Senior Accountant

Summary

Reporting to the Associate Director, Accounting, the Senior Accountant leads key month-end close activities - including journal entries, account reconciliations, prepaid amortization schedules, financial statement fluctuation analyses, audit support, and ad hoc projects - and partners closely with cross-functional teams across a fast-growing, clinical-stage biotech.

The ideal candidate learns quickly, including in uncharted territory, and is comfortable operating in a fast-paced environment. This person is flexible, detail-oriented, and brings a genuine passion for process improvement and innovation, paired with strong oral and written communication skills.

Essential Functions

• Prepare journal entries for month-end, quarter-end, and year-end general ledger close.
• Perform balance sheet account analyses and reconciliations, including cash, investments, prepaid expenses, and receivables.
• Maintain and review prepaid amortization schedules in BlackLine, including preparation of related amortization journal entries.
• Prepare open PO accruals, non-PO accruals, etc.
• Collaborate with Clinical and other cross-functional departments to ensure the accuracy and completeness of operating expenses.
• Prepare monthly and quarterly fluctuation analyses for management.
• Assist and implement internal controls under SOX Section 404, and maintain adherence to related policies and procedures.
• Support preparation of annual audit prepared-by-client (PBC) list.
• Assist with the preparation of internal and external financial statements and related disclosures.
• Support the evaluation and implementation of financial systems, process improvements, and other special projects.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance. At least 5 years of progressive accounting experience, including accrual-basis accounting. Other combinations of education and/or experience may be considered.
• Accounting experience at a publicly traded company a plus.
• Biotech or life sciences industry experience a plus.
• CPA, or active progress toward CPA licensure, a plus.
• Experience with an ERP system required; NetSuite, SAP and/or BlackLine experience a plus.
• Experience with AI: ChatGPT or Claude experience a plus.

Skills & Attributes

• Strong Excel skills.
• Strong oral and written communication skills, with a proven ability to communicate effectively with employees at all levels and with outside vendors and auditors.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks against strict deadlines with meticulous attention to detail.
• Positive work ethic and organizational skills, with unquestionable integrity and personal ethics.
• A collaborative team player able to partner with internal and external contacts at all levels.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team, shifting focus and adapting to changing priorities.
• Exceptional focus on customer service.

Reports to: Associate Director, Accounting

Location: San Carlos, CA

Work Arrangement (may be adjusted based on business needs, job responsibilities, or changes to company policy):

Hybrid (minimum of 3 days per week onsite)

Compensation

The compensation package will be competitive and includes comprehensive benefits and an equity component.

Salary Range

$119,000 - $139,000 (SF Bay Area). Salary ranges for non-California locations may vary.