Director, Worldwide Revenue Recognition

MicroStrategy • Tysons, VA

3d

About The Position

The Director, Worldwide Revenue Recognition leads the global revenue recognition function, providing strategic and technical accounting leadership across all revenue-generating activities. This role partners closely with Sales, Legal, Deal Desk, Finance, and Executive Leadership to structure complex arrangements, ensure compliance with U.S. GAAP (ASC 606), and optimize revenue outcomes. The position owns global revenue policy, oversees contract review, drives scalable processes, and manages a team responsible for revenue accounting operations and technical guidance.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance; CPA required
• 12+ years of progressive accounting experience, including public accounting and leadership roles
• Deep expertise in software/SaaS revenue recognition and ASC 606
• Prior experience leading revenue recognition in a global, high-growth technology environment
• Demonstrated experience managing and developing accounting teams
• Strong knowledge of complex software licensing, SaaS, services, and multi-element arrangements
• Proven ability to influence senior executives and cross-functional stakeholders
• Experience working directly with external auditors on technical accounting matters
• Strong analytical, documentation, and problem-solving skills
• Ability to operate strategically while maintaining attention to detail
• Excellent executive-level communication and presentation skills

Nice To Haves

• Experience with revenue accounting systems and ERP platforms preferred

Responsibilities

• Serve as the global subject matter expert on revenue recognition and provide strategic guidance during complex deal structuring and contract negotiations to optimize revenue outcomes while maintaining compliance.
• Partner with Sales, Legal, Deal Desk, and Finance leadership to evaluate non-standard terms, communicate revenue implications, and propose alternative structures to minimize revenue deferrals.
• Oversee review and analysis of global software, SaaS, services, and multi-element arrangements; ensure appropriate accounting conclusions and documentation.
• Own and maintain global revenue recognition policies in accordance with ASC 606 and evolving accounting guidance.
• Lead research and interpretation of complex technical accounting issues and communicate conclusions to executive leadership and auditors.
• Direct worldwide quarterly and annual revenue close activities, including review of revenue memos, disclosures, and analytics.
• Serve as primary liaison with external auditors for all revenue recognition matters.
• Establish scalable global processes and internal controls to support company growth and new business models.
• Lead implementation of new revenue recognition initiatives related to product offerings, pricing models, acquisitions, and geographic expansion.
• Provide strategic leadership for system enhancements impacting revenue recognition (e.g., ERP, CPQ, RevPro, or equivalent tools).
• Build, develop, and manage a high-performing global revenue recognition team; provide coaching, performance management, and career development.
• Collaborate with FP&A and senior finance leadership on forecasting implications of revenue accounting decisions.
• Drive cross-functional education and training on revenue recognition principles for Sales, Legal, and Finance teams.
• Lead special projects, including M&A integration, new product launches, and process automation initiatives.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director