Corporate Controller at F5, Inc (Legal)

At F5, we strive to bring a better digital world to life. Our teams empower organizations across the globe to create, secure, and run applications that enhance how we experience our evolving digital world. We are passionate about cybersecurity, from protecting consumers from fraud to enabling companies to focus on innovation. 
 

Everything we do centers around people. That means we obsess over how to make the lives of our customers, and their customers, better. And it means we prioritize a diverse F5 community where each individual can thrive.

At F5, Inc., we're not just a company – we're a community of innovators shaping the future of application delivery and security. As a global leader in multi-cloud application services, we are driving the digital transformation for some of the world's largest enterprises, governments, and service providers. At F5, you'll join a team of talented, forward-thinking professionals dedicated to solving complex challenges and creating cutting-edge solutions.

Working at F5 means collaborating with passionate peers, fostering a culture of inclusivity, and having a real impact on the world's digital landscape. We're big on empowering our employees with the tools and opportunities they need to grow, thrive, and deliver their best work. With a commitment to innovation and continuous improvement, we've built an environment where your contributions are valued, your career growth is a priority, and your work-life balance matters.

If you're ready to be part of a dynamic team that's making a real difference, F5 is the place for you.

Job Summary

We are seeking a highly experienced and detail-oriented VP of Accounting / Corporate Controller to oversee the accounting operations for our publicly traded company. This role will be responsible for the accurate and timely preparation of financial reports, ensuring compliance with SEC reporting requirements, SOX regulations, and GAAP standards. This position will lead the global accounting team, global payroll, and global revenue, collaborate with various departments, and provide strategic financial insights to drive the company's success.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Reporting & Compliance

• Oversee the preparation of timely and accurate financial statements, including income statements, balance sheets, cash flow statements,
• Ensure compliance with all reporting requirements, including SEC filings (10-Q, 10-K) and regulatory deadlines.
• Maintain a deep understanding of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and apply them in preparing and reviewing financial reports.
• Collaborate with external auditors during quarterly reviews and annual audits to ensure smooth and efficient audit processes.
• Manage compliance with Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) requirements, ensuring appropriate controls are in place and regularly monitored.
• Lead the consolidation of financial reports across multiple countries and currencies, ensuring accurate and timely reporting.
• Manage the complexities of foreign exchange, transfer pricing, and intercompany transactions in collaboration with tax and treasury.
• Implement and maintain global accounting policies and procedures, standardizing processes across regions.

Leadership & Team Management

• Lead and develop the global accounting team to ensure high performance and productivity.
• Set goals and performance expectations, providing regular feedback and professional development opportunities.
• Foster a collaborative and efficient work environment that encourages continuous improvement in processes and workflows.
• Present quarterly to the audit committee members on accounting and organization updates.

Internal Controls & Process Improvement

• Develop, implement, and monitor internal controls to safeguard company assets and ensure the accuracy of financial records.
• Continuously review and improve accounting processes and systems, identifying opportunities for automation and efficiency.
• Partner with IT to ensure that financial systems meet current and future reporting needs.

Treasury Management

• Manage treasury operations, including cash flow management and banking relationships.
• Oversee global cash management, including monitoring currency risks.
• Manage relationships with global banking partners and ensure compliance with local banking regulations and reporting requirements.

Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A) Support

• Provide financial due diligence and integration support for mergers, acquisitions, and other strategic transactions, when applicable.

International Financial Compliance

• Ensure compliance with international accounting standards (e.g., IFRS) in addition to GAAP, ensuring that all financial reports adhere to the respective regulatory frameworks of each country in which the company operates.
• Oversee the preparation and submission of local statutory reports, audits, and tax filings in all relevant jurisdictions, partnering with the tax team when applicable.
• Stay informed about evolving global financial regulations and policies, adjusting company processes as needed to maintain compliance.
• Manage the complexities of foreign exchange, transfer pricing, and intercompany transactions in collaboration with the tax and treasury teams.
• Implement and maintain global accounting policies and procedures, standardizing processes across regions.

