Job Summary:

The Director, Accounting is responsible for leading the company's accounting operations, financial reporting, and internal controls framework, ensuring the accuracy, integrity, and compliance of all financial information in accordance with US GAAP and applicable regulatory standards. This role serves as a senior financial leader within a pre-commercial I&I biotechnology company, overseeing general ledger management, month-end and quarter-end close processes, financial statement preparation, and external audit coordination. The Director partners closely with Finance, Legal, Procurement, and external advisors to build a scalable, audit-ready accounting infrastructure that supports the company's clinical programs, investor reporting obligations, and long-term path to commercialization.

Work Arrangement & Location:

Hybrid - This position follows a hybrid work schedule, requiring a minimum of two (2) days on-site per week - currently designated as Tuesday and Wednesday. Additional on-site days may be required based on business needs, team priorities, or leadership direction.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Lead all core accounting operations, including general ledger management, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll accounting, and fixed asset management, ensuring accuracy, completeness, and timeliness of all financial records.
• Own the monthly, quarterly, and annual financial close processes, including journal entry review, account reconciliations, accrual management, and preparation of GAAP-compliant financial statements.
• Develop, implement, and continuously improve the company's internal controls framework, ensuring compliance with US GAAP, Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) principles where applicable, and company financial policies.
• Manage the external audit relationship, serving as the primary point of contact for auditors and overseeing the preparation of all audit schedules, supporting documentation, and financial disclosures.
• Oversee the accounting treatment for complex or technical transactions, including clinical trial accruals, equity-based compensation (ASC 718), lease accounting (ASC 842), and research and development expenditure classification.
• Partner with Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A) and Procurement to ensure alignment between budget forecasts, purchase orders, vendor accruals, and actual expenditures, with particular focus on clinical and CMC program spend.
• Lead the development and implementation of accounting policies, standard operating procedures, and a chart of accounts appropriate to a growing clinical-stage biotechnology company.
• Manage the accounting systems ecosystem, including the ERP platform, expense management tools, and financial reporting software; lead system implementations or upgrades as required.
• Oversee federal, state, and local tax compliance activities in coordination with external tax advisors, including corporate income tax, sales and use tax, and R&D tax credit programs.
• Build, lead, and develop the Accounting team, providing mentorship, performance management, and professional development support to ensure high-quality execution and succession depth within the function.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned

Qualifications:

• Education: Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or a related discipline required; CPA designation strongly preferred and may be required.
• Minimum of 10+ years of progressive accounting experience in the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, or life sciences industry is strongly preferred.
• 3 years people management experience preferred
• Deep expertise in US GAAP financial reporting, including technical accounting for areas commonly encountered in clinical-stage biotechnology such as clinical trial accruals, R&D cost classification, equity compensation (ASC 718), and lease accounting (ASC 842).
• Demonstrated experience managing month-end and year-end close processes, financial statement preparation, and external audit coordination in a regulated or publicly reporting environment.
• Demonstrated ability to build or scale an accounting function in an early-stage or high-growth biotechnology environment, including system implementation and policy development.
• Proven track record of influencing without authority across organizational boundaries, driving alignment among senior stakeholders, and building consensus on complex operational or financial priorities.
• Experience navigating organizational ambiguity and change; capable of defining structure, establishing priorities, and scaling functional capabilities in alignment with evolving corporate strategy.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills with demonstrated ability to translate complex financial, contractual, or operational content for diverse audiences, including executive leadership, functional partners, and external vendors.
• Strong active listening skills and the ability to synthesize input from diverse perspectives into clear, actionable communications that build alignment and drive decision-making.

Salary Range:

The expected salary range for this position varies by location and will be communicated based on the country or region in which the selected candidate is hired. Actual pay will be determined based on experience, qualifications, location, and other job-related factors permitted by applicable local law. A discretionary annual bonus and long-term incentive award (e.g., equity) may be available based on individual and Company performance.

Salary Range

$212,000-$226,900 USD

Benefits:

We offer a comprehensive benefits package tailored to the country and region in which you are hired, in compliance with local laws and practices. Benefits may include, but are not limited to:

• Competitive health and wellness coverage (structure and premiums vary by country)
• Paid time off, public holidays, and additional leave entitlements in accordance with local requirements
• Flexible work arrangements / hybrid schedule

Benefits vary by location and are subject to eligibility requirements, local regulations, and plan terms. Specific benefit details applicable to your country or region will be provided during the offer process.