Cost Accounting Manager

Company: Canonical
Location: Home-based in EMEA time zones (Option to be based in London office)

About Canonical:
Canonical is a leading provider of open-source software and operating systems, with Ubuntu being widely used in enterprise initiatives like public cloud, data science, AI, and IoT. We are a pioneer of global distributed collaboration, with 1200+ colleagues in 75+ countries. The company is founder-led, profitable, and growing.

About the Role:
We are hiring a Cost Accounting Manager with a passion for systems accounting to drive cost recognition processes, decisions, systems, and reporting. Our finance function aims for industry-leading speed and accuracy by aligning operational processes, cost structures, and financial systems. You will build scalable cost review and cost recognition processes, working across Information Systems, Legal, Business Services, FP&A, and Commercial Business Systems to ensure accurate, consistent, and highly automated accounting treatment of costs.

This management position requires confidence in presentation, goal setting, and directing the work of others. We plan to grow a team focused on cost, systems, and automation to achieve top-tier reporting clarity, correctness, transparency, and speed.

Key Responsibilities:

• Collaborate with Procurement, Commercial Systems, Operations, Legal, and FP&A teams to design and maintain scalable cost management, allocation, and reporting processes.
• Drive process and configuration improvements in NetSuite and related systems for end-to-end automation of the cost lifecycle.
• Incorporate industry best practices, emerging technology, and AI to enhance reporting speed and accuracy.
• Review and evaluate the cost recognition impact of non-standard expenses.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of cost accounting and systems accounting professionals.
• Assist in month-end cost close, including reconciliations, fluctuation analysis, and other reporting.
• Develop and maintain effective internal controls over cost transactions and reporting.
• Research and write accounting memos on significant cost recognition and other related policy matters.
• Act as the primary liaison with external auditors on purchase-to-pay matters.
• Ensure compliance with internal policies and regulatory requirements while identifying and managing cost accounting risks.

Valued Skills and Experience:

• Exceptional academic track record.
• Undergraduate degree in Accounting or Finance, or a compelling alternative path.
• CPA, ACCA, or equivalent with excellent technical accounting skills and IFRS experience.
• Detailed understanding of IFRS 16, IFRS 18, and relevant rules for SaaS and services.
• Leadership or management responsibility.
• Track record of exceeding expectations.
• Experience managing cost accounting processes and operational expenses.
• Experience driving cost recognition and scaling accounting processes in a high-growth environment.
• Experience with ERP and operational finance systems (NetSuite preferred).
• Experience in a multi-country, multi-currency 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).

Additional Optional Skills:

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

What We Offer Colleagues:

• Distributed work environment with twice-yearly team sprints in person.
• Personal learning and development budget of USD 2,000 per year.
• Annual compensation review.
• Recognition rewards.
• Annual holiday leave.
• Maternity and paternity leave.
• Team Member Assistance Program & Wellness Platform.
• Opportunity to travel to new locations to meet colleagues.
• Priority Pass and travel upgrades for long-haul company events.