Senior Accountant / Accounting Manager

Variant Bio • Seattle, WA

2d

About The Position

Variant Bio is developing life-saving therapies by studying the genes of people with exceptional health-related traits. By identifying communities with unique genetic architectures and outlier phenotypes, Variant Bio has identified novel human genetic evidence that is the basis for programs with breakthrough potential across multiple therapeutic areas. The company's research is powered by its proprietary Inference platform, which integrates across deep phenotyping and multi-omic data using statistical genetics and AI/ML approaches to identify and validate therapeutic targets. In addition, Variant Bio has established strategic partnerships with Novo Nordisk and Boehringer Ingelheim, validating the strength of the platform and enabling the advancement of novel therapeutic programs through world-class development expertise. With ethics at its core, the company launched an unprecedented benefit-sharing program in 2020, in which it has pledged tangible benefits that directly impact the communities it partners with throughout the world. We are seeking a Senior Accountant/Accounting Manager to join our finance team and play a central role in the day-to-day operation and continued build-out of the company's accounting function. Reporting to the Senior Director of Finance, this is a hands-on, broad-scope role that pairs ownership of the monthly and quarterly close with meaningful exposure to technical accounting, audit, tax compliance, equity administration, and operational accounting. The ideal candidate moves fluidly between executing the mechanics of a high-quality close and digging into more complex matters such as collaboration revenue recognition, stock-based compensation, and ad hoc technical accounting analyses. This role is well suited to someone who thrives in a small, high-trust finance team, takes pride in clean books and a well-run close, and is energized by the pace and intellectual variety of an early-stage biotech. We will consider candidates at both the Senior Accountant and Accounting Manager level, with the flexibility to shape the role around the right candidate’s strengths.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field
• 5+ years of progressive experience in accounting and finance in a start-up environment
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced and dynamic work environment
• Willingness to learn new areas and take on new tasks as needed to support a growing business
• Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Excel
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Ability to interpret financial data and provide strategic insights

Nice To Haves

• CPA license
• NetSuite or similar ERP experience

Responsibilities

• Own the monthly and quarterly close process end-to-end, including preparation and posting of journal entries across cash, prepaids, accruals, depreciation/amortization, stock-based compensation, payroll, and revenue
• Perform month-over-month flux analysis and prepare the monthly financial statement package (P&L, balance sheet, cash flow) for investor reporting
• Draft and maintain technical accounting memos covering revenue recognition, leases, debt instruments, and other matters as they arise
• Serve as the primary point of contact for the external auditor, managing PBC requests and audit deliverables through completion of a clean opinion
• Lead the preparation of annual financial statements and footnotes, ensuring compliance with US GAAP
• Oversee the weekly AP cycle, including invoice review, approver follow-up, and execution of pay-runs
• Manage the AP inbox and resolve vendor inquiries
• Onboard new vendors in the ERP and banking platforms, maintain vendor master data, and create/issue purchase orders for R&D spend
• Triage incoming finance requests, route for appropriate approvals, and maintain contract and vendor control documentation
• Administer the company's cap table in Carta, including stakeholder onboarding and termination, drafting of grant agreements, and input of board-approved equity grants
• Coordinate annual 3921 distribution and other equity-related stakeholder communications
• Manage federal, state, and local tax filings and payments
• Coordinate with external tax advisors on federal and state extensions, the annual income tax provision, and year-end filings
• Maintain a tax calendar and ensure timely filing and payment across all jurisdictions
• Process monthly deferral election updates, fund 401(k) contributions following each payroll, and monitor employees against annual IRS contribution limits
• Manage 401(k) onboarding for new hires and offboarding upon termination
• Administer the corporate card and expense reporting platform, driving timely submission and approval through monthly follow-up with employees and managers

Benefits

• Competitive Compensation & Equity
• Market-competitive salary with the opportunity to participate in company equity and share in our long-term success
• Comprehensive Health Benefits
• Variant Bio covers 100% of employee premiums for medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Dependents may be added to the plan at an incremental cost
• Flexible Time Off
• Flexible paid time off and company holidays, with an emphasis on balance and trust
• 401(k) Plan
• Employer-sponsored retirement plan with company match
• Professional Growth
• Support for learning, development, and attending scientific or industry conferences
• Collaborative, Mission-Driven Culture
• Work alongside a highly engaged, interdisciplinary team passionate about transforming human health through genetics
• Early-Stage Impact
• A chance to make a meaningful contribution at a growing biotech where your work has visible impact

What This Job Offers

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