Compute & Infrastructure Accounting Manager

The Compute & Infrastructure Accounting Manager at OpenAI is responsible for overseeing end-to-end financial accounting and reporting for compute and infrastructure costs, ensuring timely month-end closings, and driving improvements in data reliability. This role also involves maintaining lease accounting schedules and being the subject matter expert on ASC 842, along with partnering with internal and external auditors regarding relevant costs.

Candidates for the Compute & Infrastructure Accounting Manager role at OpenAI should have a minimum of 6 years of progressive accounting experience. A solid grasp of technical accounting concepts related to leases, specifically ASC 842, is crucial. A CPA or CA certification is strongly preferred, along with interpersonal skills for effective collaboration on complex topics involving various stakeholders.

OpenAI supports the financial success of its compute and infrastructure operations through the work of the Compute & Infrastructure Accounting Manager, who ensures accurate financial reporting and analysis. This includes driving quality improvements in financial data, maintaining accurate lease accounting schedules, and collaborating with other teams to draft technical accounting memos related to platform infrastructure costs.

At OpenAI, the work culture is collaborative and focused on innovation, giving the Compute & Infrastructure Accounting Manager a chance to work with various internal teams and external stakeholders globally. OpenAI emphasizes safety, human needs, and diversity in its workforce, making it a supportive and engaging environment for all employees.

While it's not a strict requirement, operational experience in technology companies is strongly preferred for the Compute & Infrastructure Accounting Manager role at OpenAI. This background can enhance your understanding of the unique challenges and needs associated with financial management in a tech-driven environment.

Certainly! When answering this question, elaborate on your understanding of ASC 842, detailing any previous responsibilities related to lease accounting. Highlight specific examples where you've had to apply these principles, such as maintaining lease schedules, making necessary adjustments, or addressing lease modifications in an organization.

Discuss your systematic approach to financial reporting, detailing your methods for cross-verifying data, collaborating with other teams for reliable inputs, and any software tools you use to enhance accuracy. Emphasize your attention to detail and commitment to maintaining quality in your output, even during tight deadlines.

In your response, recount a specific instance where you identified inefficiencies in a financial process and the steps you took to address it. Offer quantifiable results or qualitative feedback to prove how your intervention positively impacted the organization, illustrating your problem-solving capabilities.

This question aims at understanding your communication skills. Talk about your ability to simplify complex data, use visuals or analogies, and tailor your communication style to suit diverse audiences. Provide an example where you successfully conveyed intricate financial information to gain consensus or address concerns.

Describe any previous experiences working with external auditors, emphasizing your role in facilitating their requests and ensuring transparency. Be sure to mention any challenges faced during the audit process and how you worked to resolve them to foster a cooperative atmosphere.

Discuss the resources you utilize to stay informed about changes in accounting standards, such as industry publications, seminars, or professional networks. Showcase your proactive approach to continuous learning and how you integrate this knowledge into your daily tasks.

This question assesses your interpersonal skills. Describe a specific situation that involved differing viewpoints and how you navigated the discussion to reach a resolution. Highlight your ability to listen, understand different perspectives, and find a compromise that satisfies the team's goals.

Here, you can express your understanding of contemporary challenges such as rapid technological advancements, maintaining compliance with evolving accounting standards, and accurately reporting costs related to AI and cloud computing. This demonstrates your awareness of industry nuances that impact the role.

Share your strategies for prioritizing tasks, such as creating checklists or timelines, and discuss how you communicate with team members to ensure everyone's on the same page. Provide insights into maintaining focus and efficiency under pressure, showcasing your ability to manage competing deadlines.

This is a chance to share your enthusiasm for the company and its mission. Discuss how OpenAI's dedication to AI development aligns with your personal values and career aspirations. Mention specific aspects of the role that resonate with you, reflecting your desire to contribute meaningfully to the organization's goals.