About Canonical

Canonical is the company behind Ubuntu, the world's leading open source operating system powering enterprise cloud, AI, data science, IoT, and engineering innovation. As a pioneer in global distributed collaboration, Canonical employs over 1000 colleagues across 70+ countries with a fully remote-first culture. Teams align through 2-4 annual in-person meetings in exciting global locations. Founder-led and profitable, Canonical serves top public cloud providers, silicon leaders, and industry giants, driving open source innovation at scale.

Role Overview

The Systems & Controls Accountant at Canonical is a leadership role focused on building scalable, automated financial processes using NetSuite, Salesforce, and integrated systems. Reporting to the Global Head of Accounting, this home-based position in the Americas drives best practices in revenue recognition, controls, and reporting for a high-growth tech company. With a focus on IFRS compliance, SaaS revenue models, and automation, you'll align product, legal, sales, and FP&A teams to achieve industry-leading speed and accuracy in financial reporting. Ideal candidates bring professional accounting qualifications, deep NetSuite expertise, and a passion for software technology, data analytics, or engineering.

Key Responsibilities

In this driving role, you'll lead complex NetSuite configurations, workflows, customizations, and integrations while ensuring data governance, security, and compliance. Responsibilities include developing reports, dashboards, and KPIs for business insights; coordinating system maintenance, upgrades, and troubleshooting; providing end-user training; and managing sandbox environments for seamless deployments. You'll drive process improvements for full financial lifecycle automation, incorporate emerging technologies, mentor finance professionals, research accounting policies, write memos, and serve as the primary liaison with external auditors on revenue matters. This position sets the foundation for growing a high-performing systems and automation team.

Technical Leadership

Lead NetSuite implementations with proficiency in scripting, problem resolution, and staying ahead of new features. Ensure proper revenue accounting under public market scrutiny, particularly for software licensing, subscriptions, and services.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

Work across product management, legal, FP&A, sales operations, and commercial systems to standardize contract treatments and automate revenue recognition.

Qualifications & Requirements

Candidates must hold a CPA, CA, or equivalent with excellent IFRS technical skills, especially SaaS and services revenue rules. An undergraduate degree in Accounting or Finance is required, backed by an exceptional academic record. Prior leadership experience scaling accounting processes in high-growth environments is essential, along with hands-on expertise in NetSuite, ERP, RevPro, CRM, CPQ, and related tools. Valued traits include a track record of exceeding expectations, software industry passion, data analytics or engineering experience, and the confidence to present, set goals, and direct teams. Experience with Salesforce integrations and revenue operations is highly desirable.

Benefits & Perks

Canonical offers a fully home-based role in the Americas with flexible EMEA-aligned hours and optional London office access. Enjoy competitive tech-sector compensation, comprehensive health benefits, and professional development opportunities. As part of a remote-first global team, you'll collaborate with diverse experts while participating in inspiring all-hands meetings worldwide. Canonical provides modern tools, learning stipends, and a supportive culture emphasizing work-life balance, innovation, and open source contributions.

Career Growth

This role offers rapid advancement in a growing finance function aiming to lead the industry in reporting excellence. You'll build and lead a specialized team focused on systems and automation, gaining visibility with executive leadership. Canonical's commitment to internal mobility supports transitions into broader finance, operations, or tech roles, leveraging your NetSuite and revenue expertise across Ubuntu's expanding ecosystem.

Why Join Canonical

Join a profitable, growing leader in open source software where Ubuntu powers the world's most innovative enterprises. Thrive in a remote-first environment that values autonomy, impact, and global collaboration. Contribute to breakthrough technologies in cloud, AI, and IoT while advancing your career in a company setting the pace for financial agility in tech. Canonical's unique blend of engineering culture and professional finance leadership makes this an exceptional opportunity for ambitious accountants passionate about technology.

Role FAQs

What time zone is preferred? EMEA-aligned hours for collaboration, suitable for Americas home-based candidates.
Is NetSuite experience mandatory? Yes, deep hands-on expertise in configuration, scripting, and integrations is required.
What makes this role unique? Combines professional accounting leadership with technical systems work in a software-native environment.
Is travel required? Occasional in-person team meetings 2-4 times yearly in global locations.
How does Canonical support remote work? Fully distributed model with best-in-class tools, training, and inclusive culture.