Director, Commercial Accounting & FP&A

Xenon Pharmaceuticals•Needham, MA

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

Xenon Pharmaceuticals is a neuroscience-focused biopharmaceutical company dedicated to drug discovery, clinical development, and commercialization of life-changing therapeutics for patients in need. We are advancing an exciting product pipeline to address indications with high unmet medical need, including epilepsy, depression and pain. Our Phase 3 azetukalner program represents the most advanced, clinically validated potassium channel modulator in late-stage clinical development for multiple indications. In March 2026, we announced positive topline data from our Phase 3 X-TOLE2 study of azetukalner in focal onset seizures (FOS), and we anticipate submitting a New Drug Application to the Food and Drug Administration in the third quarter of 2026. Our Phase 3 epilepsy program also includes a second FOS study, X-TOLE3, which would support regulatory submissions outside the U.S., and the X-ACKT study in primary generalized tonic-clonic seizures, which would support regulatory submissions for an additional epilepsy indication. We also have multiple Phase 3 azetukalner clinical trials underway in major depressive disorder (MDD) and bipolar depression (BPD), based on topline data from our Phase 2 X-NOVA clinical trial. In addition, we are proud of our strong heritage in human genetics, deep understanding of ion channel biology, and expertise in novel chemistries to enable potent, selective ion channel targeting. We continue to advance an early-stage pipeline of novel therapeutic candidates, including Phase 1 studies for XEN1701 (targeting Nav1.7) and XEN1120 (targeting Kv7), which are important pain targets. Backed by a strong balance sheet to support our growth plans, we continue to build a fully integrated, premier neuroscience company with strong discovery, clinical development, corporate, and commercial operations. We are seeking a Director, Commercial Accounting and FP&A to join our team. This role will be a key member of the Finance department and will play a crucial role for revenue recognition and Gross to Net (GTN) accounting under ASC 606, while also serving as a strategic finance partner to the Commercial organization. The Director will establish scalable commercial accounting infrastructure, oversee pricing and top line analytics, support revenue guidance, and ensure SOX compliant controls as Xenon transitions from an R&D centric to a commercial centric company. This role partners cross functionally to deliver accurate revenue reporting, robust forecasting, and clear executive level insights into business performance and value drivers. This role reports to the Senior Director, FP&A and is based out of Boston, MA, USA, in our Needham office. The level of the position will be commensurate with the candidate’s education and industry experience. Hybrid positions require a minimum of two onsite days per week.

Requirements

Professional designation (CPA or equivalent) is required, technical training with Big Four CPA firm or large regional CPA firm preferred
10+ years of progressive finance and/or accounting experience with significant biotech or pharmaceutical commercial exposure
Demonstrated experience supporting at least one successful first commercial product launch and experience with designing commercial accounting processes under US GAAP and SOX environment
Strong expertise in Gross-to-Net accounting, revenue recognition, and government pricing
Strong knowledge of U.S. pharmaceutical distribution models, including specialty pharmacy, specialty distributor, 3PL, PBMs, GPOs, patient support programs, and 340B
Experience in ERP implementations or financial systems transformation initiatives; experience with Oracle Fusion and Adaptive Planning is a bonus
Proven experience building strong relationships with internal stakeholders and external service providers
Excellent organizational skills and the ability to manage concurrent deliverables and work effectively in a challenging, high performance, team environment
Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills (written and oral); communicates in a clear, concise and organized manner; listens and works collaboratively with others outside of Finance to obtain information
Able to think and act strategically, anticipate road-blocks and map out next steps in support of a fast-growing company
Self‐motivated, with initiative and the ability to take ownership of, and drive projects from start to finish
Demonstrated high level of integrity and ethics

Responsibilities

Serve as the primary finance partner to the Commercial organization, providing financial leadership, guidance, and insight across pricing, payer mix, pipeline conversion, top line performance, and operating expenses
Design, implement, and maintain GTN reserve methodologies, including documentation of reasonable assumptions: commercial and government rebates, chargebacks, copay and patient assistance programs, distribution service fees, returns and other variable consideration
Responsible for monthly close processes for revenue, GTN, and operating expenses including journal entries, account reconciliations, true ups, and variance analysis
Lead all financial reporting initiatives for the Commercial function, including accruals and monthly and quarterly reporting of financial results for management and department heads
Manage the quarterly forecasting process by partnering with department managers to align the forecast with the most current business assumptions; ensure alignment between Commercial revenue forecast and guidance and report against such guidance, including analysis of pricing actions, margin dynamics, and market trends
Manage government pricing reporting and ensure appropriate compliance with regulatory requirements
Work within finance systems to implement or enhance systems to address planning and reporting needs of commercial accounting and GTN processes
Establish and maintain scalable data flows with 3PLs and other parties; review data provided by external parties for completeness, accuracy, and reasonable
Build SOX compliant internal controls, policies, and SOPs in preparation for commercial launch and first audit cycles.
Serve as the primary commercial accounting contact for external auditors
Prepare analysis, commentary, and presentation materials for monthly and quarterly financial reviews, including executive leadership and Board of Directors meetings
Partner with Commercial team on long range planning, pricing strategy, and strategic investment analysis related to commercial growth opportunities
Develop and propose short- and long-term objectives for the function in accordance with overall Company strategies and plans
Act in accordance with Company policies, including, for example, the Code of Business Conduct and Ethics and ensure policies are understood and followed by direct reports
Other duties as assigned