Senior Accountant

Overview

This role supports key accounting operations related to Clinical Trials and Research & Development (R&D) activities. Responsibilities include clinical trial accruals, prepaid expense accounting, R&D expense analysis, month-end close activities, and financial reporting in compliance with GAAP, ASC 730, and SOX requirements.

You will partner with Clinical Operations, FP&A, Procurement, and external vendors—including CROs and clinical sites—to ensure accurate accounting and reporting of clinical trial and R&D expenditures. The position also supports process improvements and technical accounting reviews related to clinical trial agreements and research activities.

Responsibilities

Clinical Trial & R&D Accounting

• Prepare monthly clinical trial accruals, prepaid roll-forwards, and reconciliations in accordance with ASC 730
• Gather enrollment, site activity, and milestone data from Clinical Operations to support accrual calculations
• Review CRO and clinical site invoices against contracted milestones and fee schedules; identify and investigate variances
• Support R&D expense accounting, including accruals, prepaid amortization, and cost allocations
• Assist with technical accounting reviews of new and amended clinical trial agreements
• Maintain supporting schedules and documentation related to clinical trial and R&D accounting activities
• Partner cross-functionally with Clinical Operations, Legal, Procurement, and FP&A to ensure accurate and timely accounting treatment of research-related expenditures

Month-End Close & Financial Reporting

• Perform month-end close activities, including journal entries, account reconciliations, and flux analysis
• Prepare fluctuation analyses and provide explanations for financial trends and variances
• Review, investigate, and correct accounting errors, inconsistencies, and reporting issues
• Ensure compliance with GAAP, internal controls, and company accounting policies
• Proactively communicate accounting, financial reporting, or control issues to management
• Support internal and external audit requests, including preparation of supporting documentation

SOX Compliance & Process Improvement

• Execute SOX 404(b) controls related to clinical trial and R&D accounting processes
• Contribute to process improvements across clinical trial and R&D accounting workflows
• Participate in automation, scalability, and operational efficiency initiatives within the accounting function
• Collaborate with team members to improve reporting accuracy and streamline month-end close processes

Requirements

Experience & Background

• Minimum of 2–3 years of accounting or audit experience required
• Public accounting/audit background required; Big 4 experience strongly preferred given SOX and technical accounting scope
• Experience in biotechnology, life sciences, healthcare, or pharmaceutical industries strongly preferred
• Experience supporting R&D or clinical trial accounting activities preferred

Competencies

• Proven ability to perform under pressure and consistently meet tight deadlines
• Highly proactive self-starter with strong ownership mindset and ability to work independently
• Quick learner who can ramp up on new systems, processes, and technical topics with minimal guidance
• Demonstrated track record of identifying and implementing process improvements
• Ability to navigate ambiguity and adapt quickly in a fast-paced environment
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills; detail-oriented with a high degree of accuracy and accountability
• Team-oriented mindset with a willingness to learn and take initiative

Preferred Qualifications

• CPA: Preferred, not required
• Experience with clinical trial accounting, CRO/vendor management, or life sciences accounting processes preferred

Technical Skills

• Advanced Excel: Required (complex formulas, pivot tables, financial modeling)
• Oracle Fusion ERP: Preferred
• Google Workspace: Preferred (Gmail, Google Sheets, Google Docs)
• Strong understanding of accrual accounting and GAAP, including ASC 730 R&D accounting

Compensation & Benefits

• Compensation Range: $70,000—$87,000 USD
• This range reflects a good-faith estimate of the base pay expected to be offered at the time of hire. Final compensation will vary based on experience, qualifications, and skills.

Eligible benefits and additional compensation may include:

• Comprehensive health benefits (medical, dental, vision)
• 401(k) with company match
• Generous paid time off and company holidays
• Additional wellness and work-life benefits

Location

Fully remote, based within the United States (Remote (US)).

If you are based in California, the employer encourages candidates to read this important information for California residents.