Senior Accountant, Accounting & Finance

Summit Therapeutics•Palo Alto, CA

About The Position

We are seeking a highly skilled Senior Accountant to join our growing Finance team. This role is critical in ensuring accurate financial reporting for our global clinical programs and requires strong analytical skills, deep understanding of clinical trial accounting, and the ability to partner effectively with cross functional teams. The ideal candidate thrives in a fast-paced environment, takes ownership, and brings a continuous improvement mindset.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in finance, business, accounting or related field preferred
A minimum of 4+ years of experience in accounting
CPA or progress toward designation preferred
Experience in the life sciences industry, with prior exposure to clinical study accruals strongly preferred
Strong understanding of GAAP, internal controls, SOX controls and month-end close procedures required
Must be proficient in handling large-scale financial data using Excel and financial systems for accurate analysis and reporting
High level of accuracy and attention to detail
Strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and ability to work independently.
Demonstratable experience of working within a fast-paced finance function
Demonstratable experience of prioritizing workload and managing multiple tight deadlines effectively under pressure in a fast-paced environment
Excellent communication skills with the ability to forge strong internal and external working relationships, and the confidence to challenge information constructively
A collaborative, approachable team player with a can‑do attitude

Responsibilities

Support the Sr. Manager, Finance Operations in leading the monthly close process, ensuring timely, accurate, and GAAP compliant reporting.
Proactively identify opportunities to streamline close activities and improve efficiency across clinical accounting workflows.
Prepare, own, and continuously refine clinical trial accruals, ensuring accuracy, completeness, and alignment with operational data from Clinical Operations, Study Start-Up Team, and CRO partners.
Support the accounting and financial tracking for all clinical trial accruals, ensuring data integrity, audit readiness, and compliance with internal policies and external reporting requirements.
Manage the end‑to‑end site payments process, including invoice review, validation against Clinical Trial Agreements (CTAs), coordination with Clinical Operations, and timely resolution of discrepancies with sites and third‑party vendors.
Support month‑end and year‑end close activities, including preparation of accruals, reconciliations, and variance analyses related to clinical trial spend and site payments.
Maintain and monitor SOX controls related to clinical and operational accounting, ensuring all controls are executed on time and function effectively.
Proactively identify, document, and escalate any control gaps or deficiencies.
Assist with audit preparation by gathering needed documents, preparing schedules (PBCs).
Assist with special projects as they arise.