FSS Accounting Associate

As an FSS Accounting Associate at Zendesk, you will primarily manage the general ledger maintenance and reconciliation processes. This includes preparing journal entries for accruals, maintaining schedules for these accruals, and ensuring accurate reporting during the monthly, quarterly, and annual close processes. You will also assist with audits and collaborate with finance team members and global business partners to improve processes and meet all service level agreements.

To be considered for the FSS Accounting Associate position at Zendesk, you should hold a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance. Having CPA certification and at least three years of experience in general accounting, especially within a SaaS setting, will be advantageous. Excellent communication skills, proficiency in MS Excel, and familiarity with accounting software like Netsuite and Blackline are also essential.

Zendesk values work-life balance for its employees, which is reflected in the hybrid work model for the FSS Accounting Associate position. You will have the flexibility to work remotely part of the week while enjoying in-person collaboration opportunities at the office. This approach encourages connection and learning while allowing you to manage personal commitments effectively.

While the primary requirement is a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance, Zendesk prefers candidates with at least three years of experience in general accounting, ideally within the SaaS industry. Experience with software like Blackline and Netsuite, as well as having a CPA, will give you an edge in this role and help you contribute to the team effectively.

At Zendesk, the work environment for an FSS Accounting Associate promotes collaboration, innovation, and inclusivity. You will be part of a supportive team where continuous improvement is encouraged, allowing you to share your ideas and contribute to refining accounting processes. Our hybrid approach facilitates essential in-person interaction while also allowing you the flexibility of remote work.

In answering this question, focus on specific experiences you've had managing general ledger accounts, detailing your methods for ensuring accuracy and reconciliation. Mention any relevant software tools you have used, such as Blackline or Netsuite, and provide examples of how you’ve contributed to a smooth closing process.

When responding to this question, discuss your time management and organizational strategies. Explain how you assess urgency and importance in tasks, possibly giving an example of a closing period where prioritization was crucial in meeting deadlines and ensuring accuracy.

Share your understanding of key accounting principles such as accuracy, consistency, and transparency. Discuss how applying these principles has shaped your decision-making process and your commitment to integrity in financial reporting.

Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to provide a structured response. Briefly summarize the context, what your specific role was, the actions you took to address the challenge, and the positive outcome that resulted from your efforts.

Discuss your approach to understanding and adhering to internal controls within an organization. Mention any experience you have had in auditing processes or implementing controls to prevent discrepancies, emphasizing your commitment to compliance.

Highlight the importance of teamwork in accounting, particularly in meeting tight deadlines during the month-end close. Discuss how you have successfully collaborated with cross-functional teams and finance partners to improve efficiency and accuracy in reporting.

Detail your proficiency in Excel and share specific functions you are comfortable using, such as VLOOKUP and PivotTables. Provide an example of how you utilized these functions to analyze financial data and support decision-making.

Talk about your commitment to staying updated with accounting standards, software, and industry trends. Mention any certifications or courses you are pursuing, and how you apply new knowledge to your work.

Discuss your involvement in audits, whether internal or external. Highlight your role in preparing documentation, responding to auditor inquiries, and how you ensure records are complete and accurate to facilitate a smooth audit process.

Express your genuine interest in Zendesk by mentioning its innovative approach to customer service and the company culture. Connect your career goals with the values of Zendesk, emphasizing how you can contribute positively to their finance team.