Director, Accounting and External Reporting

Editas Medicine•Cambridge, MA

About The Position

We are seeking a hands-on Director, Accounting & External Reporting to serve as a key leader within our finance organization. Operating at the intersection of technical accounting, SEC reporting, and operational execution, this individual will lead a scalable, high-performing accounting and external reporting function that delivers accurate, timely, and compliant financial reporting while strengthening operational rigor, developing talent, and modernizing processes through automation, systems optimization, and practical AI applications over the next 12–18 months. This role is best suited for someone who is equally comfortable preparing a technical accounting memo or drafting a 10-Q as they are reviewing work, setting priorities, and developing talent.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance (CPA strongly preferred)
10-15+ years of progressive accounting experience
Combination of public accounting (Big 4 or similar) and industry experience strongly preferred
Public company experience with direct ownership of SEC reporting
Strong knowledge of U.S. GAAP and SOX compliance
Deep technical accounting expertise paired with strong business judgment
Player-coach leadership style; willing to operate strategically and tactically with a track record of building, mentoring, and developing high-performing teams
Executive communication skills across technical and non-technical audiences

Nice To Haves

Experience working with close, reconciliation, and reporting systems (e.g., FloQast, Workiva, Netsuite or similar)
Experience or interest in leveraging automation and AI to improve finance processes
Ability to establish operating discipline, priorities, and accountability in a lean, fast-paced environment
Ability to operate effectively in a lean, fast-paced environment with competing priorities

Responsibilities

Strengthen technical accounting governance through documented accounting policies, memos, and standardized processes for complex transactions.
Implement process improvements and automation initiatives that materially reduce manual reconciliations, reporting effort, or repetitive workflows.
Increase cross-functional alignment with FP&A, Legal, HR, R&D, Clinical, and Investor Relations on accounting implications and reporting requirements.
Build and retain a high-performing accounting team with clear operating cadence, accountability, coaching, and succession readiness.
Serve as the lead point of contact for internal and external auditors, ensuring efficient audit coordination, timely issue resolution, strong stakeholder communication, and successful completion of audit and compliance activities with minimal disruption to the business.
Deliver all SEC filings (10-K, 10-Q, 8-K) accurately and on time with minimal review adjustments or audit findings.
Lead Audit Committee and Board reporting deliverables, ensuring accurate, timely, and effective communication of financial reporting, audit, and compliance matters.
Lead the close and financial reporting process, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and strong control execution
Serve as the technical accounting lead, researching complex issues and drafting accounting memos and policies
Remain hands-on in execution, including key areas of close, reconciliations, and disclosure preparation
Own and lead the treasury and insurance functions, overseeing cash management, liquidity planning, banking relationships, and corporate insurance programs to ensure financial stability and risk mitigation.
Build and scale accounting operations, including processes, systems, and internal controls
Leverage and optimize tools such as Netsuite, FloQast, and Workiva (or similar), and identify opportunities to enhance workflows
Drive process improvement through automation and practical AI applications, including areas such as reconciliations, variance analysis, and documentation
Ensure strong controls, documentation, and auditability as processes and systems evolve
Set clear priorities and operating cadence to support an efficient and disciplined close and reporting cycle
Support strategic initiatives, including financing transactions, board and audit committee materials, and cross-functional projects