Sr. Manager, Accounting

The Mission

Backlight is a global media technology company dedicated to improving the entire video content lifecycle, from creation to monetization. Our suite of SaaS solutions empowers creative teams at every stage of production.

As a Senior Manager, Accounting, reporting to the VP Global Controller, you will oversee and manage accounting operations of our multi-national, multi-product technology company. This role is critical in ensuring accurate financial reporting, maintaining compliance with accounting standards, and driving process improvements across the accounting function. You will manage a GL Team of three accountants, central to the wider finance function. You will build and optimize processes, leverage existing systems and drive AI initiatives to deliver a timely month-end close. You will be a key figure in the Group Audit process and will lead your team’s partnership with the Payroll, Revenue, Compliance and Strategic Finance functions. The ideal candidate should possess strong technical expertise in US GAAP, a desire to build efficient processes, experience with accounting systems (especially NetSuite & Ramp) and team management.

Responsibilities

• Manage and mentor a GL team of three accountants, fostering a culture of high-performance, collaboration and continuous improvement.

• Own a timely and accurate month-end close process, lead an upcoming program of process improvement and ensure compliance with US GAAP.

• Act as subject matter expert on all areas of technical accounting affecting the Group, including consolidation, purchase accounting, FX, capitalized software, lease accounting, hosting and impairment.

• Partner with the HR led payroll function to ensure payroll entries for multiple countries are posted accurately, on time and in a highly automated manner.

• Support AP Team by reviewing and releasing all bank transactions as part of weekly pay-run.

• Improve audit-readiness including balance sheet reconciliations and other supporting schedules for internal and external stakeholders.

• Act as key point of contact during the annual Group audit, in accordance with US GAAP, ensuring the company meets audit-related bank covenant deadlines.

• Own the accounting partnership with Strategic Finance team by ensuring accurate department and product level reporting including a detailed awareness of budget and Adjusted EBITDA add-backs.

• Take ownership of NetSuite management, including optimizing system functionality and resolving accounting-related issues.

• Be pro-active in seeking efficiencies and automation with AI tools such as Claude.

• Drive improvements in accounting processes, workflows, and internal controls to enhance efficiency, accuracy, and compliance.

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams (e.g., strategic finance, HR, compliance) to support strategic initiatives and financial planning efforts.

• Stay up-to-date with changes in accounting standards, particularly US GAAP, audit regulations, and industry best practices to ensure the company remains compliant and competitive.

What You’ll Bring:

Required:

• Qualified Accountant (ACA, ACCA, CPA) with a minimum 5+ years PQE including 2+ years people management experience.

• Expertise in financial systems (ideally NetSuite) and advanced Excel/Google Sheets functions.

Preferred:

• Qualified in the audit department of a large accounting firm.

• Strong academic record.

• Prior experience working in the Finance function of a multi-national technology company, especially operating a SAAS model.

Work Arrangement

Location: Ireland (remote)