Senior Accountant

Vaxcyte•San Carlos, CA

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

Vaxcyte is seeking a Senior Accountant to lead key month-end close activities and support quarter-end and year-end accounting for a fast-growing, clinical-stage biotechnology company. Reporting to the Associate Director, Accounting, this role handles journal entries, account reconciliations, prepaid amortization schedules, financial statement fluctuation analyses, audit support, and ad hoc projects. The Senior Accountant partners with cross-functional teams and is expected to learn quickly, work effectively in a fast-paced environment, adapt to changing priorities, and bring strong attention to detail, communication skills, and a commitment to process improvement.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance; other combinations of education and/or experience may be considered.
At least 5 years of progressive accounting experience, including accrual-basis accounting.
Experience with an ERP system.
Strong Excel skills.
Strong oral and written communication skills, including the ability to communicate effectively with employees at all levels and with outside vendors and auditors.
Ability to manage multiple tasks against strict deadlines with meticulous attention to detail.
Positive work ethic and organizational skills, with unquestionable integrity and personal ethics.
Collaborative team player able to partner with internal and external contacts at all levels.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team, shift focus, and adapt to changing priorities.
Exceptional focus on customer service.

Nice To Haves

Accounting experience at a publicly traded company.
Biotechnology or life sciences industry experience.
CPA or active progress toward CPA licensure.
Experience with NetSuite, SAP, and/or BlackLine.
Experience with AI tools such as ChatGPT or Claude.

Responsibilities

Prepare journal entries for month-end, quarter-end, and year-end general ledger close.
Analyze and reconcile balance sheet accounts, including cash, investments, prepaid expenses, and receivables.
Maintain and review prepaid amortization schedules in BlackLine and prepare related amortization journal entries.
Prepare open purchase order accruals, non-purchase order accruals, and other accruals.
Collaborate with Clinical and other cross-functional departments to ensure operating expenses are accurate and complete.
Prepare monthly and quarterly fluctuation analyses for management.
Assist with implementing internal controls under SOX Section 404 and maintain adherence to related policies and procedures.
Support preparation of the annual audit prepared-by-client list.
Assist with preparing internal and external financial statements and related disclosures.
Support the evaluation and implementation of financial systems, process improvements, and special projects.