Director of Accounting

Fortinet is a global leader and innovator in network security. We provide high performance cybersecurity solutions to a wide variety of enterprises and government organizations of all sizes across the globe. We provide protection against cyberattacks across the entire attack surface through a broad range of security products and solutions, providing customers with an end-to-end platform and a single source of threat intelligence to minimize security gaps. For 2021, we project our billings to be in excess of $4 billion and we are supported by a world-wide employee group of 10,000 in more than 50 countries.

Position Summary

The Director of Accounting reports to the Corporate Controller and will play a critical role in ensuring the integrity, consistency and application of US GAAP, including accounting policies, practices, systems, and SOX compliance, in our Japan entity. He/she will be a key member of the financial team at Fortinet, and will be the Japan accounting leader and ensure that our Japan entities are closed in a timely manner. Assist in the translation of the Japan entity’s JGAAP financials to US GAAP on a monthly basis. He/she will ensure that US GAAP is followed and help manage SOX compliance.

After preparation of the financial statements at the Japanese entity, the successful applicant will work with the SEC reporting, Revenue, Technical Accounting, FP&A, and Investors Relations and provide reporting of activity from our Japanese entity. He or she will also prepare internal management presentations for members of the Audit Committee and executive team. In addition to these responsibilities, this position offers the opportunity to leverage an extensive background of technical accounting and SOX with the intensity, dynamics and rapid change of a high-growth technology company. This individual will have the capacity to drive reporting and technical excellence, while supporting the development of practical business processes and solutions. The Director of Accounting – Japan will have a background in applying and teaching others about new GAAP as well as existing GAAP requirements, be detail oriented and have strong organizational and relationship building skills. This position requires matrix management and strong communication capabilities to educate finance and non-finance personnel.

Major Responsibilities 

• GL Accounting
  • Ensures timely and accurate financial reporting to the management and the head office This person will be responsible in helping close the books of our Japan entities under U.S. GAAP within 7 business days, including translation of financials from JGAAP to US GAAP
  • He/she will be responsible to build his team in order to support Corporate’s SEC timeline. There are currently 4 people who will be reporting to this position.
  • He/she will help review and approve journal entries and reconciliations.
  • Serve as liaison and main contact person for questions or inquiries related to the Japan entity by Corporate and its auditors
  • Provide vision on how to build the group, systems to use, and processes to build and lead the execution of this vision
  • Provides training and coaching to the accounting group. Communicate values, policies, and procedures.
  • ERP implementation
• SOX
  • Develops and documents business processes and accounting policies to maintain and strengthen internal controls. Help build SOX processes, flowcharts, and ensure SOX compliance
  • Serve as liaison between internal and external auditors, and the Japan team
• Reporting
  • Bring leadership and vision to all aspects of accounting, reporting, processes and SEC compliance.
• Responsible for timely preparation of SEC disclosure required documents, supervise data gathering process, updates to document specifically around new disclosures and MD&A sections.
• Proactively monitor current FASB and SEC activities and evaluate the impact of adopting new accounting standards. 
• Operational and Strategic 
  • Work with the Assistant Controller, Director of Technical Accounting, head of FP&A, and Controller to set priorities and work with senior management and the regional teams on various initiatives.
  • Support the Director of Technical Accounting for merger and acquisition accounting, and support functional organizations with respect to due diligence and integration
  • Conduct cross-functional trainings on accounting policies, etc.
  • Assist with other special projects, as required
  • Understand current and proposed Japan legislation, enforcing accounting regulations, and recommending new procedures
  • Oversee consolidated tax return filing, if any
  • Supports communication between the parent company for finance matters
• Communication
• Effectively communicate with all levels of the organization, third party service providers, including external auditors
• Supports communication between the parent company for finance matters
• Develop and maintain working relationships across Finance, Legal, Investor Relations, and other organizations.

This position requires a relationship-driven individual who will contribute to Fortinet’s overall success. The position requires an individual who can support constant change, be flexible and adapt in an evolving fast paced work environment and often work under tight deadlines with changing requirements. 

 Key relationships

• Assistant Controller
• WW Corporate Controller
• Director of Technical Accounting
•  
• CFO
• Vice President Revenue Accounting
• International Controller, APAC, 
• Sr. Director, Corporate Financial Planning and Analysis 
• Vice President Tax
• Sr Directors of Inventory, Services Accounting, Revenue Accounting, and , general ledger
• External Auditors

  Essential Requirements

• Must speak fluent English and Japanese 
• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance; CPA required.
• Experience with translation of JGAAP financials to US GAAP financials, required.
• At least 10 years of experience with at least 6 years of experience at Big 4 public accounting firm, preferred. 

Fortinet offers employees a variety of benefits, including medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurance, 401(k), 11 paid holidays, vacation time, and sick time as well as a comprehensive leave program. 

Wage ranges are based on various factors including the labor market, job type, and job level. Earnings for this position are expected to be $155,000 - $260,000 Exact salary offers will be determined by factors such as the candidate's subject knowledge, skill level, qualifications, experience, and geographic location.

All roles are eligible to participate in the Fortinet equity program, Bonus eligibility is reviewed at time of hire and annually at the Company’s discretion

Salary : $155,000 - $260,000