Senior Director, Accounting

We’re a global team of over 400 people, working together to push the boundaries of open-source technology and multi-cloud solutions. Our vision is to become the trusted Data & AI Platform for everyone, leveraging the most popular open-source technologies like Apache Kafka®, Aiven for PostgreSQL®, Aiven for Clickhouse®, and Aiven for OpenSearch®. to help companies accelerate time-to-market, drive efficiency, and build innovative solutions across any cloud. 

Who we are:

So, how do we become the trusted open-source data platform for everyone? By listening closely to our customers and taking action to ensure they achieve their business goals. You see, the software we create is merely a means of delivering value. Our thinking is customer-first. That’s why our customers are at the front and center of all we do. And in the spirit of sideways thinking, we’re by their side as well. Actively helping them solve their challenges. Collaborating. Sharing. And innovating. In other words, it really isn’t just about who we are. It’s about who our customers are – and where they want to be.

Our Crabby Principles:

Aiveners use the V2MOM framework to set and align on business goals. In order to achieve those business goals we live by our ‘Crabby Principles’ which unite us in our ways of working, globally. 

These principles are embedded in our business processes and support us in collaborating and role modelling positive and productive behaviours in our daily work, something you will have the opportunity to demonstrate throughout your interview journey with us. 

The Role:

We're looking for a visionary finance executive to lead our Accounting organization. The ideal candidate will be a strategic and hands-on leader who can contribute to both scaling our operations and modernizing our approach to accounting. We need someone who can challenge the status quo, leverage technology and data, and transform our current processes to become more efficient and automated. This person will lead an existing team of finance professionals with the opportunity to grow the team.

Accounting is responsible for internal and external financial accounting and reporting, finance operations, and internal controls. This individual will be responsible for the establishment of policies, procedures, and oversight for all processes that impact the financial statements and records of the company.

What You'll Do

• Lead the transformation of the accounting function, leveraging technology and automation. You'll be responsible for modernizing our financial processes, exploring and implementing new technologies—including AI—to improve efficiency, accuracy, and insights.
• Assess our current systems landscape, including our ERP and other key financial platforms, to determine if updates or upgrades are necessary to support our future growth. Lead the strategy and execution for any recommended systems changes.
• Work across the organization to scale end-to-end business processes, systems, and financial controls in support of future growth.
• Support strategic initiatives, including M&A, new product development, and systems implementations.
• Monitor emerging IFRS, U.S. GAAP, and SEC developments, including participation in outreach with industry peers, and providing guidance to management on potential changes in accounting regulations or practices that may impact operations and reporting.
• Manage all aspects of our Accounting Operations and Financial Reporting teams, such as accounting and financial reporting, billing and collections, tax, treasury, transaction processing, and payroll.
• Collaborate with tax advisors and internal teams to develop tax strategies that minimize the company's tax liabilities while ensuring compliance with applicable tax laws and regulations.
• Oversee the preparation and submission of accurate and timely tax filings, including income tax returns, sales tax filings, and other tax-related compliance requirements.
• Drive continuous improvement through a combination of development and operations initiatives, as well as through process excellence.

What We're Looking For

The ideal candidate should have excellent communication skills, strong business acumen, and the ability to lead high-performing teams and manage multiple functions in a global and fast-moving environment.

• Significant corporate accounting and controllership experience, with at least 10 years of people management experience.
• Significant IFRS experience.
• Demonstrated leadership in delivering results with cross-functional teams.
• Experience in leveraging technology to drive efficiency and automation within the accounting function, including a strong understanding of how to apply data analytics and AI tools to accounting processes.
• Experience understanding and driving process change but also empowering and inspiring direct reports and their teams.
• Experience building relationships with C-suite executives and other key stakeholders across the business.
• Exceptional leader of high integrity who can articulate a clear vision for the team.
• Proven track record of leading and developing high-performance teams.
• Ability to conduct analyses, interpret results, and effectively communicate insights.
• Experience working in a public company environment is a merit.
• Chartered Accountant or CPA; public accounting experience is a merit.
• Previous experience within the high-tech, SaaS industry is highly preferred.

Our Offer:

If you ask us what’s the best thing about working for Aiven, many will probably say it’s the high concentration of talent from around the world that we have here. Enjoy the agile environment of a hyperscale scale-up where you can truly make an impact and have fun while at it.

We invest in you:

• Participate in Aiven’s equity plan.
• With Aiven locations spanning the globe, we want all of our crabs to find the right balance with our hybrid work policy.
• Get the equipment you need to set yourself up for success.
• Step up your career game with real employer support (use one of our learning platforms, annual learning budget, and more).
• Get holistic wellbeing support through our global Employee Assistance Program.

Make a difference at Aiven:

• Contribute to open-source projects that you find meaningful outside of work - and get paid for it! Our Plankton program recognizes extra work to the open-source ecosystem for developers and non-developers alike.
• Use up to 5 days per year to volunteer for a good cause of your choice.
• Join one of our team member resource groups - empower yourself and others in missions that resonate with you.

What else:

• Your wellbeing matters: we provide extensive Occupational Health Care, Dental Care, as well as sports, culture, massage, commute and lunch benefits
• We care about your learning! We provide Finnish Language lessons to help you settle in to your new environment
• Love breakfast? So do we! Join us at our monthly office breakfast
• We also have you covered by statutory accident insurance

Amazing! What’s next:

Once applying you should hear from our Talent Experience team within 5 days regarding the status of your application. If you are selected to move forward you can generally expect the following interview stages:

1. 60-minute call with one of our Talent Experience Partners 
2. 60-minute Domain Leadership interview with the hiring manager 
3. 60-minute People/Dept Leadership interview
4. 60-minute Case Study/Panel interview
5. 60-minute Crabby Principles interview

How to Recognise and Avoid Employment Scams:

There has been a rise in fake job postings used by scammers to get personal information. Please familiarise yourself with the red flags of a potential scam.

Here at Aiven, all of our emails relating to recruitment come from an @aiven.io, @greenhouse.io or @eu.greenhouse.io domain and all of our interviews are conducted over video call or in person, our interviews will never occur over text or chat. If you’re unsure of the legitimacy of a job opportunity/offer pertaining to Aiven, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at recruitment@aiven.io.

Equal Opportunities:

Aiven provides equal employment opportunities to all qualified employees and applicants for employment without regard to age, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, religion, sexual orientation, physical and mental ability, marital and family status or without regard to any other similar personal attributes. Aiven complies with applicable local laws governing non-discrimination in employment in every location in which the company operates. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, training and any other terms and conditions related to employment.

At Aiven, we are committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities or special needs in our working environment and job application procedures. We make all reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities or who otherwise need support to thrive in the workplace. We are committed to continuously improving workplace accessibility. There is an option to request a discussion in the application process but if you have any questions before applying please write to us at recruitment@aiven.io.