Senior Manager, Accounting Operations

About the Role

The role involves owning significant portions of the close-to-reporting lifecycle, driving SOX-ready control design and execution, and partnering cross-functionally to build a scalable, automated, and audit-ready financial infrastructure. This requires balancing hands-on technical accounting execution with strategic process design, influencing systems architecture, close acceleration, and financial data integrity across the enterprise. The Senior Manager will operate as a key leader within the controllership organization, making this a high-visibility role with significant impact on the company's financial operations.

Given Openai's commitment to innovation and its pioneering work in AI, this role offers the unique opportunity to contribute to a company that is pushing the boundaries of what is possible with artificial intelligence. The company's hybrid work model, which includes 3 days in the office per week, and its relocation assistance program, make it an attractive option for professionals looking for a balanced and supportive work environment.

What You Will Do

• Lead the end-to-end close and reporting cycle for designated areas, ensuring timely and accurate results.
• Prepare and review journal entry, reconciliation, and flux review processes, setting standards and driving quality.
• Own balance sheet integrity, including root-cause analysis of period-over-period movements and remediation of process/control gaps.
• Partner with Strategic Finance/FP&A to deliver clear narratives on actuals vs. budget/forecast and improve forecast-to-close connectivity.
• Work closely with Business Systems on Oracle workflows and integrations to standardize processes, automate controls, and improve data integrity.
• Support accounting execution for acquisitions, system migrations, and new business launches, including close integration planning and readiness assessments.
• Design, implement, and own SOX-ready processes and controls, ensuring compliance and audit readiness.
• Manage external audit and advisory interactions for your areas, including PBC execution and issue resolution.
• Identify opportunities to automate manual processes, leveraging AI and system enhancements to streamline accounting and reporting.
• Contribute to broader finance transformation initiatives, including system enhancements, standardization, and designing scalable operating models.

What We Are Looking For

• 10+ years of progressive accounting experience, with a focus on leadership roles in high-growth environments.
• Demonstrated experience in both pre-IPO and/or public company accounting environments, with a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities in each.
• Prior ownership of close, reporting, and controllership processes at scale, with the ability to design and implement scalable financial processes.
• Deep technical expertise in U.S. GAAP, with strong judgment in complex accounting areas and the ability to apply this knowledge in a fast-paced environment.
• Proven experience implementing or operating in a SOX-controlled environment, with a focus on compliance and audit readiness.
• Strong proficiency in Oracle Fusion ERP (or comparable large-scale ERP systems), with the ability to leverage technology to drive process efficiency and automation.
• Experience working cross-functionally with Strategic Finance/FP&A, Business Systems, and Technical Accounting teams, with excellent communication and collaboration skills.
• A track record of driving process transformation, automation, and close acceleration initiatives, with a focus on continuous improvement and innovation.
• Strong leadership experience, including managing teams and/or offshore/outsourced accounting support, with the ability to motivate and guide team members.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to interface effectively with executive leadership and external auditors.
• A CPA certification is required, demonstrating a commitment to professional excellence and ongoing education.

Nice to Have

• Experience with AI-driven tools and technologies, with an interest in how these can be applied to improve financial operations and process efficiency.
• Knowledge of data analytics and visualization tools, with the ability to use data to drive insights and inform decision-making.
• Certification in internal audit or risk management, demonstrating a broad understanding of financial controls and risk management practices.
• Experience in a startup environment, with the ability to adapt to changing circumstances and priorities.
• Fluency in multiple languages, with the ability to communicate effectively with global teams and partners.

Benefits and Perks

• Competitive compensation package, with a focus on recognizing and rewarding outstanding performance.
• Opportunity to work with a pioneering company in the AI research and deployment space, with the chance to contribute to cutting-edge projects and initiatives.
• Hybrid work model, with 3 days in the office per week and the flexibility to work remotely, allowing for a better work-life balance.
• Relocation assistance program, for those looking to join the team in San Francisco.
• Access to cutting-edge technologies and tools, including Oracle Fusion ERP and other financial management systems.
• Opportunities for professional growth and development, including training, mentorship, and career advancement possibilities.
• A dynamic and supportive work environment, with a team of experienced professionals who are passionate about their work.

• To stand out in your application, focus on highlighting your technical accounting skills, especially in areas like U.S. GAAP and SOX compliance.
• Prepare to talk about your experience with financial process automation and how you've leveraged technology to improve accounting operations.
• Showcase your leadership skills by providing examples of how you've managed teams or cross-functional projects in the past.
• Be ready to discuss your approach to problem-solving, particularly in complex accounting scenarios, and how you stay current with changing financial regulations and standards.
• Consider creating a portfolio that demonstrates your work in financial process improvement, automation, and leadership, which can be shared during the interview process.
• When discussing salary, be prepared to negotiate based on your research of the market rate for similar positions in the San Francisco area.
• Pay attention to the company culture and values during the interview process, as fitting in with the team and embracing the company's mission can be just as important as your technical skills.