Senior Accountant

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.