Senior Accountant

Palo Alto Networks; Santa Clara (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 145,000; Full time

Job summary

Palo Alto Networks is seeking a Senior Accountant to join its Corporate Accounting team. You’ll drive close activities, ensure GAAP compliance, and partner with business groups to deliver accurate financial reporting in a high-growth cybersecurity company.

You will own journal entries, reconciliations, and analytical support for leases, compensation, and other benefits, while contributing to process improvements and SOX controls.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field with 5 years of experience or a Master’s degree with 3 years of experience.
• Solid foundation in US GAAP relevant to a large technology company.
• Familiarity with month-end close processes, reconciliations, and journal entries.
• Excellent critical thinking, communication, and organizational skills.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Google Suite.
• Self-starter in a fast-paced, high-growth environment.

Responsibilities

• Perform monthly close activities, including journal entries and balance sheet reconciliations.
• Ensure US GAAP compliance and adherence to company policies for all close activities.
• Perform accounting, analysis, and reporting for designated areas including leases and compensation.
• Research and document accounting transactions.
• Prepare periodic and ad hoc financial reporting and explain trends.
• Ensure SOX 404 controls and assist with audit requests.
• Support cross-functional initiatives with accounting insights and process improvements.
• Assist with significant projects to meet operational accounting requirements.

Skills

US GAAP knowledge

Excel

Google Suite

Communication

Self-starter

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting/Finance or related field

Master’s degree in Accounting/Finance (optional)

Tools

SAP

Job description

Our Mission

At Palo Alto Networks®, we’re united by a shared mission—to protect our digital way of life. We thrive at the intersection of innovation and impact, solving real-world problems with cutting-edge technology and bold thinking. Here, everyone has a voice, and every idea counts. If you’re ready to do the most meaningful work of your career alongside people who are just as passionate as you are, you’re in the right place.

Our Mission

At Palo Alto Networks®, we’re united by a shared mission—to protect our digital way of life. We thrive at the intersection of innovation and impact, solving real-world problems with cutting-edge technology and bold thinking. Here, everyone has a voice, and every idea counts. If you’re ready to do the most meaningful work of your career alongside people who are just as passionate as you are, you’re in the right place.

Who We Are

In order to be the cybersecurity partner of choice, we must trailblaze the path and shape the future of our industry. This is something our employees work at each day and is defined by our values: Disruption, Collaboration, Execution, Integrity, and Inclusion. We weave AI into the fabric of everything we do and use it to augment the impact every individual can have. If you are passionate about solving real-world problems and ideating beside the best and the brightest, we invite you to join us! We believe collaboration thrives in person. That’s why most of our teams work from the office full time, with flexibility when it’s needed. This model supports real‑time problem‑solving, stronger relationships, and the kind of precision that drives great outcomes.

Job Summary

Become a key member of the Corporate Accounting organization at Palo Alto Networks! We are seeking a highly motivated, hands‑on, and collaborative Senior Accountant to help drive financial accounting quality and efficiency in a high‑growth environment. Reporting to the Senior Manager of Corporate Accounting, you will be responsible for a variety of financial close and reporting activities. You have a passion for numbers; our organization has a passion for cybersecurity. If you are looking for a career with a fulfilling mission and seek a financial challenge with a worldwide impact, this role is for you. You will work cross‑functionally to understand business transactions, ensure proper accounting, support infrastructure, and build elegant solutions to empower our business lines.

Your Impact

• Perform monthly close activities, including preparing and recording journal entries and monthly balance sheet account reconciliations
• Ensure accuracy and adherence to US GAAP and company policies for all assigned accounting areas and monthly close activities
• Perform accounting, analysis, and reporting for designated operational areas, including leases, compensation, and other benefits
• Research and document accounting transactions
• Prepare periodic and ad hoc financial reporting, conduct financial analysis, and explain trends or relationships on the financial statements
• Ensure compliance with SOX 404 key controls and assist with internal and external audit requests
• Support cross‑functional initiatives by providing accounting insights, troubleshooting operational issues, and contributing to process improvements that optimize month‑end close efficiency
• Support the accounting team on significant projects to ensure operational accounting requirements successfully implemented

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field with 5 years of experience, or a Master’s degree with 3 years of experience
• Solid foundation in technical accounting (US GAAP) relevant to a large technology company
• Familiarity with month‑end close processes, account reconciliations, and journal entry preparation
• Excellent critical thinking, communication, and organizational skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities and timelines effectively
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Google Suite
• A self‑starter mentality, able to thrive in a fast‑paced, high‑growth environment with minimal supervision

Preferred Qualifications

• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or equivalent certification
• Mix of previous Big 4 accounting experience and operational experience
• Experience with lease accounting (ASC 842) and compensation accounting
• Experience utilizing SAP and/or other large ERP systems
• Eagerness to leverage AI and automation to enhance financial analysis and process efficiency

Compensation Disclosure

The compensation offered for this position will depend on qualifications, experience, and work location. For candidates who receive an offer at the posted level, the starting base salary (for non‑sales roles) or base salary + commission target (for sales/com‑missioned roles) is expected to be the annual range listed below. The offered compensation may also include restricted stock units and a bonus. A description of our employee benefits may be found here.

$90,000.00 - $145,000.00/yr

Our Commitment

We’re trailblazers that dream big, take risks, and challenge cybersecurity’s status quo. It’s simple: we can’t accomplish our mission without diverse teams innovating, together.

We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations for all qualified individuals with a disability. If you require assistance or accommodation due to a disability or special need, please contact us at [e-mail].

Palo Alto Networks is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity in our workplace, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran status, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or other legally protected characteristics.

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

Is role eligible for Immigration Sponsorship? No. Please note that we will not sponsor applicants for work visas for this position.