Senior Manager, Operational Accounting

Lyell Immunopharma • CA

120d • $168,000 - $200,000

About The Position

The Senior Manager, Operational Accounting is a senior-level individual contributor role within the accounting organization. This position requires an experienced accounting professional who can independently manage various areas of the accounting cycle, apply solid understanding of accounting and technical knowledge, and ensure accuracy and completeness across critical accounting processes. Reporting to the Sr. Director of Accounting, this role partners with cross-functional teams and external service providers while taking full ownership of assigned responsibilities. The ideal candidate combines a hands-on approach with senior-level expertise, consistently delivering work that is complete and accurate, reliable and audit-ready. While the current scope is that of an independent contributor, the role may expand in the future to include new areas and oversight of others as the organization grows.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting required; CPA license required; Public accounting experience (Big 4 or similar) required.
• Minimum of 8 years of progressive accounting experience, preferably in the biotech or life sciences industry.
• Solid understanding of US GAAP and SOX/internal control requirements.
• Track record of producing accurate, high-quality work without the need for re-performance, and of identifying errors/issues others may miss.
• Proficiency with ERP systems (e.g., Oracle Fusion), advanced Excel skills and strong analytical capabilities.
• Hands-on, detail-oriented, and able to function at a high level of independence while engaging collaboratively across the organization.

Responsibilities

• Lead the day-to-day accounting and monthly close activities for assigned areas (e.g., prepaid expenses, fixed assets, accruals, international subsidiaries, and other complex accounts).
• Prepare and review journal entries, reconciliations, and supporting workpapers, ensuring they are complete, accurate, and compliant with audit standards.
• Oversee end-to-end accounting for international subsidiaries, coordinating with external service providers and internal stakeholders, to ensure complete, accurate and timely close, intercompany transactions and eliminations, consolidation, preparation or review of account reconciliations, support for audits and tax filings.
• Assist with coordination and review of year-end tax provisions, R&D tax credit studies, federal and state tax returns.
• Lead compliance with statutory requirements, including sales and use, property taxes, business license renewals and various other state and local requirements.
• Review vendor contracts and purchase orders to determine appropriate accounting treatment for expense recognition, accruals and prepayments.
• Serve as the trusted reviewer and subject-matter expert, identifying issues, catching errors, and ensuring deliverables are high quality, audit-ready, and reliable.
• Support external audits, providing PBC schedules and timely, accurate responses to inquiries.
• Ensure SOX compliance by maintaining and executing strong controls and documentation across all assigned areas.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with FP&A, Clinical Operations, Legal, Tax advisors, and other teams to ensure alignment on accounting matters and proactively resolve issues.
• Drive process improvements and efficiency initiatives across accounting and close processes.
• Contribute to special projects and initiatives as assigned by the Sr. Director of Accounting.

Benefits

• Salary range of $168,000 to $200,000, annually, with the opportunity to earn an annual bonus.
• Eligible to participate in Lyell’s Equity Incentive Plan.
• Subsidized medical, dental and vision plans from the first day of employment.
• FSA, Company provided Life and AD&D Insurance as well as STD and LTD Insurance.
• ESPP, a 401(k) Plan with Company match.
• Mass transit commuter benefits, cell phone reimbursement.
• 18 days’ vacation, 9 days’ sick leave, 8 observed holidays as well as a floating holiday.
• Summer and winter office shutdown.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree