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.