Head of Capital & Technical Accounting

Roche•South San Francisco, CA

11h

About The Position

The Head of Capital & Technical Accounting is a newly established leadership role designed to provide expert financial stewardship over Genentech’s multibillion-dollar campus redevelopment while serving as the organization’s primary authority on complex accounting matters. The Opportunity: PL8 or PL9 ( One position but two possible levels based on skills and qualifications). This role is a high-visibility hybrid of strategic advisory and hands-on operational execution. The lead will be directly responsible for the financial integrity of the Campus Vision Plan, including the new gRED Center and other state-of-the-art research facilities totaling a multi-billion-dollar active investment. Strategy vs. Operations: This is a hands-on leadership role. Approximately 70% of capacity is dedicated to active, day-to-day capital accounting execution, stewardship and managing the Capital Team, with 30% of capacity focused on leading the Technical Accounting Team and chairing governance bodies. Impact: Ensures the accurate planning, recording and tracking of rising CapEx spend while safeguarding financial integrity through expert technical accounting guidance on capital transactions, leases, restructuring plans, M&A / alliance deals, reserves/rebates, evolving accounting standards, etc. Innovation: Champions the implementation of AI and machine learning to automate operational workflows, enhance CapEx tracking precision, simplify complex financial processes, and embed the "Right Work, Right Place" (RWRP) philosophy across the team's operating model.

Requirements

A CPA is required.
University degree in Business or Accounting, or similar qualification.
People Leader 8 Level: 12+ years of relevant financial and business experience, with a bachelor’s degree or 8 + years of relevant financial and business experience, with a Master's degree
People Leader 9 Level: 15+ years of relevant financial and business experience, with a bachelor’s degree or 12 + years of relevant financial and business experience, with a Master's degree
Advanced technical expertise in Capital Accounting and its effects on financial statements.
Proficiency with SAP (S/4 HANA) and SAC.
Proven ability to leverage technology / AI to enhance operational workflows.
Strong executive presence and communication skills to influence senior commercial and global leaders.

Nice To Haves

Big 4 accounting firm experience is strongly preferred.
Experience in the pharmaceutical, healthcare, or biotech industry is highly desired.
In-depth experience in financial leadership for large, multi-year capital investment projects.
A Master’s degree (MBA or equivalent) is preferred.

Responsibilities

Policy Authority: Serve as the definitive authority on Genentech’s accounting policies (including FGAR), ensuring 100% adherence across all functional areas.
Organizational Clarity: Drive high-impact organizational clarity by proactively translating complex technical & capital accounting / process requirements into simplified, accessible, and actionable communications for both finance and non-finance stakeholders (e.g., Site Services, gRED, and CMG), while ensuring standardization & alignment across all functions.
Asset Management: Actively leads the team’s compliant recording of assets, leases, capex, depreciation and asset sales/disposals per Roche (FGAR) accounting guidelines. Leads team to develop meaningful reporting from new system to better track CIP, while also assisting FM's with their expense forecasting efforts.
Campus Vision Finance Leadership: Provides robust financial guidance for significant capital investments, including new research & technical development buildings, manufacturing plants, utility hubs, etc.
Consultative Partnering: Acts as an economic advisor on key capital vs. expense decisions, ensuring adherence to all internal policies & controls. Translates complex accounting details into clear advice to the business for both long-term planning and actual bookings.
AI Integration: Drives the team to implement AI tools for analytics and automation within the capital lifecycle.
Systems / Digital Evolution: Leads simplification efforts within the SAP S/4 HANA (ASPIRE) system and advocates for digital enhancements to optimize the end-to-end process. Acts as a digital champion to bridge the gap between technical accounting requirements and scalable digital solutions.
gAB Chair: Serves as the Chair of the Genentech Accounting Board (gAB), linking various Finance groups to address emerging issues with accounting implications.
Strategic Expert: Acts as the local expert for all accounting-related inquiries, including providing expert technical accounting guidance on capital transactions, leases, restructuring plans, M&A / alliance deals, reserves/rebates, evolving accounting standards, etc.
Shared Services Alignment: Partners with the SSC in Costa Rica to align on financial results and assess further process transitions to the center by identifying opportunities to Simplify, Automate, Standardize, and Transfer (SAST) technical accounting activities.
Standard Implementation: Leads the implementation of new accounting standards, policies, and procedures across the Genentech organization.