Associate Director Accounting, Clinical and R&D

AVENZO THERAPEUTICS INC • CA,

5d • $163,000 - $184,000 • Onsite

About The Position

Reporting to the Executive Director, Controller, the Associate Director, Accounting for Clinical and Research & Development (R&D) will lead accounting activities related to clinical trials, research and development expenses, and external clinical vendors. This individual will be responsible for establishing scalable processes, ensuring financial accuracy, timely close and reporting, and maintaining SOX compliance while supporting the rapid growth of the organization. This position requires a hands-on leader who thrives in a fast-paced biotech startup environment and can operate strategically while also managing day-to-day accounting operations.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance required, or a related area degree preferred (e.g., MBA)
• 8+ years of progressive accounting experience in the life sciences industry or an equivalent combination of academic and industry experience
• Clinical/R&D accounting experience within the biotech or pharmaceutical industry
• Experience supporting public company reporting requirements
• Proven leadership experience managing and scaling accounting teams in fast-paced, high-growth environments
• Extensive expertise in Clinical Trial Accounting, partnering directly with Clinical Operations teams, Contract Research Organizations (CROs), and external vendors
• In-depth knowledge of U.S. GAAP, financial reporting, and regulatory compliance requirements
• Hands-on experience with financial systems and implementations, including NetSuite, procure-to-pay (P2P) workflow platforms, and Clinical/R&D accounting systems.
• Strong background in SOX compliance, internal controls, and audit readiness.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with internal and external stakeholders
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, with a strategic mindset

Nice To Haves

• CPA preferred
• MBA

Responsibilities

• Lead the clinical trial accounting function, partnering with Accounting and Clinical Operations teams to ensure accurate and timely month-end close and reporting of clinical trial costs
• Develop and maintain clinical accrual methodologies using patient enrollment metrics, vendor data, and contract milestone tracking
• Lead cross-functional meetings with Clinical Operations to review contracts, purchase orders, timelines, and study activity status.
• Analyze financial data within clinical study expense trackers to ensure vendor services are recorded in the appropriate accounting period
• Review clinical trial contracts, work orders, and change orders against actual services performed to identify and communicate out-of-scope activities and financial risks to management
• Establish and enhance policies, accrual processes, methodologies, and reporting procedures related to monthly clinical trial accounting activities
• Serve as a key participant in clinical project review meetings to ensure all study activities are captured, accrued, and reported accurately and timely
• Collaborate with Clinical Operations and Contract Research Organizations (CROs) to support monthly data collection and the month-end close process
• Prepare and present quantitative and qualitative financial summaries, highlighting variances, risks, and opportunities
• Own and maintain SOX controls related to Clinical and R&D accrual processes, ensuring compliance and audit readiness
• Drive continuous process improvements to streamline clinical trial accounting operations, including accrual models, methodologies, and system implementations
• Summarize and present complex accounting and financial data to senior leadership, translating detailed analyses into clear, actionable insights that support strategic decision-making
• Mentor and develop accounting staff, fostering team growth and scalability within a rapidly evolving organization

Benefits

• Medical insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Basic life and AD&D insurance
• Short-term disability insurance
• Long-term disability insurance
• Flexible spending accounts
• Health savings accounts
• Voluntary insurance programs (voluntary life, AD&D accident, and critical illness)
• 401(k) plan
• 10 hours of paid vacation time every month
• 1 hour of paid sick leave for every 30 hours worked
• 17 paid holidays each calendar year, including a winter closure

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level