Sr. Commissions Accountant

About the role

We are seeking a dedicated Sr. Commissions Accountant to join our General & Administration team, where you will play a vital role in managing the accounting for sales commissions. This position is essential for ensuring that our financial records are accurate and comply with relevant accounting standards, particularly concerning customer contract costs. By joining our team, you will contribute to our overarching goal of empowering individuals through our innovative learning products. You will own the end-to-end accounting for commissions, ensuring that all calculations align with established policies and procedures. This role requires a proactive approach to identifying discrepancies and resolving issues before they impact financial reporting. You will be responsible for translating complex sales agreements into precise accounting entries that reflect the true cost of acquiring customers. Furthermore, you will act as a key liaison between the finance department and operational sales teams to ensure transparency and accuracy. Your work will directly support the integrity of our financial statements and provide reliable data for strategic decision-making.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Execute the month-end close process specifically for sales commissions, ensuring all journal entries are posted accurately and timely.
• Apply ASC 340-40 standards to determine the correct accounting treatment for customer contract acquisition costs.
• Partner with Sales Operations to analyze new commission plans and their impact on the general ledger.
• Perform detailed reviews of commission reports to validate accuracy and resolve variances against source data.
• Collaborate with Payroll to ensure that commission liabilities are reconciled and processed correctly for payment.
• Lead investigations into discrepancies found during internal or external audits related to commission liabilities.
• Maintain and update the master documentation for commission accounting policies to reflect current practices and controls.
• Liaise with the Finance & Analysis team to provide insights on commission trends and cost allocations.
• Configure and test enhancements within commission management software to improve data integrity and process flow.
• Assist in the preparation of documentation for external auditors regarding commission accruals and calculations.
• Monitor changes in regulatory guidance concerning contract costs and ensure the organization adapts accordingly.
• Develop automated workflows and controls to enhance the efficiency and reliability of the commission accounting cycle.
• Support the implementation of new sales contracts by reviewing terms and advising on the financial implications.
• Mentor junior accounting staff to strengthen the team's capability and ensure knowledge transfer.

Requirements

• Possess a Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a closely related field as a foundational requirement for this position.
• Bring a minimum of 3-5 years of specialized experience in commissions or revenue accounting to demonstrate your expertise.
• Show in-depth knowledge of ASC 340-40 and the specific accounting principles that govern contract acquisition costs.
• Prove you have strong analytical skills with a keen attention to detail to handle complex financial data accurately.
• Demonstrate excellent communication and interpersonal skills to facilitate effective collaboration across different departments.
• Exhibit proficiency in using accounting software and ERP systems to perform your duties efficiently and without error.
• Have the legal right to work in the United States, as this is a requirement for the role based on the location of the team.
• Be authorized to work in Salt Lake City, Utah, without the need for sponsorship, as this position is based there.

Nice to have

• Hold a CPA certification or equivalent professional designation which would be advantageous for advanced responsibilities.
• Have previous experience working at a Big 4 accounting firm, which is a plus for understanding high-level financial controls.
• Show familiarity with NetSuite and Salesforce platforms, which are desirable for navigating the tech stack.
• Have experience using commission management tools such as CaptivateIQ or Xactly, which would be beneficial for daily tasks.

Practical notes

• All full-time employees are eligible to participate in our employee ownership program, which fosters a sense of investment in the company's success.
• We promote a flexible work culture that includes hybrid work options, allowing employees to balance their professional and personal lives effectively.
• Our benefits package includes generous paid time off, wellness programs, and access to various learning resources to support continuous development.
• As part of our hiring process, candidates will undergo a background check and identity verification to ensure a secure and trustworthy workplace.