Overview In this role you drive technical accounting for complex arrangements, partnering with cross-functional teams to deliver clear accounting conclusions. You will document positions, engage with auditors, and influence policy changes that align with US GAAP. The role sits within Group Finance and supports broad business programs, emphasizing collaboration and practical expertise. You'll tackle high-impact deals such as leases and go-to-market arrangements, shaping Microsoft's accounting posture. This is a growth-focused opportunity to lead critical consultations and advance technical accounting practices at scale.
Responsibilities- Provide accounting conclusions on complex topics like leases, fixed assets, and capitalization projects
- Collaborate with Cloud Infrastructure, Energy, Treasury, Tax, and Operations to ensure US GAAP compliance on new arrangements
- Coordinate experts across teams to assess holistic accounting implications of deals
- Document accounting positions and communicate with external auditors and valuation specialists
- Support special projects, ad hoc requests, and cross-group initiatives; act as a resource for others
- Monitor standard setting, assess impact on Microsoft, and update policies and controls as needed
- Maintain deep GAAP knowledge, identify gaps and propose solutions across teams
- Identify, evaluate, and leverage technology to perform responsibilities
- Demonstrate speed, adaptability, and strong partner engagement in evolving priorities
- Embody Microsoft culture and values
Key requirements- Master's Degree in Business, Accounting /Finance, or related field OR Bachelor's Degree in Business, Accounting /Finance, or related field with 7+ years accounting or finance experience (equivalents allowed)
- CPA or equivalent accounting certification
- Adept US GAAP knowledge and experience
- Experience in software/technology industry is a plus
- Strong collaboration, influence across complex organizations, and cross-group partnership skills
- Ability to scope issues, apply accounting knowledge, and make clear decisions
- Excellent financial and analytical communication skills
- Self-starter, well organized, adaptable, and able to multi-task under pressure
- collaboration
- ability to navigate ambiguity
- influencing across organizations
- US GAAP knowledge
- leases accounting
- capitalization of costs