Accountant[Fixed Asset - CA/CPA/CMA]: Lead

Job description

We are in the process of establishing an Accounting Center of Excellence (COE) to strengthen our global accounting capabilities and provide a scalable foundation for the future. The COE will focus on consistency, accuracy, and efficiency across accounting processes, while ensuring compliance with regulatory and audit requirements. It will also drive process improvements, automation, and knowledge sharing across regions. As Fixed Asset COE Lead, you will own the end-to-end accounting for property, plant & equipment (PP&E), leases, internally developed software (IDS), goodwill and other intangible assets across the Thoughtworks global. You will be accountable for technical accuracy, SOX compliance, and the continuous improvement of fixed asset accounting processes — while mentoring and developing a high-performing team. You will collaborate closely with Regional Controllers, FP&A, Tax, Legal, and IT Finance stakeholders to deliver a scalable, compliant, and insight-driven fixed asset function. Job responsibilities Fixed Asset Accounting & Close • Own the global fixed asset accounting lifecycle — from capitalization through depreciation, impairment, and disposal — ensuring accurate and timely recognition in compliance with US GAAP (ASC 360, ASC 350), IFRS 16, and internal accounting policies. • Lead monthly close activities for PP&E, ROU assets, and intangibles, including journal entries, depreciation runs, asset additions/disposals, and reconciliations. • Review and approve balance sheet reconciliations for all fixed asset accounts, ensuring complete documentation, proper support, and adherence to SOX control requirements. • Oversee lease accounting under IFRS 16 / ASC 842, including ROU asset recognition, remeasurement, modification, and disclosure across all Thoughtworks legal entities. • Support acquisition accounting and integration activities, including participation in purchase price allocation (PPA) for PP&E and intangible assets, post-acquisition asset register set-up, and goodwill impairment indicator assessments in coordination with the Technical Accounting and FP&A teams. Software Capitalization (IDS / ASC 350-40) • Manage the end-to-end capitalization process for internally developed software, including intake assessment, eligibility determination, cost accumulation, and amortization schedules. • Partner with IT and other teams to ensure accurate and timely identification of qualifying development activities and associated costs. • Maintain clear documentation and audit trails to support internal and external audit reviews of software capitalization decisions. Compliance, Controls & Audit Support • Maintain and enforce global accounting policies for fixed assets and intangibles, ensuring consistent application and clear guidance for regional finance teams. • Design, operate, and monitor SOX/ICFR controls over the fixed asset cycle, including periodic physical verification coordination and impairment assessments. • Serve as the primary contact for internal and external auditors on all fixed asset and intangible-related queries, providing detailed analysis, documentation, and reconciliations. Process Improvement & Automation • Drive continuous improvement across fixed asset accounting workflows, identifying automation opportunities within ERP and asset management systems (PeopleSoft). • Lead standardization initiatives across regions — developing consistent templates, capitalization thresholds, useful life policies, and tagging conventions. • Contribute to the broader Accounting COE agenda by bringing best practices in fixed asset accounting and helping design scalable, globally consistent processes. Stakeholder Collaboration & Team Development • Collaborate with FP&A, Tax, Legal, Regional Controllers, SG&A team to ensure capital expenditure forecasting, tax depreciation, and CAPEX/OPEX classification are properly reflected. • Partner with FP&A, IT, Controllership and Treasury to forecast global CAPEX cash flows, aligning cash projections with IT and software development plans. • Partner with the Procurement and IT teams to establish and maintain an effective asset procurement-to-capitalization workflow. • Develop and mentor team members within the Fixed Asset COE, building technical depth and fostering a culture of accuracy, ownership, and continuous improvement. Job qualifications Essential • Qualified CA, CPA, or CMA with 5–7 years of post-qualification experience in fixed asset accounting, technical accounting, or a controllership role. • Deep knowledge of US GAAP fixed asset standards (ASC 360, ASC 350-40) and IFRS 16 / ASC 842 lease accounting, with demonstrated experience applying them in a global environment. • Hands-on experience managing the full fixed asset cycle including capitalization, depreciation, impairment, and disposal in a multinational company. • Strong understanding of SOX/ICFR controls applicable to the fixed asset cycle. • Experience supporting internal and external audits, including preparation of detailed audit schedules and reconciliations. • Advanced Microsoft Excel skills; proficiency in working with ERP-generated data and large asset registers. • Proven track record in driving process standardization, continuous improvement, and supporting automation initiat