Vice President, Chief Accounting Officer

Azenta Life Sciences•Burlington, MA

1d•$256,000 - $320,000

About The Position

Azenta Life Sciences is a global leader in the life sciences space with headquarters in Burlington, MA, and offices and operations worldwide. We are a market leader in automated bio sample management solutions and genomic services across areas such as drug development, clinical and advanced cell therapies for the industry's top pharmaceutical, biotech, academic and healthcare institutions globally. We provide unparalleled capabilities with our lab analysis, sample management and storage services, informatics software, and consumables, with the largest installed base managing over 1 billion samples globally. We are seeking an experienced and strategic Vice President, Chief Accounting Officer (CAO) to lead our global accounting operations and financial reporting. The CAO will serve as a key member of the finance leadership team, responsible for the integrity of the company’s financial information, compliance with regulatory requirements, and continuous improvement of accounting processes and systems. The ideal candidate is a collaborative leader with deep technical expertise in U.S. GAAP, SEC reporting, and SOX compliance, and a proven track record of building high-performing accounting teams in a complex, fast-paced environment.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field; CPA required.
15+ years of progressive accounting leadership experience, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role at a public company.
Life sciences, biotechnology, or pharmaceutical industry experience strongly preferred.
Deep technical knowledge of U.S. GAAP, SEC regulations, and SOX compliance.
Demonstrated experience leading teams through M&A and proven success in integration or other complex corporate transactions is a plus.
Strong leadership presence with the ability to communicate effectively with executive leadership, the Audit Committee, and external stakeholders.
Hands-on, Strategic mindset, and comfortable in dynamic, high-growth settings.
Proven track record of building and leading high-performing, scalable accounting teams.
Foster a culture of transformative process improvement with systems knowledge and business process expertise
Personal qualities of integrity, credibility, and unwavering commitment; a proactive, hands-on strategic thinker who will own, in partnership with the CFO, the responsibility for finance
Strong interpersonal and communication skills; experience in effectively communicating key data, including presentations to senior management, board, or other outside partners
Ability and desire to translate complex financial concepts to individuals at all levels including finance and non-finance managers

Nice To Haves

Life sciences, biotechnology, or pharmaceutical industry experience strongly preferred.
Demonstrated experience leading teams through M&A and proven success in integration or other complex corporate transactions is a plus.

Responsibilities

Lead the global accounting function, including general ledger, technical accounting, SEC reporting, SOX/internal controls, accounts payable
Ensure accurate, timely, and compliant financial reporting in accordance with U.S. GAAP and SEC regulations, including 10-Ks, 10-Qs, and earnings releases.
Overhaul day-to-day operations by designing, implementing, and enforcing robust routines, standard operating procedures, and internal controls to enhance efficiency and accuracy.
Serve as a principal liaison with external auditors, regulators, and key stakeholders regarding financial statements, disclosures, and accounting matters.
Provide executive leadership with financial insights, technical accounting guidance, and risk mitigation strategies related to revenue recognition, R&D accounting, collaborations, M&A, and equity instruments.
Drive continuous improvement using lean tools and automation across accounting processes and systems, supporting scalability and operational excellence.
Develop and mentor a high-performing accounting team, fostering professional growth and cross-functional collaboration.
Partner closely with FP&A, Legal, Tax, Treasury, Investor Relations, and business units to align financial reporting with corporate objectives.
Monitor emerging accounting and regulatory developments and assess implications for the company’s financial practices and disclosures.
Leverage strengths of the current finance team members help to clarify roles and responsibilities and develop and implement training programs in order to maximize and reach optimal individual and organizational goals.
Provide leadership in strengthening internal communications with staff at all levels throughout the organization; create and promote a positive and supportive work environment.
Provide leadership to develop automation solutions, process efficiency and improve delivery turn times.