Cost Accounting Manager in London

Canonical, a leading provider of open source software and operating systems, is hiring a Cost Accounting Manager. We are looking for a professionally qualified accounting leader with expertise in cost accounting and IFRS 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.

Location: Home‑based in EMEA time zones, with the option to be based in our London office. Reports to the 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:

• Outstanding academic record from high school and university.
• Undergraduate degree in Accounting or Finance, or a compelling narrative about an alternative chosen path.
• CPA, ACCA or equivalent with excellent technical accounting skills and IFRS experience.
• Detailed understanding of IFRS 16, IFRS 18 and relevant rules related to 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, 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.
• 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.