Senior Accountant

PhaseWell Research•Nashville, TN

43d•Onsite

About The Position

PhaseWell Research (“PhaseWell”) is seeking a detail-oriented and motivated Senior Accountant to support core accounting operations including general ledger maintenance, accounts payable and receivable, month-end close activities, and financial reporting. This represents a unique opportunity to join the corporate team of a newly formed and fast-scaling clinical research site organization. This position is based at PhaseWell’s corporate headquarters in Nashville, Tennessee. PhaseWell launched its platform by acquiring two anchor sites, Renstar Medical Research and Gabrail Cancer Research Center (GCCR), each with a decades-long track record of excellence in clinical trials. PhaseWell acquired Bio Behavioral Health, Chase Medical Research and Latin Clinical Trial Center in 2026. These sites are now being integrated into a unified, high-performing clinical trial site network. PhaseWell is backed by Shore Capital, a Chicago-based private equity firm, and competes in the rapidly expanding $7 billion SMO market (projected to exceed $12 billion by 2032), executing a clear thesis to scale through operational excellence and strategic M&A. PhaseWell is led by CEO, Carsten Bick (online profile here ) and CFO, Roberto Ramirez (online profile here ). As an integral member of the accounting team, the Senior Accountant will collaborate closely with site leaders, embodying and supporting the PhaseWell culture and values. The Senior Accountant will report directly to the Controller and will work closely with clinical research site leaders and personnel to understand the operational aspects of accounting and finance and translate that to financial recognition under US GAAP. This position will also work closely with the executive leadership team, including the CFO and Chief of Staff, to help with integration of newly acquired entities. The Senior Accountant will play a key role in supporting daily and monthly accounting processes, overseeing staff accountants, ensuring accurate financial reporting, and maintaining strong internal controls. The ideal candidate is a structured thinker and has a solid understanding of GAAP and experience working in service-based industries, preferably in life sciences, CROs or healthcare. As PhaseWell continues to grow, this individual will be well-positioned to take on increasing levels of responsibility and leadership across a range of finance and accounting paths.

Requirements

At least three to five years of relevant accounting or finance experience
Entrepreneurial – an independent thinker, high aptitude, resilient, comfortable with risks and setbacks. Ability to operate in a fast-moving, ambiguous environment while making data-driven decisions
Adaptability – fast learner open to change, new ideas, new technology, and shifting priorities. Comfortable shifting between tactical execution and strategic financial analysis
Effective Collaborator and Communicator – proactively engages with cross-functional teams to contribute to successful achievement of goals
Relationship Builder – connect with internal team members and maintain a customer orientation towards affiliate practices and their administrative teams
Results Orientation – sharp focus and sense of urgency demonstrated in meeting deadlines and goals while retaining a strong commitment to accuracy
Technical Skills – mastery of relevant financial and accounting skills, with the ability to shift between strategic and tactical activities on a fluid, as-needed basis
Detail-oriented – strong critical thinking skills and logical judgment
Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Business Administration, or related major
CPA or public accounting, with a minimum of 3 to 5 years of total experience
Advanced Microsoft Office capabilities, including strong Microsoft Excel expertise and ability to construct well-organized financial analysis and models

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree or MBA viewed favorably
Experience with NetSuite or Sage Intacct implementation preferred; candidates who have navigated a full-cycle system transition will be given strong preference
Prior pharmaceutical, contract research organization (CRO), or biotechnology experience
Familiarity with clinical trial management systems and/or contract lifecycle management tools
Prior budget development and forward-looking financial analysis
Familiarity with NetSuite or Sage Intacct, with prior implementation or migration experience a plus
Private Equity portfolio company experience
Multi-site healthcare experience
High-velocity M&A and integration experience
Strong analytical and financial modeling skills
Excellent negotiation and communication abilities
Strong organizational skills
Ability to work collaboratively in a cross-functional team environment
Strong relationship-building skills focused on durable industry partnerships

Responsibilities

Own and manage the general ledger, including preparation and review of complex journal entries
Review monthly balance sheet reconciliations, ensuring accuracy, completeness, and timely resolution of variances prepared by staff accountants
Drive month-end close processes, including accruals, account reconciliations, and variance analyses, while continuously improving close timelines, including overseeing staff accountant preparation
Prepare and review monthly financial statements and management reports, providing meaningful commentary on results
Oversee staff accountants in delivery of the following activities: Vendor invoice processing, coding accuracy, and approval workflows, ensuring compliance and timeliness
Lead the generation, review, and delivery of accurate customer invoices in accordance with contract terms
Manage tracking of billable activities (e.g., patient visits, data submission, milestones) using internal systems, with ownership over accuracy and completeness
Maintain and enhance customer billing profiles and ensure ongoing compliance with client invoicing requirements
Serve as the senior point of contact for resolving invoice discrepancies, partnering with project managers and clinical teams
Ensure timely collection and validation of supporting documentation from clinical, regulatory, and project management teams for all triggered billable items
Proactively manage A/P and A/R aging, escalating and resolving outstanding balances with a focus on minimizing exposure
Oversee staff accountants in delivery of the following activities: Prepare and own monthly and quarterly financial reports, delivering insights that support strategic decision-making
Conduct in-depth financial analysis across revenue streams, expenses, margins, and billing trends, presenting findings to leadership
Lead forecast preparation and own significant portions of annual budgeting and quarterly reforecasting processes
Partner closely with the Controller on cash management, forecasting, and identifying opportunities to optimize working capital
Collaborate with the Controller and CFO on establishing and monitoring KPIs, including revenue growth, EBITDA, cash flow, and operating margin
Develop and maintain financial models, lead study profitability reviews, and deliver ad-hoc analyses with minimal direction.
Take an active leadership role in external audit coordination and tax return preparation
Lead the accounting workstream of the ERP implementation, defining requirements, owning chart of accounts design, and serving as the primary finance liaison to IT and third-party consultants
Drive end-to-end ERP rollout across finance functions, including process mapping, data migration validation, UAT coordination, and post-go-live stabilization
Own the development and delivery of finance user training, change management communications, and go-live readiness assessments in partnership with the project management team
Partner with sites and the Controller to design and implement accounting processes and internal controls, with a continuous improvement mindset
Champion automation and AI adoption across the accounting function to drive efficiency and scalability
Lead the conversion from manual, spreadsheet-based billing to a CTMS-driven process, owning implementation, accuracy, timeliness, and the establishment of standardized long-term workflows
Drive standardization of financial processes across newly acquired locations, serving as a subject matter expert and change agent
Take a lead role in M&A diligence and integration activities, ensuring seamless accounting and reporting consolidation
Model and uphold honest and ethical conduct at all times, serving as a positive cultural steward and mentor for junior team members