Application Guide

How to Apply for Senior Manager, Revenue Accounting

at Planet

🏢 About Planet

Planet is unique as a company that provides daily, global Earth-imaging satellite data, empowering organizations to monitor environmental changes, agriculture, and infrastructure. Working at Planet means contributing to impactful stewardship of our planet through cutting-edge technology and timely data solutions. The company's mission-driven focus on sustainability and global observation makes it an attractive workplace for professionals seeking purpose beyond traditional accounting roles.

About This Role

As Senior Manager, Revenue Accounting at Planet, you'll serve as the internal expert on ASC 606 for complex satellite data and SaaS contracts, ensuring proper revenue recognition across North America and APJC regions. This role is impactful because you'll directly influence financial reporting accuracy for a company providing critical Earth observation data, while managing month-end close processes and acting as the primary audit liaison for revenue-related controls.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might involve reviewing complex satellite data contracts in Salesforce to determine ASC 606 treatment, drafting technical accounting memos for non-routine transactions, and collaborating with APJC team members on month-end close reconciliations in Netsuite. You'd also prepare audit documentation for revenue controls and mentor junior accountants on revenue recognition principles specific to Planet's Earth-imaging products.

🎯 Who Planet Is Looking For

  • Has 6+ years of revenue accounting experience specifically in SaaS or software-focused industries, with demonstrated expertise applying ASC 606 to complex, non-routine contracts
  • Possesses 4+ years of supervisory experience managing accounting teams through month/quarter/year-end close processes in both public and private company environments
  • Is proficient with Netsuite for revenue accounting and Salesforce for contract review, with advanced Excel skills for reconciliations and reporting
  • Can research and draft technical accounting memos for unique revenue transactions in the satellite data industry, while serving as audit liaison

📝 Tips for Applying to Planet

1

Quantify your experience with ASC 606 by mentioning specific types of complex contracts you've handled (e.g., multi-element arrangements, variable consideration) relevant to Planet's satellite data subscriptions

2

Highlight any experience with geographically dispersed teams (North America and APJC specifically) and remote collaboration tools in your resume

3

Demonstrate your Netsuite and Salesforce proficiency by mentioning specific modules or integrations you've used for revenue recognition processes

4

Research Planet's specific products (like PlanetScope, SkySat) and mention how your SaaS revenue accounting experience applies to their Earth-imaging data offerings

5

Prepare examples of technical accounting memos you've drafted for non-routine transactions, ready to discuss in detail

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

["Your specific experience applying ASC 606 to SaaS or software contracts, with examples of complex revenue recognition scenarios you've resolved", 'Leadership experience managing revenue accounting teams through close processes, particularly in remote or geographically dispersed environments', "How your technical accounting research skills align with Planet's need for memos on non-routine transactions in the satellite data industry", "Why Planet's mission of Earth stewardship resonates with you and how your accounting expertise supports their impactful work"]

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • Planet's specific product offerings (PlanetScope, SkySat, Pelican) and their revenue models (subscriptions, enterprise contracts, government partnerships)
  • The company's recent SEC filings to understand their current revenue recognition policies and any disclosed accounting complexities
  • Planet's mission and sustainability initiatives to understand how your role supports their broader impact goals
  • Industry-specific revenue recognition challenges in satellite data/SaaS companies, particularly around contract modifications and variable consideration

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Walk me through how you would apply ASC 606 to a multi-year satellite data subscription with implementation services and variable pricing components
2 Describe your experience as primary audit liaison for revenue recognition controls and how you've prepared for external audits
3 How have you managed month-end close processes for revenue accounting across multiple regions (specifically North America and APJC)?
4 Tell me about a complex, non-routine revenue transaction you researched and documented in a technical accounting memo
5 How do you stay current with evolving revenue recognition standards and apply them to a fast-growing tech company like Planet?
Practice Interview Questions →

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Applying with generic accounting experience without highlighting specific ASC 606 expertise in SaaS/software industries
  • Failing to demonstrate experience with both Netsuite and Salesforce, which are explicitly required in the job description
  • Not preparing specific examples of technical accounting memos or audit liaison experience for revenue recognition topics

📅 Application Timeline

This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to Planet!