Sr Accountant

Socket.dev; Colorado; On-site; USD 67,000 - 87,000; Full time

Job summary

Cengage, a global education technology company, is seeking a Sr. Accountant to manage the fixed asset lifecycle, pre-publication costs, and capitalized internal-use software across the U.S., Canada, and EMEA. You will ensure accurate month-end close, depreciation, and GAAP compliance, while developing SOPs and supporting cross-training within the accounting team.

The role requires strong U.S. GAAP knowledge, experience with SAP S/4 Hana and Blackline, and the ability to collaborate with auditors

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Accounting, with equivalent experience also considered.
• Proven ability to thrive in fast-paced, evolving business environments and adapt quickly to changing priorities.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a keen attention to detail and dedication to accuracy.
• Outstanding verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to convey complex ideas into clear, actionable insights.
• Ability to prioritize tasks effectively and meet strict deadlines.
• Strong understanding of U.S. GAAP.
• Significant experience working with SAP S/4 Hana and Blackline or similar products.
• Audit, internal controls and public company experience, not required, but a plus.

Responsibilities

• Manage fixed asset lifecycle across the U.S., Canada, and EMEA, including CIP tracking and capitalization.
• Capitalize and amortize pre-publication costs and cloud hosting arrangements, with GAAP compliance.
• Improve balance sheet reconciliations and SOX controls, ensuring timely evidence and audit readiness.
• Cross-train team on accruals, prepaids, and lease accounting for business continuity.
• Identify and implement process improvements to automate and standardize accounting workflows.
• Act as liaison with external auditors, FP&A, Internal Controls, and SEC Reporting, supporting close and inquiries.

Skills

U.S. GAAP

SAP S/4 Hana

Blackline

Audit/Internal Controls

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Accounting

Job description

We believe in the power and joy of learning

At Cengage, our employees have a direct impact in helping learners around the world discover the power and joy of learning. We are bonded by our shared purpose – driving innovation that helps millions of learners improve their lives and achieve their dreams through education.

What you'll do here:

As a Sr. Accountant at Cengage, you will be instrumental in maintaining precise and excellent management of our financial operations. You will manage the entire accounting process for fixed assets, pre-publication costs and capitalized internal-use software. Your responsibilities will cover ensuring accurate and punctual month-end close, reconciliations, depreciation and amortization, and observance of U.S GAAP. You will also prepare Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to thoroughly detail these workflows, enabling cross-training among team members.

Key responsibilities include:

• Manage the entire fixed asset lifecycle across the U.S., Canada, and EMEA. This includes additions, transfers, and disposals of assets. Oversee construction-in-progress (CIP) tracking and ensure timely capitalization. Ensure accurate depreciation and reconcile the fixed asset subledger with the general ledger following GAAP.
• Manage the capitalization and amortization of pre-publication costs and cloud hosting arrangements. Ensure compliance with GAAP (ASC 350-40/985-20). Partner with collaborators to validate project costs, useful lives, and impairment considerations.
• Improve balance sheet reconciliations and journal entry documentation to strengthen SOX compliance. Ensure account reconciliations are performed timely and accurately. Support evidence is properly retained, and controls are consistently performed to satisfy internal and external audit requirements.
• Cross-train with team members on accruals, prepaids, and lease accounting to build team-wide coverage, ensure business continuity, and support knowledge-sharing guidelines across the accounting function.
• Identify and implement process improvements and efficiencies across accounting workflows, demonstrating automation and standardization to reduce manual effort, improve accuracy, and enhance the team's overall efficiency.
• Serve as a key liaison with external auditors, FP&A, Internal Controls leaders, and SEC Reporting. Support quarterly and annual close activities. Ensure alignment on accounting treatment. Facilitate timely resolution of audit inquiries and reporting requirements.
  

Skills you will need here:

To be successful in this role, you must bring proven expertise and a passion for accounting excellence. The ideal candidate will have:

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Accounting, with equivalent experience also considered
• Proven ability to thrive in fast-paced, evolving business environments and adapt quickly to changing priorities
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a keen attention to detail and dedication to accuracy
• Outstanding verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to convey complex ideas into clear, actionable insights
• Ability to prioritize tasks effectively and meet strict deadlines
• Strong understanding of U.S GAAP
• Significant experience working with SAP S/4 Hana and Blackline or similar products
• Audit, internal controls and public company experience, not required, but a plus
  

Join us at Cengage, where we believe in the power and happiness of learning. This is your chance to contribute to a world-class team and make a meaningful impact on the lives of learners worldwide!

Cengage is committed to working with broad talent pools to attract and hire strong and most qualified individuals. Our job applicants are considered regardless of any classification protected by applicable federal, state, provincial or local laws.

Cengage is also committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities including during our job application process. If you are an applicant with a disability and require reasonable accommodation in our job application process, please contact us at [e-mail].

About Cengage

Cengage, a global education technology company serving millions of learners, provides affordable, quality digital products and services that equip students with the skills and competencies needed to be job ready. For more than 100 years, we have enabled the power and joy of learning with trusted, engaging content, and now, integrated digital platforms. We serve the higher education, workforce skills, secondary education, English language teaching and research markets worldwide. Through our scalable technology, including MindTap and Cengage Unlimited, we support all learners who seek to improve their lives and achieve their dreams through education.

Compensation

At Cengage Group, we take great pride in our commitment to providing a comprehensive and rewarding Total Rewards package designed to support and empower our employees.

The full base pay range has been provided for this position. Individual base pay will vary based on work schedule, qualifications, experience, internal equity, and geographic location. Sales roles often incorporate a significant incentive compensation program beyond this base pay range.

$67,000.00 - $87,100.00 USD