Cost Accounting Manager in London

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. We are hiring a Cost Accounting Manager, ideally a candidate with a passion for systems accounting, to drive cost recognition processes, decisions, systems, and reporting.

In our finance function, we aspire to set the industry pace for speed and accuracy of reporting by driving alignment across operational processes, cost structures, and financial systems to ensure consistency, transparency, and efficiency. We are looking for a professionally qualified accounting leader with expertise in cost accounting and IFRS (including IFRS 16/IAS38) to build scalable cost review and cost recognition processes.

This role will work across teams including Information Systems, Legal, Business Services, Financial Planning & Analysis, and Commercial Business Systems to align understanding and ensure that the accounting treatment of costs, vendor management, and operational spend is accurate, consistent, and highly automated. The Cost Accounting Manager will ensure the proper application of cost accounting guidance for public market scrutiny.

This is a management position which requires confidence in presentation, setting goals, and directing the work of others. We expect to grow a team focused on cost with an emphasis on systems and automation, aiming 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 Financial Controller.

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 life cycle.
• Incorporate industry best practices, emerging technology, and AI to raise the bar for 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 in matters related to purchase-to-pay.
• Ensure compliance with internal policies and regulatory requirements while identifying and managing cost accounting risks.

Valued skills and experience:

• An exceptional academic track record from both high school and university.
• An undergraduate degree in Accounting or Finance, or a compelling narrative about your alternative chosen path.
• CPA, ACCA or equivalent with excellent technical accounting skills and IFRS experience.
• A detailed understanding of IFRS 16, IFRS 18 and relevant rules related to SaaS and services.
• Leadership or management responsibility.
• A track record of going above-and-beyond expectations.
• Experience in 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, including procurement, expense management, and reporting platforms — NetSuite preferred.
• Experience in a multi-country multi-currency operations and tax 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 long.

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 a desire to work with motivated colleagues.
• MBA or other relevant business degree.

What we offer colleagues:

• We consider geographical location, experience, and performance in shaping compensation worldwide.
• We revisit compensation annually 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.
• 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.

Canonical is a pioneering tech firm at the forefront of the global move to open source. We recruit on a global basis and set a very high standard for people joining the company. We expect excellence; in order to succeed, we need to be the best at what we do. Canonical is an equal opportunity employer and we are proud to foster a workplace free from discrimination.