Sr. Commissions Accountant

About the role

At Instructure, we believe in the power of people to grow and succeed throughout their lives. Our goal is to amplify that power by creating intuitive products that simplify learning and personal development, facilitate meaningful relationships, and inspire people to go further in their education and careers. We do this by giving smart, creative, passionate people opportunities to create awesome.

Responsibilities

• Account for sales commissions in accordance with ASC 340-40 (the standard for capitalizing and amortizing the incremental costs of obtaining a customer contract, including sales commissions), ensuring accuracy and compliance.
• Analyze commission plans, sales arrangements, and contract terms to determine the appropriate capitalization and amortization treatment.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including Sales, Sales Operations, Payroll, and FP&A to review and assess the commission implications of new plans, deals, and offerings.
• Prepare and maintain documentation supporting commission accounting policies and procedures.
• Assist in the implementation and enhancement of commission management software and systems.
• Conduct periodic reviews and reconciliations of commission-related accounts, including clawbacks and true-ups.
• Participate in internal and external audits, providing necessary documentation and support.
• Stay current on changes in accounting standards and regulations related to commissions and contract cost accounting.
• Provide guidance and support to junior team members, fostering a collaborative and growth-oriented environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field. CPA or equivalent certification is a plus.
• Minimum of three to five years of experience in commissions or revenue accounting, preferably within the software industry. Experience with a Big 4 accounting firm is preferred.
• Thorough understanding of ASC 340-40 and accounting for the costs of obtaining a contract.
• Strong analytical skills with meticulous attention to detail.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across teams.
• Proficiency in accounting software and ERP systems. Experience with NetSuite and Salesforce is a bonus.
• Experience with commission management tools such as CaptivateIQ or Xactly is a plus.

Benefits

• Competitive compensation, plus all full-time employees participate in our ownership program — because everyone should have a stake in our success.
• Flexible work culture. Our remote, hybrid, and in-office collaboration spaces vary by role, team, and location.
• Generous time off, including local holidays and our annual “Dim the Lights” period in late December, when teams are encouraged to step back and recharge based on departmental needs.
• Comprehensive wellness programs and mental health support.
• Learning and development resources, including professional development tools and tuition reimbursement, to support your growth.
• The technology and tools you need to do your best work.
• Motivosity employee recognition program.
• A culture rooted in inclusivity, support, and meaningful connection.