Controller

Cisco; San Jose (CA); Hybrid; USD 178,000 - 234,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Job summary

Cisco Systems, Inc in San Jose is seeking a Controller of Technical Accounting & Policy to lead Cisco's technical accounting function and own the global accounting policy framework. You will serve as a trusted advisor to senior finance leadership, delivering clear, timely, and practical accounting guidance on high‑impact transactions and new standards.

This highly visible role offers broad exposure across the company and with external auditors, and you will own the policy manual, monitor

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance.
• 7+ years of progressive accounting experience including public accounting or technical accounting at a large public company.
• Active CPA license.

Responsibilities

• Lead Cisco's technical accounting function and own the global accounting policy framework.
• Provide accounting guidance on significant transactions and new accounting standards.
• Draft, update, and communicate accounting policies; ensure consistent regional application.
• Monitor FASB, SEC, and IASB agendas and lead adoption efforts.
• Collaborate with Legal, Treasury, Tax, Corporate Development to evaluate deal terms.

Skills

Technical accounting

CPA

US GAAP

Financial reporting

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance

Job description

The application window is expected to close on: 10/29/2026

Members of the Finance organization at select locations will generally be expected to follow a hybrid work model, which includes two days of in-office attendance each week, with limited exceptions.

Meet the Team

Join the Technical Accounting & Policy team within Cisco's Corporate Controller Group (CCG)! We are a dynamic team dedicated to supporting business processes with integrity, credibility, and global financial policy leadership! Our team serves as the company's center of excellence for US GAAP matters, partnering with SEC Reporting, Revenue, Treasury, Tax, Legal, Corporate Development, and business finance to reach well-supported accounting conclusions for Cisco's most complex and non-routine transactions. We are committed to developing and implementing effective global financial policies and forging impactful collaborations across Cisco.

Your Impact

As the Controller of Technical Accounting & Policy, you will lead Cisco's technical accounting function and own the company's global accounting policy framework. You will serve as a trusted advisor to senior finance leadership, delivering clear, timely, and practical accounting guidance on significant transactions, and new accounting standards. This highly visible role offers broad exposure across the company and with Cisco's external auditors, and positions you as the go-to expert for complex accounting judgments.

• Research, analyze, and document accounting conclusions for complex and non-routine transactions, including revenue recognition (ASC 606), business combinations and divestitures (ASC 805), leases (ASC 842), consolidation (ASC 810), financial instruments, derivatives and hedging (ASC 815), debt and equity, stock-based compensation (ASC 718), and impairments.
• Prepare and review technical accounting memoranda and position papers supporting significant judgments and estimates, and present conclusions to senior leadership.
• Own Cisco's global accounting policy manual; draft, update, and communicate accounting policies and ensure consistent application across regions and business units.
• Monitor the FASB, SEC, and IASB standard-setting agendas; assess the impact of new and proposed accounting standards and lead adoption and implementation efforts.
• Partner with Corporate Development, Legal, Treasury, and Tax early in the deal cycle to evaluate the accounting implications of M&A, strategic investments, financing transactions, and other strategic initiatives, including review of contract terms before execution.
• Provide accounting training and guidance to finance and business partners, and champion the use of automation and AI tools to scale accounting research and policy governance.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in Accounting or Finance.
• At least 7+ years of progressive accounting experience, including strong time in public accounting (including roles in National Office or Accounting Advisory) and/or technical accounting roles at a large public company.
• Active CPA license.
• Deep knowledge of US GAAP and SEC reporting requirements, with validated experience authoring and reviewing technical accounting memos.

Preferred Qualifications

• Ability to translate complex accounting guidance into clear, practical recommendations for non-accounting audiences.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with executive presence and comfort presenting to senior leadership and external auditors.
• Proactive, collaborative leader with sound judgment, comfortable navigating ambiguity and integrating information from multiple sources.

Why Cisco?

At Cisco, we're revolutionizing how data and infrastructure connect and protect organizations in the AI era - and beyond. We've been innovating fearlessly for 40 years to create solutions that power how humans and technology work together across the physical and digital worlds. These solutions provide customers with unparalleled security, visibility, and insights across the entire digital footprint.Fueled by the depth and breadth of our technology, we experiment and create meaningful solutions. Add to that our worldwide network of doers and experts, and you'll see that the opportunities to grow and build are limitless. We work as a team, collaborating with empathy to make really big things happen on a global scale. Because our solutions are everywhere, our impact is everywhere.We are Cisco, and our power starts with you.

Message to applicants applying to work in the U.S. and/or Canada:

The starting salary range posted for this position is $178,300.00 to $233,900.00 and reflects the projected salary range for new hires in this position in U.S. and/or Canada locations, not including incentive compensation*, equity, or benefits.

Individual pay is determined by the candidate's hiring location, market conditions, job-related skillset, experience, qualifications, education, certifications, and/or