Note: The job is a remote job and is open to candidates in USA. Five9 is a leading provider of cloud contact center software, dedicated to enhancing customer experience. They are seeking a strategic Director of Technical Accounting to lead their technical accounting function, ensuring compliance with US GAAP and IFRS while collaborating with various teams to manage internal-use software capitalization and financial reporting.
Responsibilities
- Serve as the company’s primary authority on complex US GAAP matters, with a deep focus on SaaS industry standards, including Business Combinations (ASC 805), Leases (ASC 842), Debt & Equity (Convertible Bonds, Accelerated Share Repurchases), and Consolidations
- Lead the research, evaluation, and resolution of significant, non-routine business transactions (e.g., M&A, complex equity structures)
- Author, review, and maintain global accounting policies and technical accounting memorandums, ensuring clear communication of accounting positions to senior leadership and external auditors
- Proactively monitor, evaluate, and lead the cross-functional implementation of new FASB standards and pronouncements, assessing their impact on the company’s financial statements, policies, and systems
- Direct the strategy and execution of the internal-use software capitalization process (ASC 350-40 / ASU 2025-06) and cloud computing arrangements
- Establish deep partnerships with Engineering, Product Management, and IT leadership to integrate accounting requirements seamlessly into the software development lifecycle (SDLC), product roadmaps, and agile sprint cycles
- Design and implement scalable systems and workflows to efficiently track engineering costs, precisely differentiate R&D expense from capitalizable application development, and monitor project milestones for accurate amortization
- Act as a financial ambassador to technical teams, educating non-finance leaders on accounting requirements to ensure smooth compliance and data collection without disrupting engineering velocity
- Own the review and tie-out of the month-end and quarter-end close package including tie-out for accuracy and accounting compliance of the core financial statement; plus activities for technical accounting domains (including stock-based compensation and equity), ensuring the accurate preparation and review of related journal entries and account reconciliations
- Own the technical accounting relationship with external auditors, driving the timely resolution of audit inquiries. Ensure all technical accounting processes and documentation strictly adhere to SOX internal control frameworks
- Partner closely with the Director of SEC Reporting to ensure accurate disclosures in financial statements and assist in the preparation of quarterly reporting materials for executive and Board-level audiences
- Collaborate with FP&A and Investor Relations to rigorously review, audit, and tie-out external financial communications, including earnings releases, investor decks, and Q&A scripts
- Act as a trusted advisor to Legal, Corporate Development, Tax, Treasury, and Stock Administration, providing critical accounting guidance during contract negotiations and strategic business planning
- Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing technical accounting function (including managing external valuation specialists or accounting consultants as needed)
- Establish and manage the Company’s Finance and Accounting technical training program, elevating the overall US GAAP proficiency of the broader finance organization
- Champion process improvements and automation within the technical accounting and reporting functions to drive efficiency and scale with the company's growth
Skills
- Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field
- An active CPA license is strictly required
- 8-12 years of progressive accounting experience, ideally starting with a Big 4 public accounting firm followed by technical accounting experience within a public SaaS or high-growth technology company
- Proven experience managing, mentoring, and developing at least one direct report
- Deep, practical knowledge of US GAAP
- Must have hands-on experience navigating and implementing ASC 350-40 (Internal-Use Software)
- Demonstrated ability to work closely with highly technical, non-accounting teams (Engineering, IT, Product)
- Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to write clear, concise technical memos and present findings to executive leadership
- Experience with modern cloud-based ERP systems (e.g., NetSuite) and Jira/Jellyfish (for engineering project tracking) is highly preferred
Benefits
- Annual performance bonus
- Stock
- Other applicable incentive compensation plans
- Health, dental, and vision coverage, beginning on the first day of employment. Five9 covers 100% of the employee portion of the health, dental and vision coverage and shares a high portion of the dependent cost.
- Short & Long-Term Disability
- Basic Life Insurance
- 401k saving plan with employer matching
- Access to an innovative mental health support platform that offers personalized care and resources in areas such as: therapy, coaching and self-guided mindfulness exercises for all covered employees and their covered dependents.
- Generous employee stock purchase plan
- Paid Time Off
- Company paid holidays
- Paid volunteer hours
- 12 weeks paid parental leave
Company Overview