Accounting Manager

Job Title: Accounting Manager

Location: Menlo Park, CA.  Hybrid – onsite 3 days/week is required.

Reports To: Sr. Director, Controller

We are looking for a motivated and knowledgeable Accounting Manager to play a key role in accounting at a fast-paced public biotech company. Reporting to the Sr. Director, Controller, the Accounting Manager will be responsible for clinical trial accounting accruals and other accruals and prepaids. The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of accruals of clinical trial costs in biotech industry, excellent analytical skills, and the ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment.

Key Responsibilities:

• Own end-to-end accrual processes for assigned clinical trials, including CRO fees, investigator grants, site costs, and pass-through expenses across various phases of clinical trials.

• Partner with Clinical Operations, Clinical Outsourcing, and Program Management teams to obtain enrollment data, site milestones, and study activity required to develop and maintain robust accrual models and support accurate expense recognition under ASC 730.
• Reconcile CRO and vendor reports and invoices against contracted budgets, accrued balances, and prepaid accounts; investigate and resolve variances.
• Collaborate with FP&A to interpret clinical trial agreements (CTAs), master service agreements (MSAs), statement of works (SOW) and amendments to ensure appropriate accounting treatment from contract execution through study close-out.
• Prepare, review, and post journal entries for clinical accruals and other assigned ledger accounts, including other G&A and R&D accruals, prepaid expenses, etc. in accordance with US GAAP and company accounting policies.
• Own assigned areas of accounting close tasks, perform and document monthly balance sheet reconciliations and resolve reconciling items promptly, ensuring timely and accurate completion within established deadlines.
• Support the external audit process and provide documentation and support for audit inquiries.
• Maintain internal controls over clinical accrual accounting, including SOX documentation and testing procedures.
• Identify opportunities to automate and scale assigned accounting workflows using AI or other tools.
• Coordinate with internal and external stakeholders to gather and analyze financial data, supporting schedules.
• Stay informed about changes in accounting standards and industry best practices, advising management on potential impacts and opportunities.
• Assist with special projects and ad hoc financial reporting as needed.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or related field; CPA or equivalent certification preferred.
• Minimum of 5-7 years of progressive accounting experience, with a minimum of 2–3 years directly focused on clinical trial accruals in a biotech, biopharma, or life sciences company.

• Demonstrated experience owning a monthly financial close process, including journal entry preparation, account reconciliations, and flux analysis.
• Hands-on experience with clinical trial or R&D accruals, including CRO and vendor expense management.
• Exceptional organizational skills and ability to manage multiple concurrent clinical studies and close deadlines with accuracy and able to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency with ERP systems (e.g., NetSuite, SAP, Oracle, Workday) and reconciliation tools (e.g. FloQast) and advanced Excel skills.
• Strong knowledge of SOX 404 internal controls and experience maintaining control documentation in a public biotech environment.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret complex financial data and technical accounting guidance.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with internal and external stakeholders.

Compensation:

An appropriate financial package will be developed for the successful candidate to include a competitive base salary and equity, with a performance-related bonus opportunity.  The anticipated salary range for candidates is $146,000 - $161,000. The final salary offered to a successful candidate will be dependent on several factors that may include but are not limited to the type and length of experience within the job, type and length of experience within the industry, education, etc. 

We're looking forward to hearing how you can contribute to our team and mission. Join us in shaping the future of our company and making a real impact every day.

Location: Menlo Park, CA.  Hybrid – onsite 3 days/week is required.