Technical Accounting

Position Overview

We are seeking an experienced Technical Accountant to join our Finance team at Anthropic. In this role, you will serve as the company's foremost accounting authority in specific areas of responsibility, providing strategic guidance on complex accounting matters while building and leading cross-functional projects. As we continue to scale our business and navigate an evolving regulatory landscape, you will play a critical role in establishing robust accounting policies, ensuring their accuracy and integrity, and serving as a trusted advisor on the accounting implications of business decisions. This position requires a professional who excels both as a hands-on technical expert and as a collaborative business partner, working closely with teams across Finance, Legal, Product, Tax, Treasury, and Business Operations to drive continuous improvement in our accounting infrastructure.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as one of the company's principal technical accounting authorities, providing expert guidance on complex accounting matters including revenue recognition, equity transactions, leases, business combinations, and emerging issues.
• Partner with business teams to assess accounting implications of new products, business models, partnerships, and strategic transactions before execution.
• Embed with functional teams across the organization to provide real-time accounting consultation and build strong working relationships.
• Foster a culture of excellence, continuous learning, and collaboration within the department.
• Establish and maintain comprehensive accounting policies, procedures, and technical accounting memos to ensure compliance with US GAAP and SEC requirements.
• Lead the evaluation and implementation of new or revised accounting standards, including conducting impact assessments, developing policies, and providing cross-functional education.
• Oversee the preparation of technical accounting documentation for quarterly and annual financial statements, including footnote disclosures and supporting schedules.
• Serve as the primary liaison with external auditors on technical accounting matters, coordinating audit responses and ensuring timely resolution of inquiries.
• Drive automation and process improvements across the technical accounting function, leveraging technology to enhance efficiency and scalability.
• Present technical accounting findings and recommendations to senior leadership in a clear and actionable manner.
• Monitor regulatory developments and industry trends to proactively identify potential impacts on accounting and financial reporting.
• Support special projects, including system implementations and internal control enhancements, as needed.
• Develop talent across the broader finance organization through training, mentorship, and technical accounting guidance.

Required Qualifications

• Have 12+ years of progressive accounting experience with at least 4–6 years in leadership roles or in positions emphasizing cross-functional collaboration.
• Hold an active CPA license.
• Possess significant Big 4 accounting firm experience, including tenure in a national office or Professional Practice Group in a technical capacity.
• Have substantial in-house experience at high-growth technology companies, preferably in roles of increasing responsibility.
• Boast deep expertise in US GAAP and SEC accounting and reporting requirements, with a proven ability to research and document complex accounting conclusions.
• Demonstrate a track record of navigating large, matrixed organizations and influencing stakeholders at all levels.
• Exhibit exceptional written and verbal communication skills, capable of clearly explaining complex accounting concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Excel at both strategic thinking and hands-on technical work.
• Have experience in building and developing high-performing teams.
• Are proficient with accounting systems (NetSuite preferred) and possess advanced Excel capabilities.
• Possess strong project management and organizational skills.
• Be comfortable working in fast-paced, ambiguous environments with evolving priorities.
• Take a proactive, solutions-oriented approach to problem-solving.

Preferred Qualifications

• Have expertise in one or more specialized areas, such as:
  • Revenue recognition (ASC 606) for SaaS, consumption-based, and API business models
  • Stock-based compensation (ASC 718) and equity structures
  • Business combinations and M&A accounting (ASC 805, 810)
  • Leases (ASC 842) and complex real estate transactions
  • Fair value measurement (ASC 820) and financial instruments (ASC 815, 825) including designated hedging programs
  • Software development costs (ASC 350-40) and intangible assets
• Have implemented accounting for novel or emerging business models in technology.
• Demonstrate expertise in SOX compliance and internal controls over financial reporting.
• Possess the ability to anticipate accounting implications of product and business strategy.
• Have a track record of building scalable processes during periods of rapid growth.
• Excel at balancing technical rigor with pragmatic business solutions.
• Have experience coaching team members through technical accounting challenges.
• Are passionate about leveraging technology to enhance accounting operations.