Head of Accounting Policy

About the role

Anthropic is seeking a senior leader to own and shape its accounting policy and technical accounting function. You will be the authority on how the company accounts for novel, first‑of‑kind transactions, from usage‑based revenue arrangements to complex financing and M&A activity. This high‑judgment role partners closely with the CFO organization, legal, tax, and deal teams to ensure accounting consequences are understood and reflected in public‑company‑grade reporting.

Key responsibilities

• Establish, document, and maintain US GAAP accounting policies across all significant areas, keeping them current as the business and standards evolve.
• Serve as the lead technical advisor on novel transactions, including ASC 606 usage‑based revenue, large compute and infrastructure commitments, complex financing and equity instruments, and M&A investments.
• Build and institutionalize a whitepaper/position‑memo discipline to document accounting conclusions and withstand auditor and regulator scrutiny.
• Lead technical discussions with external auditors and the SEC, driving timely resolution of complex or unsettled issues.
• Prepare the company for public‑company‑grade external reporting, including SEC‑style financial statements, disclosures, and supporting close and reporting processes.
• Monitor, assess, and lead adoption of new FASB standards and SEC rules, delivering impact assessments and implementation plans.
• Partner early with Legal, Tax, FP&A, and business teams to shape transaction design with accounting implications in mind.
• Advise on equity, financing, and capital‑markets transactions, ensuring appropriate accounting treatment.

Required profile

• Senior accounting leader with high judgment and trust.
• Proven ability to work closely with CFO, Controller, legal, tax, and deal teams.
• First‑line accountant in the room for new transaction designs.
• Strong communication skills for interacting with auditors, regulators, and internal stakeholders.

Required skills

• Deep knowledge of US GAAP.
• Expertise in ASC 606 revenue recognition.
• Familiarity with FASB standards and SEC reporting requirements.
• Technical accounting and financial reporting experience.
• Ability to produce rigorous whitepapers and position memos.
• Experience liaising with external auditors and regulators.