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

Job Description

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.

What you bring to the role

• 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.

• Experience with SEC reporting requirements for business combinations a plus.

• Proficient with ERP systems and financial reporting tools (e.g., NetSuite) preferred.

#LI-DT2

The US annualized base salary range for this position is $106,000.00-$160,000.00. This position may also be eligible for bonus, benefits, or related incentives. While this range reflects the minimum and maximum value for new hire salaries for the position across all US locations, the offer for the successful candidate for this position will be based on job related capabilities, applicable experience, and other factors such as work location. Please note that the compensation details listed in US role postings reflect the base salary only (or OTE for commissions based roles), and do not include bonus, benefits, or related incentives.

Hybrid: In this role, our hybrid experience is designed at the team level to give you a rich onsite experience packed with connection, collaboration, learning, and celebration - while also giving you flexibility to work remotely for part of the week. This role must attend our local office for part of the week. The specific in-office schedule is to be determined by the hiring manager.

The intelligent heart of customer experience

Zendesk software was built to bring a sense of calm to the chaotic world of customer service. Today we power billions of conversations with brands you know and love.

Zendesk believes in offering our people a fulfilling and inclusive experience. Our hybrid way of working, enables us to purposefully come together in person, at one of our many Zendesk offices around the world, to connect, collaborate and learn whilst also giving our people the flexibility to work remotely for part of the week.

As part of our commitment to fairness and transparency, we inform all applicants that artificial intelligence (AI) or automated decision systems may be used to screen or evaluate applications for this position, in accordance with Company guidelines and applicable law.

Zendesk is an equal opportunity employer, and we’re proud of our ongoing efforts to foster global diversity, equity, & inclusion in the workplace. Individuals seeking employment and employees at Zendesk are considered without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, medical condition, ancestry, disability, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. We are an AA/EEO/Veterans/Disabled employer. If you are based in the United States and would like more information about your EEO rights under the law, please click here.

Zendesk endeavors to make reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities and disabled veterans pursuant to applicable federal and state law. If you are an individual with a disability and require a reasonable accommodation to submit this application, complete any pre-employment testing, or otherwise participate in the employee selection process, please send an e-mail to [email protected] with your specific accommodation request.