Lead Accountant

CircleCI • San Francisco, CA

31d • $110,000 - $156,750 • Hybrid

About The Position

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.

Requirements

• 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

Nice To Haves

• 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

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

Benefits

• 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.

What This Job Offers

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