Senior Manager, R&D Accounting

Position Summary:

Senior Manager, Research & Development (R&D) Accounting to lead the accounting and financial reporting for the Company's research and development activities. Reporting to the Director, Accounting, this individual will be the primary owner of the monthly R&D close process, ensuring the accurate accounting of clinical trial costs, CROs, CMC activities, and other development-related expenditures.

This role partners closely with Clinical Operations, Clinical Development, CMC, FP&A, Program Management, and external vendors to ensure timely, accurate financial reporting while supporting business decision-making. The ideal candidate has deep biotechnology or life sciences R&D accounting experience, strong general ledger expertise, excellent analytical skills, and thrives in a collaborative, fast-paced environment.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Lead the monthly accounting and close process for all R&D-related activities in accordance with U.S. GAAP and company policies.
• Own the monthly R&D accrual process, including vendor outreach, meetings with internal stakeholders, accrual and prepaid analysis, preparation of supporting schedules, and complex journal entries.
• Prepare and review journal entries, account reconciliations, and supporting schedules related to:
  • Clinical trial expenses
  • CRO contracts and related services, investigator grants and site payments, and pass through costs
  • CMC and manufacturing activities
  • Central laboratory expenses
  • External research collaborations
  • Preclinical research
  • Other R&D development costs
• Serve as the primary accounting partner to Clinical Operations, Clinical Development, CMC, Program Management, FP&A, and external vendors, ensuring accurate financial reporting and proper period recognition of R&D related expenses.
• Prepare key R&D analyses and reporting for the monthly, quarterly, and annual close, including significant contributions to management close presentations.
• Prepare complex  balance sheet reconciliations, and account analyses.
• Analyze financial results, investigate variances, and ensure accounting records are complete and well-supported.
• Assist with quarterly and annual financial reporting requirements.

• Collaborate with FP&A during budgeting, forecasting, and monthly variance analysis.
• Review complex clinical, manufacturing, and service contracts and vendor agreements to support and document appropriate accounting treatment, accrual methodologies, and financial reporting implications.
• Build strong relationships with internal stakeholders and external vendors to improve financial reporting accuracy.
• Continuously improve R&D accounting processes, accrual methodologies, and financial reporting.
• Support implementation of new accounting systems including a CRO accounting software, automation tools, and process enhancements.
• Develop and maintain documentation supporting accounting policies, procedures, and internal controls.
• Assist with SOX readiness, external audits, and compliance with U.S. GAAP. Lead these initiatives for R&D accounts.

Required Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance required.
• CPA preferred but not required.
• MBA or Master's degree is a plus.
• 8+ years of progressive accounting experience, including at least 5 years within publicly traded biotechnology or life sciences  organizations.
• Extensive experience supporting clinical-stage biotechnology companies.
• Strong background in General Ledger accounting and monthly close.
• Demonstrated expertise in R&D accounting, including:
  • Clinical trial accruals
  • CRO accounting
  • Clinical vendor management
  • Investigator payments
  • CMC accounting
• Strong understanding of U.S. GAAP.
• Experience supporting external audits and internal controls

Additional Skills, Knowledge, and/or Responsibilities:

• Biotech/Pharmaceutical industry experience preferred
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills, including complex formulas, pivot tables, and data analysis. 
• Experience with ERP systems (Intacct preferred) and financial reporting tools.
• Ability to analyze large datasets and translate findings into actionable business insights.
• Strong project management and organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills and proven ability to partner with cross-functional teams.
• Ability to work independently in a fast-paced, publicly traded biotechnology environment.