Lead Accountant
CircleCI · San Francisco · $110,000–$156,750 (stated in the posting)
Reports to: Senior Accounting Manager
OVERVIEW
We're seeking an experienced Lead Accountant to support GL operations and drive continuous improvements across our global organization with 8 subsidiaries across North America, Europe, and Asia. You will prepare and reconcile GL accounts, work collaboratively with our Staff Accountant and Finance team, drive process improvements and enhance, and leverage AI to enhance close efficiency and financial accuracy. This high-impact role offers exposure to all accounting operations while bringing fresh perspectives, operational excellence, and collaborative leadership. As a startup, this is a dynamic role where you'll support the team wherever needed as the business evolves. Reports to: Senior Accounting Manager.
CORE RESPONSIBILITIES
- Prepare and reconcile GL accounts including but not limited to: cash, fixed assets, accruals, prepaids, leases, and intercompany transactions; identify trends and improve processes
- Code and reconcile credit card transactions (Brex, corporate cards); ensure compliance with policy and accurate GL posting; improve policies and procedures
- Prepare and post GL journal entries for month-end close and operational activity, including interest, prepaid amortization, accruals, and fixed assets depreciation
- Mentor to Staff Accountant: GL treatments, accounting standards, and policy application; coach on complex accounting scenarios and decision-making
- Provide flexible support to Staff Accountant with GL operations and AP coverage as needed (Bill.com processing, invoice approvals, vendor payments); serve as technical resource for GL questions
- Document GL processes, procedures, and controls; maintain accounting documentation and audit trails; establish best practices where applicable
- Identify opportunities to leverage AI and automation tools (e.g., intelligent reconciliation, anomaly detection, data matching) to streamline workflows; support implementation efforts
- Analyze GL data trends, variances, and unusual account activity; provide financial insights to leadership and improve processes and controls
- Provide support for audits and statutory reporting; communicate GL findings and implications to stakeholders; work with external auditors on close-related items
- Proactively manage accounting inbox, compliance items, and ad hoc requests; work independently with critical thinking and questioning mindset to solve complex issues
- Collaborate cross-functionally with Finance and other departments on GL and accounting matters; provide insight and recommendations on topics that impact broader business processes
QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE
Required
- BA/BS in Accounting or Finance
- 4-6 years GL accounting or accounting operations experience, preferably in a Senior Accountant or Lead role
- Demonstrated ability to work on varied accounting problems with judgment and initiative
- Proficiency with accounting systems including NetSuite and Floqast
- Strong Excel skills with ability to analyze data, identify patterns, and create solutions
- Comfortable using AI tools to enhance productivity and decision-making (e.g., Claude Cowork, Gemini) for analysis, documentation, and process improvement
Preferred
- CPA license (or eligible to obtain)
- Startup or high-growth company experience
- GAAP and accounting best practices knowledge
- Experience mentoring or providing guidance to accounting team members
- Strong collaborative and communication skills; works well with team members across all levels
- Naturally curious about processes and why things work the way they do; always looking for better, smarter, more efficient ways to operate and identifying improvement opportunities
- Experience with multi-entity or international accounting structures
KEY ATTRIBUTES
- Detail-oriented with strong organizational and communication skills; ability to explain complex GL concepts to stakeholders
- Humble, collaborative, and team-focused; willing to do whatever is needed to support the team and get the work done
- Brings judgment and initiative to problem-solving; makes recommendations and drives continuous improvement
- Adaptable to changing priorities and willing to roll up sleeves
- Proactive problem-solver committed to accuracy, compliance, and continuous improvement; handles non-routine issues with creative approaches
- Brings solutions-oriented thinking, fresh perspectives, and critical thinking to operations
- Comfortable with AI and automation tools; actively seeks opportunities to improve workflows
- Strong technical accounting knowledge, mentoring capability, and ability to work both independently and collaboratively
Work Environment
Hybrid position based in San Francisco. Fast-paced, innovative environment where continuous improvement, automation, and efficiency are core to our culture.
We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.
About CircleCI
CircleCI is the world’s largest continuous integration/continuous delivery (CI/CD) platform, and the hub where code moves from idea to delivery. As one of the most-used DevOps tools - processing more than 3 million jobs a day - CircleCI has unique access to data on how the most effective engineering teams work, and the tools to help software companies successfully leverage the power of AI into their commercial applications. Companies like Hinge, HuggingFace, and Samsung use us to improve engineering team productivity, release better products, and get to market faster.
Founded in 2011 and headquartered in downtown San Francisco with a global, remote workforce, CircleCI is venture-backed by Base10, Greenspring Associates, Eleven Prime, IVP, Sapphire Ventures, Top Tier Capital Partners, Baseline Ventures, Threshold
Ventures, Scale Venture Partners, Owl Rock Capital, Next Equity Partners, Heavybit, and Harrison Metal Capital.
CircleCI is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, transgender status, sexual stereotypes, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. We also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories, consistent with applicable federal, state and local law.
How CircleCI Uses AI in Hiring
At CircleCI, people make our hiring decisions. We use technology to support our recruiting team so they can spend more time on what matters most: getting to know you.
Where we may use AI
- Job descriptions and messaging: AI may help draft job descriptions and role-specific messaging so they are clear and accurate.
- Application review: For some roles, we use an AI tool to review applications, including resumes and application responses, against criteria our hiring team sets for the role. The tool generates a fit score and summary to help recruiters organize and prioritize applications.
- Interview notes: With advance notice, an AI note-taking tool may join interviews to record, transcribe, and summarize the conversation. This lets interviewers focus on talking with you. You will be told before each interview, and you may opt out at any stage by letting your recruiter know. If you opt out, the tool will not join, and your candidacy is not affected.
- Outreach: AI may help draft candidate outreach and scheduling messages, which our team reviews before sending.
Our commitment
AI does not make hiring decisions at CircleCI. Our recruiters and hiring teams review candidates and make every decision to advance or reject an application. No candidate is rejected based solely on an AI score. We have tools and processes in place to test for bias and to review how these tools perform, and we adjust our approach as AI technology and the laws that govern it change.
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