Manager, Accounting

Kailera Therapeutics•Waltham, MA

31d•Hybrid

About The Position

At Kailera, we are bold, authentic and committed to our mission of developing therapies that give people the power to transform their lives and elevate their overall health. Rooted in an entrepreneurial spirit and a team-oriented culture, we are working together to advance Kailera’s mission to advance novel therapies for obesity and related conditions. We are passionate about creating an inclusive workplace that promotes collaboration, integrity, and excellence. As we expand, we seek the most talented individuals with diverse backgrounds, cultures, perspectives, and experiences to join our team. The Manager, Accounting will lead key aspects of the month-end close process, including the responsibility of the accuracy, completeness and timeliness of corporate accounting, G&A-related accruals, and other non-clinical/non-manufacturing R&D accruals. This role will be responsible for managing general ledger activities, supporting financial systems and process optimization, ensuring compliance with U.S. GAAP, ongoing compliance with internal control requirements and other frameworks, supporting external audits, and other ad-hoc projects. The ideal candidate is a strong leader who can balance hands-on execution with effective review and oversight of accounting operations. They will have a proven ability to improve processes, strengthen controls, and build scalable solutions that support a growing organization. The successful candidate will bring a collaborative approach to cross-functional partnership, the adaptability to thrive in a fast-paced environment, and experience managing and developing direct reports. A positive attitude, strong sense of ownership, intellectual curiosity, and commitment to continuous improvement are essential for success in this role.

Requirements

6+ years of progressive accounting experience
Strong knowledge of fundamental accounting principles, including U.S. GAAP
Strong technology and system skills, including experience with Financial Systems (e.g. NetSuite, Coupa, FloQast)
Experience managing and developing accounting professionals
Ability to be a flexible, personable team player
Ability to work collaboratively and effectively with others
Ability to balance multiple priorities in a fast-paced and evolving environment
Ability to maintain a high level of integrity, confidentiality, and professional skepticism
Ability to identify inefficiencies, provide suggestions, and drive scalable solutions
Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills, with attention to detail
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate effectively across various levels of the organization
Eagerness to be part of a fast-growing organization and to make a positive impact

Nice To Haves

CPA license
Combination of public accounting and / or corporate accounting background
Experience operating in a public company and / or SOX-compliant environment
Background in the biotech, pharmaceutical or life sciences industry
Knowledge of accounting for Research and Development and Commercial accruals
Experience with system optimization and process automation initiatives

Responsibilities

Own and manage the corporate accounting, G&A-related and other R&D-related monthly, quarterly, and annual close processes, ensuring internal financial reporting is accurate, complete, timely, and compliant with U.S. GAAP and company accounting policies.
Prepare and review journal entries across key accounting areas, including cash, investments, intercompany, prepaids and other assets, fixed assets, leases, G&A accruals, other R&D accruals, and other general ledger activities.
Prepare and review balance sheet reconciliations, variance analyses, and fluctuation reviews, ensuring appropriate support and resolution of reconciling items.
Partner with FP&A to support monthly reporting and management analyses.
Partner with SEC Reporting to support quarterly balance sheet-related footnote disclosures.
Maintain internal controls over financial reporting and close processes in alignment with SOX and public company expectations.
Assist with audit requests and ensure timely resolution of audit inquiries.
Support and review day-to-day operational accounting processes, including credit card accruals, T&E compliance and employee reimbursements, and weekly vendor payment runs.
Support the operations of the ERP system, procurement system, and management close system.
Leverage ERP, procurement, and reporting tools, including AI-enabled capabilities, to automate manual processes and strengthen financial controls.
Lead, mentor, and develop a direct report, fostering accountability, collaboration, and professional growth.
Serve as a trusted advisor and partner to finance, cross-functional stakeholders and external vendors.
Support the finance team and the company with various analyses, ad hoc projects and system enhancements.
Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance the efficiency, accuracy, and scalability of accounting operations.