Technical Accounting Manager - M&A and SEC/IPO Readiness

Zendesk•Austin, TX

43d•$102,000 - $154,000•Hybrid

About The Position

What you'll be doing M&A Transaction Support Lead the technical accounting analysis for M&A transactions, globally. Prepare and review purchase accounting, including identification and valuation of acquired assets and liabilities (PPA), and calculation of goodwill. Draft technical accounting memos detailing key issues and conclusions. Advise cross-functional teams on accounting implications of deal structures and terms (e.g., working capital mechanisms, earn-outs, contingent consideration, stock vs cash, etc.). Liaise with external advisors (e.g., valuation specialists, auditors) to ensure accurate accounting treatment. Assist with due diligence, including review of target companies' accounting policies and historical financial information, and anticipating post-close accounting and operational risks. Oversee integration of purchase accounting entries into operational systems and processes. IPO & SEC Reporting Readiness Serve as a key technical resource on the accounting team as the company prepares to go public. Lead preparation and review of financial statements in accordance with SEC and US GAAP requirements, including S-1 filings, pro forma financials, and Management's Discussion & Analysis (MD&A). Ensure timely and accurate implementation of new accounting standards and regulatory changes impacting IPO or public company reporting. Draft and maintain technical accounting memos for complex transactions and policies, supporting audit and regulatory reviews. Work closely with external auditors, legal counsel, and advisors to ensure IPO milestones and reporting obligations are met. Support the design and enhancement of internal controls over financial reporting (ICFR/SOX readiness). Partner cross-functionally with Legal, Investor Relations, and Corporate Development to ensure technical accounting issues are identified and resolved in advance of public reporting. Accounting Policy & Reporting Monitor, research, and interpret new accounting standards and pronouncements related to M&A (e.g., ASC 805, ASC 350, ASC 360, IFRS 3). Update and create internal accounting guidelines, policies, and controls to reflect best practices and regulatory requirements. Support reporting and disclosures for M&A activity, as applicable. Drive technical accounting projects outside of M&A and IPO, such as revenue recognition reviews, stock-based compensation, leases, and complex financing arrangements. Provide guidance on non-routine transactions, including debt/equity financing, capital structure changes, and derivative accounting. M&A Integration Work closely with local teams to integrate acquired companies into standard accounting processes. Work cross-functionally with internal functions such as Procurement, Treasury, and FP&A to support integration efforts. Support integration of new entities to Zendesk systems such as Coupa and NetSuite. Project Management & Collaboration Work closely with Corporate Development, Legal, Tax, FP&A, and business unit leaders throughout the deal lifecycle. Drive continuous improvement in M&A related processes, controls, and systems.

Requirements

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Accounting.
CPA preferred; Big 4 public accounting experience preferred.
5+ years of professional accounting experience, with at least 2+ years of technical accounting or M&A transaction experience.
In-depth knowledge of US GAAP (particularly ASC 805, ASC 350, ASC 360).
Strong technical accounting research and documentation skills.
Excellent analytical, communication, and organizational skills.

Nice To Haves

Experience with SEC reporting requirements for business combinations a plus.
Proficient with ERP systems and financial reporting tools (e.g., NetSuite) preferred.

Responsibilities

Lead the technical accounting analysis for M&A transactions, globally.
Prepare and review purchase accounting, including identification and valuation of acquired assets and liabilities (PPA), and calculation of goodwill.
Draft technical accounting memos detailing key issues and conclusions.
Advise cross-functional teams on accounting implications of deal structures and terms (e.g., working capital mechanisms, earn-outs, contingent consideration, stock vs cash, etc.).
Liaise with external advisors (e.g., valuation specialists, auditors) to ensure accurate accounting treatment.
Assist with due diligence, including review of target companies' accounting policies and historical financial information, and anticipating post-close accounting and operational risks.
Oversee integration of purchase accounting entries into operational systems and processes.
Serve as a key technical resource on the accounting team as the company prepares to go public.
Lead preparation and review of financial statements in accordance with SEC and US GAAP requirements, including S-1 filings, pro forma financials, and Management's Discussion & Analysis (MD&A).
Ensure timely and accurate implementation of new accounting standards and regulatory changes impacting IPO or public company reporting.
Draft and maintain technical accounting memos for complex transactions and policies, supporting audit and regulatory reviews.
Work closely with external auditors, legal counsel, and advisors to ensure IPO milestones and reporting obligations are met.
Support the design and enhancement of internal controls over financial reporting (ICFR/SOX readiness).
Partner cross-functionally with Legal, Investor Relations, and Corporate Development to ensure technical accounting issues are identified and resolved in advance of public reporting.
Monitor, research, and interpret new accounting standards and pronouncements related to M&A (e.g., ASC 805, ASC 350, ASC 360, IFRS 3).
Update and create internal accounting guidelines, policies, and controls to reflect best practices and regulatory requirements.
Support reporting and disclosures for M&A activity, as applicable.
Drive technical accounting projects outside of M&A and IPO, such as revenue recognition reviews, stock-based compensation, leases, and complex financing arrangements.
Provide guidance on non-routine transactions, including debt/equity financing, capital structure changes, and derivative accounting.
Work closely with local teams to integrate acquired companies into standard accounting processes.
Work cross-functionally with internal functions such as Procurement, Treasury, and FP&A to support integration efforts.
Support integration of new entities to Zendesk systems such as Coupa and NetSuite.
Work closely with Corporate Development, Legal, Tax, FP&A, and business unit leaders throughout the deal lifecycle.
Drive continuous improvement in M&A related processes, controls, and systems.