Accountant II

As an Accountant II at Duolingo, your key responsibilities will include preparing monthly journal entries and reconciliations related to payroll and equity processes, managing the capitalized software processes, and assisting with quarterly and annual SEC filings. You'll also be involved in reviewing employee expense data for accurate coding, ensuring compliance with financial regulations, and collaborating with various teams to meet critical timelines.

To qualify for the Accountant II role at Duolingo, candidates should ideally hold a Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field. A CPA or equivalent qualification is preferred, along with proven experience in month-end close processes. Familiarity with GAAP, PCAOB, and SEC requirements is essential, as well as proficiency in financial software such as Workiva, NetSuite, and Blackline.

An effective Accountant II at Duolingo must exhibit excellent accuracy and attention to detail, possess strong verbal and written communication skills, and have the ability to work independently. Additionally, the capacity to meet sensitive deadlines with high precision is crucial, as is a proactive attitude to collaborate with varying departments.

While not strictly required, having experience working in a public company or at a Big 4 accounting firm is considered exceptional for an Accountant II position at Duolingo. This background can provide valuable insights into the regulatory environments and financial reporting frameworks you'll encounter in this role.

The salary range for the Accountant II position at Duolingo falls between $100,300 and $163,300 USD, depending on various factors such as skills, experience, and internal equity. The salary during the hiring process is discussed with the recruiter, ensuring transparency and fairness.

When discussing your experience with month-end close processes, focus on specific tasks you've completed, such as preparing journal entries and reconciliations. Highlight any software you used, such as NetSuite or Blackline, and how you ensured accuracy and timely completion of financial statements.

In answering this question, share your understanding of GAAP and SEC requirements and provide examples of how you have implemented these standards in your previous roles. Discuss any audits you participated in and how you've stayed updated on changes in regulations.

Talk about prioritization methods and tools you use to stay organized, such as project management software. Share specific instances when you successfully managed overlapping deadlines, and how you communicated with your team to ensure timely completion of tasks.

When answering this, illustrate your investigative skills by describing a situation where you identified and resolved a discrepancy. Mention the steps you take to verify data accuracy and how you collaborate with other departments to correct errors.

Emphasize the collaborative aspects of accounting and how teamwork enhances the accuracy and efficiency of financial reporting. Provide examples where working with diverse teams led to improvements in processes or problem solving.

Discuss your proficiency with accounting software, mentioning any specific applications like Workiva, NetSuite, or Blackline. Highlight how these tools helped streamline processes or improve accuracy in your financial reporting.

Share a specific example of a transition you faced, such as implementing new software, regulatory changes, or organizational restructuring. Emphasize your ability to remain flexible, learn quickly, and contribute positively during the change.

Talk about your commitment to double-checking figures, cross-referencing data, and utilizing software tools to assist in ensuring accuracy. Mention any quality control processes you have been part of that helped maintain meticulous financial records.

In your response, express your enthusiasm for Duolingo's mission to make education accessible and how this aligns with your professional values. Discuss your desire to contribute your accounting expertise in a fast-paced tech environment and how you see yourself growing in this role.

Reflect on genuine challenges you've faced in accounting, such as keeping up with regulatory changes or managing tight deadlines. Explain how you approach these challenges and the strategies you employ to overcome them.