI tools, ERP features, or emerging technologies.

Requirements

• Minimum 8 years of progressive accounting experience with deep expertise in technical revenue accounting and ASC 606 across SaaS, consumption-based, and professional services arrangements.
• CPA certification required.
• Experience in both Big 4 or accounting advisory and high-growth technology environments is highly valued.
• Strong proficiency in US GAAP, especially ASC 340-40 (Capitalized Commissions) and ASC 350-40 (Internal-Use Software).
• Extensive contract review experience including multi-element arrangements, milestone-based statements of work, usage-based models, and complex enterprise agreements.
• Proven ability to advise Product and Go-To-Market teams on pricing, monetization strategy, and revenue recognition implications.
• Systems-oriented mindset with ability to bridge technical accounting conclusions with system implementation ensuring GAAP compliance and scalability.
• Excellent communication skills to explain complex accounting concepts to non-accountants and translate technical conclusions into practical guidelines.
• Detail-oriented and organized with willingness to prepare journal entries, reconciliations, and own schedules.
• Experience working in high-growth SaaS or technology companies.

Preferred Qualifications

• Hands-on experience with NetSuite and Salesforce.
• Experience with IPO readiness, public company reporting, or SOX compliance environments.
• Experience implementing or optimizing revenue recognition systems or commission automation tools.

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary for San Francisco or New York City locations: $183,000 - $240,000 annually.
• Salary for US remote roles: $170,000 - $228,000 annually.

Location & Work Arrangement

• Preferred office locations: San Francisco or New York City.
• US remote work option available.
• Employees in office locations are expected to work onsite four days per week.

Interview Process

• Initial conversations to discuss experience and interests.
• Follow-up skill or experience interviews tailored to the role.
• Virtual or in-person interview panels.
• The process emphasizes transparency and minimizing surprises.

Accessibility

Reasonable accommodations are provided during the recruitment process for candidates with disabilities, long-term conditions, mental health needs, religious observances, neurodivergence, or pregnancy-related support requirements.