Sr Director Technical Accounting

Job Summary

We are seeking a highly accomplished, strategic, and collaborative Senior Director of Technical Accounting to lead our technical accounting and M&A functions. As a critical leader within the accounting organization, you will serve as the advisor on complex accounting matters, ensuring compliance with US GAAP while supporting the company’s rapid growth and strategic initiatives.

• Due Diligence:
  Lead the accounting due diligence process for potential acquisitions, identifying financial risks, valuation considerations, and structuring impacts.
• PPA & Valuation:
  Oversee Purchase Price Allocation (PPA), valuation of intangible assets, and the establishment of opening balance sheets.
• Accounting Integration:
  Drive the seamless post‑merger accounting integration of acquired entities into the corporate ecosystem, aligning policies and systems.

• Governance:
  Ownership of global accounting policies to ensure uniformity and compliance with US GAAP.
• Equity & Compensation Accounting:
  Oversee complex Stock‑Based Compensation (SBC) accounting, disclosures, ESPP, deferred compensation, and the preparation of the Statement of Equity.
• Technical Accounting:
  Act as the subject matter expert on areas such as capitalized software, deferred contract costs, inventory accounting, complex purchase commitments, and compensation related topics.

• Team Leadership:
  Mentor, develop, and inspire a high‑performing team of technical accounting professionals, fostering a culture of continuous learning and excellence.
• Cross‑Functional Partnership:
  Act as a trusted advisor and strategic partner to Corporate Development, Legal, Corporate Accounting, Tax, and R&D Functions to support business initiatives.
• Executive Presence:
  Confidently present technical accounting positions, M&A impacts, and financial risks to senior leadership and external auditors.

• Education:
  
  Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance.
• Experience:
  
  12+ years of progressive accounting experience, including a foundational background in Big 4 public accounting, followed by leadership roles in a publicly traded corporate environment.
• M&A Expertise:
  Proven track record of leading complex M&A transactions from due diligence through valuation (PPA) and full accounting integration.
• Leadership: 5+ years of experience directly managing and developing a technical accounting team.

The compensation offered for this position will depend on qualifications, experience, and work location. For candidates who receive an offer at the posted level, the starting base salary (for non‑sales roles) or base salary + commission target (for sales/com‑missioned roles) is expected to be the annual range listed below. The offered compensation may also include restricted stock units and a bonus.

$ - $/yr

We’re trailblazers that dream big, take risks, and challenge cybersecurity’s status quo. It’s simple: we can’t accomplish our mission without diverse teams innovating, together.

We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations for all qualified individuals with a disability. If you require assistance or accommodation due to a disability or special need, please contact us at accomm

Palo Alto Networks is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity in our workplace, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran status, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or other legally protected characteristics.

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

Is role eligible for Immigration Sponsorship? No. Please note that we will not sponsor applicants for work visas for this position.