Director Financial Reporting & Technical Accounting

At 2U, we are all in on purpose. We are motivated by our mission – to make learning limitless– and connected by our shared passion to deliver world-class higher education at scale. As the parent company of edX, a leading online learning platform, 2U powers thousands of  higher education offerings – from free courses to full degrees. Together with our college, university, and corporate partners, we are helping accelerate careers and transform lives. 

What We’re Looking For:

The Director of Financial Reporting & Technical Accounting will lead the preparation of financial statements, support the Company’s complex accounting areas, and manage all aspects of stock-based compensation administration. This role serves as a subject-matter expert on U.S. GAAP, complex transactions, and equity accounting, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and timely reporting. The Director will work cross-functionally with Finance, Legal, HR, and external advisors to support strategic initiatives, ongoing reporting, and compliance in a dynamic private company environment.

Responsibilities Include, But Are Not Limited To:

• Financial Reporting & Technical Accounting:
  • Lead the preparation and review of monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements, including balance sheet, income statement, cash flow, statement of stockholders’ equity, and accompanying disclosures.
  • Ensure accuracy, completeness, and timeliness of consolidated financial results in accordance with U.S. GAAP.
  • Coordinate closely with Finance to align financial reporting with internal management reporting and Board deliverables.
  • Support the preparation of debt compliance reporting, including covenant calculations, lender deliverables, and certifications in coordination with Treasury and Legal.
  • Serve as a key liaison with external auditors to support the Company’s accounting positions and annual audits, ensuring audit readiness and timely resolution of technical matters.
  • Monitor new FASB pronouncements for applicability.
  • Take a leading role in the implementation of major new accounting standards.
  • Assist and contribute to the development of existing accounting policies, procedures and methodologies, with a focus on process improvement.
  • Clearly articulate and educate team members in finance and other departments with respect to the impact of adopted accounting policies, new standards and other technical matters.
  • Concisely and thoroughly summarize and present accounting conclusions to the accounting group and senior management.
  • Be responsible for special projects and other departmental duties as necessary.

• Equity Administration:
  • Oversee all aspects of the company’s equity programs.
  • Support Legal and HR in plan design, modifications, and updates to plan documents.
  • Review valuation models for equity instruments.
  • Manage day-to-day operations related to equity grants, exercises, cancellations, and settlements in partnership with HR, Payroll, and Legal.
  • Ensure integrity of data in the equity administration platform and reconcile with the general ledger.
  • Lead stock-based compensation accounting under ASC 718, including forecasting, journal entries, and financial statement disclosures.
  • Provide analytics and reporting on equity compensation, dilution, and plan utilization for management and the Board.

Things That Should Be In Your Background:

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting required.
• Active CPA license required.
• Experience performing technical accounting research and applying guidance to transactions.
• Experience writing technical accounting memoranda/position papers.
• 8+ years of accounting experience required (Big 4/public accounting background preferred).
• Proven experience preparing and reviewing GAAP financial statements.
• Possess deep and broad U.S. GAAP knowledge base.
• Excellent analytical and interpersonal skills.
• Tech-savvy and experience using all MS Office applications; strong knowledge of Excel required. Experience with Workday (or similar ERP system) and Workiva preferred.

The role will be based out of our Arlington, VA office, with regular in-office presence expected five days per week.

Benefits & Culture

Our global employee base is a diverse collection of innovators, dreamers, and doers working together to transform lives through higher education. We believe that every employee can advance our shared purpose, and that life at 2U should be fun and meaningful. If you’re excited by the opportunity to provide millions of learners and counting with access to world-class higher education, then join us – and do work that makes a difference. 

We offer comprehensive benefits (unique per country) and excellent work/life balance.
Full-time, U.S.benefits include: 

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Life insurance, disability, and 401(k) employer match
• Free snacks and drinks in-office
• Generous paid holidays and leave policies, including unlimited PTO
• Additional time off benefits include: volunteer days, parental leave, and a company-wide winter break

The anticipated base salary range for this role is ($180,00 - $202,000), with potential bonus eligibility.  Salary offers are made based on the candidate’s qualifications, experience, skills, and education as they directly relate to the requirements of the position, budget for the position and cost of labor in the market in which the candidate will be hired.

2U Diversity and Inclusion Statement

At 2U, we are committed to building and sustaining a culture of belonging, respect, and inclusion. We are proud of the steps we’ve taken to bring together an employee base that embodies diverse walks of life, ideas, genders, ages, races, cultures, sexual orientations, abilities and other unique qualities. We strive to offer a workplace where every employee feels empowered by what makes us different, as well as by how we are alike. 

2U is committed to providing reasonable accommodations during our recruitment process. If you need assistance or accommodations, please reach out to us at: recruitingaccommodations@2u.com. 

About 2U

2U partners with the world's top universities and companies to develop and deliver education programs that accelerate careers and transform lives. Through partnerships with the world’s leading colleges, universities, and companies, 2U delivers thousands of online programs to millions of learners worldwide on edX, its global learning platform. From executive education and professional credentialing to master’s degree programs and free, open courses, 2U transforms how top institutions deliver workforce-aligned online education, enabling professionals to advance without pausing their careers. Learn more at 2U.com.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by individuals assigned to this position, and are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required. All employees may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed.

2U is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against applicants or employees and ensures equal employment opportunity for all persons regardless of their race, creed, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, national origin, age, marital status, disability, citizenship, military or veterans’ status, or any other classifications protected by applicable federal, state or local laws. 2U’s equal opportunity policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including but not limited to recruiting, hiring, training, promotion, job benefits and pay.