Accounting Manager (Individual Contributor)

Job description

About the team Join a dynamic and collaborative group of accounting professionals on the Close and Consolidations Accounting team! Reporting up through the Accounting and Controllership organization, this team is charged with delivering accuracy, consistency, and excellence across the accounting function. We lead efforts to manage, streamline, and enhance the close process and systems, while also owning intercompany oversight, driving strategic initiatives, and participating in the month-end close process for select areas. In addition, the team identifies and implements automation and process improvements that strengthen efficiency, standardization, and scalability across the broader accounting organization. About the role This role offers a unique blend of hands-on accounting and broader program management within Zillow’s Close and Consolidations team. Approximately half of your time will be dedicated to the month-end close process, with a focus on people-related costs such as payroll, share-based compensation, severance, and certain benefits. Because many of these areas are owned by other teams, success requires strong cross-functional partnerships and technical expertise to ensure accuracy in our financial results. The other half of the role is focused on advancing close and consolidation initiatives beyond recurring accounting activities. You’ll have the opportunity to take ownership of programs, lead projects, and drive improvements that enhance efficiency, reduce manual effort, and strengthen scalability. This role is also expected to create additional capacity in this space by optimizing and automating people-cost activities, enabling greater focus on close optimization and strategic initiatives. This is an exciting opportunity for someone who thrives in balancing execution with strategic thinking, can manage multiple priorities independently, and is eager to influence how our accounting processes scale with the business. In this role, you will: Month-End Close & People Costs Own the accounting for all people-related costs, including salaries, paid time off, share-based compensation, bonuses, and severance. Act as the primary reviewer for transactions prepared by partner teams (e.g., payroll runs, share-based compensation expense recognition), and ensure all necessary journal entries, such as accruals, are appropriately reflected in the financial statements. Navigate more complex areas such as equity accelerations, terminations, and severance, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and improved transparency into processes and financial statement results. Author or review monthly fluctuation analyses and the month-end close presentation for people costs. Collaborate closely with Payroll, Equity, Benefits, and other teams, performing effective reviews, identifying necessary improvements, and driving process enhancements. Close Optimization & Strategic Initiatives Drive optimization of manual close processes through automation and efficiency improvements, creating capacity to take on additional close and consolidation initiatives described below. Lead recurring cross-team accounting programs such as close management, intercompany and consolidation, and oversight of outsourcing arrangements. Represent accounting in Zillow Group–wide strategic projects such as M&A integrations, new entity formation, and reorganizations, and project manage the execution of related activities across the accounting organization. Manage intra-accounting optimization initiatives aimed at simplifying processes, improving accuracy, and enhancing scalability across close and consolidation activities. Build and enhance operational policies and internal control frameworks, ensuring SOX compliance. Deliver financial analysis and develop metrics that provide insight into close processes, supporting efforts to drive optimization, standardization, and scalability across the accounting function This role has been categorized as a Remote position. “Remote” employees do not have a permanent corporate office workplace and, instead, work from a physical location of their choice, which must be identified to the Company. U.S. employees may live in any of the 50 United States, with limited exceptions. In California, Connecticut, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Washington state, and Washington DC the standard base pay range for this role is $99,700.00 - $159,300.00 annually. This base pay range is specific to these locations and may not be applicable to other locations. In Colorado, Hawaii, Illinois, Minnesota, Nevada, Ohio, Rhode Island, and Vermont the standard base pay range for this role is $94,700.00 - $151,300.00 annually. The base pay range is specific to these locations and may not be applicable to other locations. In addition to a competitive base salary this position is also eligible for equity awards based on factors such as experience, performance and location. Actual amounts will vary depending on experience, performance and location. Employees in this role will not be paid below the salary threshold for exempt employees in the state where they reside. Who you are 4–6 years of progressive accounting experience, ideally in a large public company environment. Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance required; CPA strongly preferred. Strong foundation in US GAAP, with experience accounting for payroll and equity compensation, preferred. Experience preparing and reviewing journal entries and reconciliations with a critical and analytical approach. Demonstrated ability to lead or support cross-functional projects/programs, balancing execution with strategic priorities. Passion for process improvement and automation, with a proven track record of implementing scalable solutions. Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to manage competing priorities under tight deadlines. Strong communication skills, with the ability to effectively collaborate across Finance, HR, Legal, and Technology teams. Experience with Workday Financials or another large ERP system preferred. Advanced Excel skills required; or similar data tools a plus. Knowledge of multi-entity structures and intercompany accounting preferred. Thrives in a fast-paced, innovative, and rapidly evolving environment. Get to know us At Zillow, we’re reimagining how people move—through the real estate market and through their careers. As the most-visited real estate platform in the U.S., we help customers navigate buying, selling, financing and renting with greater ease and confidence. Whether you're working in tech, sales, operations, or design, you’ll be part of a company that's reshaping an industry and helping more people make home a reality. Zillow is honored to be recognized among the best workplaces in the country. Zillow was named one of FORTUNE 100 Best Companies to Work For® in 2025 , and included on the PEOPLE Companies That Care® 2025 list, reflecting our commitment to creating an innovative, inclusive, and engaging culture where employees are empowered to grow. No matter where you sit in the organization, your work will help drive innovation, support our customers, and move the industry—and your career—forward, together. Zillow Group is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering an inclusive, innovative environment with the best employees. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please contact your recruiter directly. Qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with applicable state and local law. Los Angeles County applicants: Job duties for this position include: work safely and cooperatively with other employees, supervisors, and staff; adhere to standards of excellence despite stressful conditions; communicate effectively and respectfully with employees, supervisors, and staff to ensure exceptional customer service; and follow all federal, state, and local laws and Company policies. Criminal history may have a direct, adverse, and negative relationship with some of the material job duties of this position. These include the duties and responsibilities listed above, as well as the abilities to adhere to company policies, exercise sound judgment, effectively manage stress and work safely and respectfully with others, exhibit trustworthiness and professionalism, and safeguard business operations and the Company’s reputation. Pursuant to the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.