Founded in 2009, Zest AI has been pioneering innovative AI technology with a mission to expand credit access to create opportunities for more Americans to pursue their financial goals. Zest AI is transforming the $17 trillion US consumer credit market by delivering AI technology that helps lenders identify creditworthy borrowers overlooked by traditional methods, while leveling the playing field so financial institutions of all sizes can harness AI to provide better lending experiences.

With over 50 issued and pending patents across automation, accuracy, performance, and model explainability, Zest AI is a leader in financial technology, providing financial institutions with AI tools that create a more resilient US financial system and a stronger U.S. economy. With over 600 active AI models, financial institutions rely on Zest AI's comprehensive suite of solutions spanning marketing, underwriting, fraud detection, lending intelligence, and more to make smarter lending decisions while improving profitability. This US-based technology as a service company is headquartered in Los Angeles, California.

At Zest AI, we are looking for someone who will contribute to our small, high-performing team and collaborative culture -- someone who shows up every day with curiosity and horsepower, enjoys cross-functional collaboration, and brings bright ideas to help the finance and accounting team keep up with this quickly evolving organization.

About the Role

The Accounting Manager will oversee the daily accounting operations and ensure the integrity of financial reporting for our multi-product business. Reporting to the Sr. Director of Accounting and collaborating closely with the Finance team, this role will manage daily accounting responsibilities, own the monthly close process, and support strategic initiatives such as new product launches, acquisitions, and process improvements.

Key Responsibilities:

Operational Accounting

• Oversee day-to-day accounting operations including general ledger, revenue recognition, accounts payable/receivable, fixed assets, and expense management.
• Lead and improve the monthly, quarterly, and annual close process, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and compliance with GAAP.
• Maintain and reconcile the company’s trial balance, balance sheet schedules, and financial records.
• Ensure proper accounting for equity compensation and related reporting requirements.
• Utilize software tools including Sage Intacct, Avalara, Bill.com, Expensify, and Anaplan.

Financial Reporting & Compliance

• Prepare and review financial statements, variance analyses, and management reports for leadership and Board presentations.
• Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local tax regulations and support external tax filings.
• Create supporting schedules and memos to support our annual financial statement audit.
• Maintain strong internal controls and document accounting policies and procedures.
• Monitor evolving accounting standards and proactively assess impact on reporting and compliance.

Leadership & Business Partnership

• Assist leadership on budgeting and forecasting projects.
• Collaborate with the legal team to review complex customer contracts and provide feedback on revenue impacts of contract terms.
• Support integration of new systems, products, and acquisitions, ensuring smooth accounting transitions.
• Advise leadership on accounting implications of business decisions, contracts, and pricing.

Systems & Process Improvement

• Drive process automation and systems optimization (ERP, billing and collections, expense reporting).
• Implement scalable accounting practices to support company growth.
• Evaluate and enhance internal controls, risk management, and compliance processes.
• Identify and implement best practices to improve efficiency, accuracy, and scalability of financial operations.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field required; CPA or MBA strongly preferred.
• 5–7+ years of progressive accounting experience
• Solid knowledge of US GAAP and financial reporting requirements.
• Experience in fintech, SaaS, or financial services preferred.
• Proven ability to work cross-functionally with operations, sales, and product teams to align financial processes with business objectives.
• Skilled in implementing scalable processes during periods of rapid growth or transformation.
• Proficiency with accounting software (NetSuite, Intacct, or similar) and Excel/Google Sheets.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills; ability to explain financial concepts to non-finance stakeholders.
• Demonstrated success collaborating with teams to scale accounting processes in a high-growth environment.

Perks and benefits:

• The opportunity to join a mission-focused company
• People – the best part of Zest
• Robust medical, dental and vision insurance plans
• Annual bonus plan participation
• 401(k) with generous match
• Employee Awards and Recognition
• 11 company holidays
• Winter break (office closed between Christmas and New Year's Day)
• Unlimited vacation time
• Employee Resource Groups
• Generous family leave policy (12 week maternity leave / 6 week paternity leave)
• Phone, internet, wellness, and professional development allowances
• Employee gatherings, including Town Hall meetings

Additionally, Zestys based locally and around our Burbank HQ enjoy:

• Beautiful, modern, dog-friendly office with lounge areas, video games, and gigantic jigsaw puzzles
• Daily catered lunches from LA’s best restaurants and a fully stocked kitchen
• Complimentary manicures, pedicures, and mindfulness sessions
• Company happy hours, social events, outings, and much more!

About Zest AI:

Creating a diverse and inclusive culture where all are welcomed, valued, and empowered to achieve our full potential is important to who we are and where we’re headed in the future. We know that unique backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives help us think bigger, spark innovation, and succeed together. Zest is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion and encourages professionals from underrepresented groups in technology and financial services to apply.

Our core values are Communication, Collaboration, Bias for Action, Client-centricity, and Heart. Learn more at Zest.ai, follow us on LinkedIn (linkedin.com/company/zest-ai/) or Twitter @Zest_AI, or check out our Insights blog (https://www.zest.ai/cms/insights