Associate Director of Accounting at Vaco, LLC

Associate Director of Technical Accounting

Our client, a Biotechnology Research company, is looking for an Associate Director of Technical Accounting to join their Accounting team. This person will be responsible for ensuring accurate and timely technical accounting reviews of proposed transactions and draft contracts, drafting and updating accounting policies, leading accounting standard adoption, and performing the accounting for complex business transactions.

LOCATION:  San Carlos. Hybrid capacity, 2-3 days in the office per week. 

JOB DESCRIPTION:
Core responsibilities for the role will include Technical Accounting support and leadership, managing quarterly stock compensation (including posting quarterly stock comp entries), supporting third party tax providers in all tax-related issues, and ensuring SOX 404(b) is supported through internal processes and controls.

This position reports to the Corporate Controller. 

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develop robust documentation around SOX-compliant internal controls, and ensure all controls are performed and documented in a manner that will meet the requirements of both internal and external auditors
• Own the preparation of monthly and quarterly close journal entries and analyses for areas including Stock-Based Compensation, and Employee Stock Purchase program (when implemented), as well as unique equity transactions including public float, warrants, 13F’s and key investor movement, shelf registrations, and more
• Support preparation of tax provision, tax returns, R&D tax credits, 382 studies, and any other tax-related activity
• Act as intermediary between the company’s Finance and third party tax providers and external auditors
• Actively maintain and review designated General Ledger accounts and activity, investigate reporting discrepancies, and communicate issues as they occur
• Continually improve business processes through automation, thoughtful analysis, and researching standard methodologies in the industry (this includes demonstrating an in-depth understanding of the accounting frameworks that govern the close areas under the Accounting team, including reviewing contracts for accounting issues – leases, CRO, CDMO, and working with third party SEC consultants to prepare Technical Accounting memos and related process implementation)
• Partner closely with various Corporate functions, ensuring that business needs are met while ensuring efficiency and accuracy of accounting in accordance with US GAAP
• Proactively participate in the management of the overall Accounting and Finance department as a key leader on the Accounting team
• Support preparation of financial reporting to Senior Management and the company’s Board of Directors
• Analyze financial results on a quarterly basis in partnership with functional Leadership and Accounting team to provide actionable insights on the company’s ongoing business
• Support FP&A’s development of analytics and strategic insights to the CFO and Executive Team to support effective financial decision making
• Support potential Business Development activity through financial analysis and operational support
• Embody the collaborative, innovative, and disciplined culture of the company’s Finance team

REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting or equivalent work experience; CPA required
• 6+ years of experience in accounting positions in a relevant industry setting (biotech, life sciences), at least 4 years in public accounting; Big 4 experience preferred
• Self-motivated with the strong work ethic and sense of urgency required for success in a rapidly growing biotech company and an equally critical ability to problem solve in high pressure situations
• Process-oriented thinker with experience in process design, implementation, and improvement.
• Strong written and oral communication skills allowing for presentation of complex financial concepts in a digestible manner to stakeholders with varying degrees of financial experience
• Track record of collaboration, stakeholder relationship management, and influencing key decision-makers
• Demonstrated intellectual curiosity in the life sciences industry
• Highly skilled in use of information technology (e.g., ERP and financial planning systems)
• Well-developed analytical skills that demonstrate the ability to drive from data to analysis to insight
• Solid working knowledge of GAAP to facilitate understanding of financial results and forward-looking forecasts
• Familiarity with the control and compliance requirements of a public company including knowledge of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (SOX)

COMPENSATION:
Determining compensation for this role (and others) at Vaco depends upon a wide array of factors including but not limited to the individual’s skill sets, experience and training, licensure and certifications, office location and other geographic considerations, as well as other business and organizational needs. With that said, as required by local law, Vaco believes that the following salary range reasonably estimates the base compensation for an individual hired into this position in geographies that require salary range disclosure: $165K - $205K + bonus. The individual may also be eligible for discretionary bonuses.