Multinational Team Management

• Lead, mentor, and collaborate with accounting teams across various global regions, ensuring alignment with corporate financial goals and local regulations.
• Coordinate with regional finance leaders to maintain consistent accounting practices and to address country-specific challenges or discrepancies.
• Foster a culture of collaboration and excellence within a diverse, geographically dispersed team.

Revenue management

• Oversee the revenue recognition process to ensure compliance with relevant accounting standards (e.g., ASC 606) and accuracy in financial reporting.
• Lead and mentor a team of revenue accountants and operations staff, fostering professional growth, collaboration, and accountability in meeting organizational goals.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with finance, sales, and legal teams to optimize revenue processes, improve systems, and ensure alignment with business objectives, including supporting quarter-end operational revenue activities and reporting.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Proven ability to work in a fast paced, deadline driven environment.
• Ability to meet or exceed deadlines.
• Deep understanding of technical accounting and US GAAP.
• High level of confidentiality is required.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Attention to detail, organized and analytical.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team environment.
• Excellent at problem solving complex issues.
• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field (CPA or CMA preferred).
• Minimum of 15 years of accounting experience, with at least 10 years in a leadership role within a public company.
• Strong knowledge of SEC reporting requirements, GAAP, and SOX compliance.
• Experience with ERP systems (e.g., Oracle, SF.com) and financial reporting software.
• Proven track record of managing complex accounting functions in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

Experience and Education

• CPA designation or equivalent professional certification with a deep understanding of GAAP, SEC reporting, and SOX compliance.
• 15+ years of progressive accounting experience, including leadership roles in public companies or high-growth organizations.
• Proven expertise in managing complex financial operations, including revenue recognition, financial reporting, and internal controls.
• Strong leadership and communication skills to effectively collaborate with executives, audit committees, and cross-functional teams.
• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field (CPA or CMA preferred).
• Minimum of 15 years of accounting experience, with at least 10 years in a leadership role within a public company.
• Strong knowledge of SEC reporting requirements, GAAP, and SOX compliance.
• Experience with ERP systems (e.g., Oracle, SF.com) and financial reporting software.
• Proven track record of managing complex accounting functions in a fast-paced environment.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

• Duties are performed in a normal office environment while sitting at a desk or computer table. 
• Duties require the ability to utilize a computer, communicate over the telephone, and read printed material.
• Duties may require being on call periodically or working outside normal working hours (evenings and weekends).    
• F5 is an equal opportunity employer and strongly supports diversity in the workplace.

Skills & Competencies

• Exceptional leadership and team management skills with the ability to inspire and guide teams to success.
• Excellent analytical skills and attention to detail.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively across departments and with external stakeholders.
• Ability to prioritize tasks and manage multiple deadlines.
• Strategic thinker with a strong business acumen and problem-solving abilities.

Preferred Qualifications

• Public accounting experience (Big Four firm experience preferred).

The Job Description is intended to be a general representation of the responsibilities and requirements of the job. However, the description may not be all-inclusive, and responsibilities and requirements are subject to change.

The annual base pay for this position is: $218,406.00 - $327,608.00

F5 maintains broad salary ranges for its roles in order to account for variations in knowledge, skills, experience, geographic locations, and market conditions, as well as to reflect F5's differing products, industries, and lines of business. The pay range referenced is as of the time of the job posting and is subject to change.

You may also be offered incentive compensation, bonus, restricted stock units, and benefits. More details about F5's benefits can be found at the following link: https://www.f5.com/company/careers/benefits. F5 reserves the right to change or terminate any benefit plan without notice. 

Please note that F5 only contacts candidates through F5 email address (ending with @f5.com) or auto email notification from Workday (ending with f5.com or @myworkday.com).

Equal Employment Opportunity

It is the policy of F5 to provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and employment applicants without regard to unlawful considerations of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, sensory, physical, or mental disability, marital status, veteran or military status, genetic information, or any other classification protected by applicable local, state, or federal laws. This policy applies to all aspects of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, job assignment, compensation, promotion, benefits, training, discipline, and termination.  F5 offers a variety of reasonable accommodations for candidates. Requesting an accommodation is completely voluntary. F5 will assess the need for accommodations in the application process separately from those that may be needed to perform the job. Request by contacting accommodations@f5.com.