Technical Accounting Lead

Keysight Technologies; Santa Rosa (CA); On-site; USD 134,950 - 224,920; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision

401(k) Plan

Flexible Time Off

Job summary

Keysight Technologies is seeking a Technical Accounting Lead in Santa Rosa, California. This crucial role involves overseeing the company's accounting policy framework and ensuring compliance with U.S. GAAP while handling complex accounting transactions.

The ideal candidate should have a CPA, a Bachelor's in Accounting, and over 8 years of progressive experience in accounting, preferably from a Big 4 background. Responsibilities include leading technical accounting research, liaising with external auditors, and mentoring junior team members.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of progressive experience in accounting, ideally Big 4 audit.
• Experience with SEC reporting and disclosures (10-K/10-Q).
• Strong command of U.S. GAAP and ability to apply complex judgment.

Responsibilities

• Own the accounting policy framework and ensure U.S. GAAP compliance.
• Conduct technical accounting research and prepare position papers.
• Act as a liaison for external auditors, ensuring alignment on judgments.

Skills

Analytical skills

Leadership

Project management

Interpersonal skills

U.S. GAAP knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting

CPA

Job description

Overview

Keysight is at the forefront of technology innovation, delivering breakthroughs and trusted insights in electronic design, simulation, prototyping, test, manufacturing, and optimization. Our ~15,000 employees create world-class solutions in communications, 5G, automotive, energy, quantum, aerospace, defense, and semiconductor markets for customers in over 100 countries. Learn more about what we do.

Our award-winning culture embraces a bold vision of where technology can take us and a passion for tackling challenging problems with industry-first solutions. We believe that when people feel a sense of belonging, they can be more creative, innovative, and thrive at all points in their careers.

The Technical Accounting Lead is a critical role within the Global Financial Reporting & Compliance team of Keysight. This role is best suited for those individuals who are ready to own technical accounting positions and drive outcomes in a public-company environment. You will partner closely with Corporate Finance and key stakeholders to evaluate complex transactions, write and socialize position memos, support SEC reporting, and help the company adopt new standards in a scalable, audit-ready way. You will also lead technical accounting workstreams for M&A (due diligence through purchase accounting and integration), coordinating with third-party valuation specialists and cross-functional partners. The role offers broad exposure across accounting policy, complex judgments, external auditor alignment, and deal activity. The position reports to the Accounting Policies and M&A Manager and interacts regularly with the Corporate Finance organization and external auditors.

Why this role:

• End-to-end ownership from conclusion to implementation, controls, and disclosures
• Stay highly technical-focus on quality, judgment, and influence
• Gain recurring exposure to M&A and complex transactions, partnering with valuation specialists and cross-functional leaders
• Build leadership skills by driving workstreams, improving processes, and mentoring others

Responsibilities

• Own and evolve Keysight's accounting policy framework; ensure scalable, audit-ready application of U.S. GAAP and SEC requirements
• Lead technical accounting research for complex, routine, and non-routine transactions; draft, review, and socialize conclusion memos/position papers with stakeholders
• Serve as a primary technical accounting liaison for external auditors; drive early alignment on key judgments to avoid late-cycle issues
• Lead purchase accounting under ASC 805, including coordinating with third-party valuation specialists on fair value and purchase price allocation and supporting integration accounting considerations
• Monitor FASB/SEC developments and lead adoption of new ASUs, including impact assessments, implementation plans, and stakeholder training
• Partner cross-functionally (Controllership, Financial Operations, Information Systems, and Business Unit Finance) to implement standards and transaction accounting, translating guidance into practical processes and controls
• Lead special projects and workstreams with clear milestones, stakeholders, and deliverables (memos, playbooks, process improvements); manage timelines and drive closure
• Ensure accounting policy, SEC reporting, and deal-related processes operate within an effective SOX control environment; maintain clear documentation and support testing
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives across technical accounting, reporting, and compliance as priorities evolve

Qualifications

Working model / expectations: Limited travel as needed for acquisitions; periodic peaks around quarter-end/annual reporting.

• CPA required
• Bachelor's degree in Accounting
• 8+ years of progressive experience, ideally Big 4 audit and/or accounting advisory
• Experience with performing complex accounting research and technical activities within a large multi-national company, synthesizing information, formulating conclusions and documenting thorough, concise technical accounting memoranda/position papers
• Experience supporting SEC registrant reporting and disclosures (10-K/10-Q) and partnering with external auditors on technical positions
• Strong command of U.S. GAAP and ability to apply judgment in complex areas (e.g., ASC 805, revenue, leases, equity/stock compensation, impairment) -and clearly explain conclusions
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Exhibit intuition and awareness to seek clarification as needed to deliver results
• Strong problem-solving skills
• Excellent analytical and interpersonal skills
• Ability to interact with various levels of finance personnel and can explain complex accounting in succinct manner; a good listener
• Demonstrated ability to lead workstreams, coach/mentor others, and influence stakeholders without formal authority
• Superior project management skills and an ability to multitask

Careers Privacy Statement

Keysight is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

The level of role will be based on applicable experience, education and skills; Most offers will be between the minimum and the midpoint of the Salary Range listed below.

California Pay Range MIN $134,950.00-MID $179,930.00- MAX $224,920.00

Note: For other locations, pay ranges will vary by region

This role is eligible for Keysight Results Bonus Program

US Employees may be eligible for the following benefits:

• Medical, dental and vision
• Health Savings Account
• Health Care and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts
• Life, Accident, Disability insurance
• Business Travel Accident and Business Travel Health
• 401(k) Plan
• Flexible Time Off, Paid Holidays
• Paid Family Leave
• Discounts, Perks
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Adoption Assistance
• ESPP (Employee Stock Purchase Plan)