Senior Director, Accounting

$260,000 - $280,000/Yr

Summit Therapeutics Plc - Menlo Park, CA

Full-time - Senior

Menlo Park, CA

Ambulatory Health Care Services

About the position

The Senior Director of Accounting will oversee accounting close activities, ensuring accurate and timely financial reporting, and assist with tax compliance, particularly focusing on R&D accruals and general ledger activities. This role demands a detail-oriented and analytical professional with extensive experience in accounting and financial management within the pharmaceutical industry.

Responsibilities

• Manage and monitor R&D accruals to ensure accurate and timely recording of expenses.
• Collaborate with R&D department to gather and validate financial data related to ongoing projects.
• Prepare monthly and quarterly reports on R&D spending and variances.
• Prepare month-end and quarter-end accrual journal entries and reconciliations.
• Identify opportunities to improve and streamline R&D accrual processes, implementing best practices to enhance efficiency and accuracy.
• Handle ad-hoc AP related tasks, including vendor inquiries and payment discrepancies.
• Oversee the maintenance and reconciliation of the general ledger.
• Prepare month-end and quarter-end GL account flux analysis.
• Ensure compliance with GAAP and other regulatory requirements.
• Supervise the month-end and year-end close processes and GL account flux analysis including preparation of financial statements and supporting schedules.
• Prepare and present financial reports to senior management and stakeholders.
• Conduct variance analysis and provide insights on financial performance.
• Assist in the preparation of budgets and forecasts.
• Perform other financial reporting tasks as needed, including the preparation of financial statements and management reports.
• Implement and maintain effective internal controls to safeguard company assets.
• Ensure compliance with internal policies and procedures.
• Ensure the quality of work product complies with SOX requirements and that financial data is recorded in compliance with GAAP.
• Coordinate with external auditors for annual audits and reviews.
• Lead and mentor the accounting team, providing guidance and support.
• Foster a collaborative and high-performance work environment.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field required; CPA preferred.
• Minimum of 15+ years of experience in accounting or finance.
• Minimum of 5+ years of biotech industry experience required.
• Strong experience with R&D accounting and project management.
• Proficiency in accounting software (e.g., SAP by design) and Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel.
• Ability to work well cross-functionally and across geographies independently.
• Impeccable integrity and a strong work ethic.
• Familiarity with ERP systems and financial reporting tools.
• Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
• Strong knowledge of GAAP and regulatory requirements.
• Excellent analytical, organizational, and communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities with a resourceful, action and results-oriented approach.

Benefits

• Health benefits
• 401(k) with 6% employer match from day one
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP) with up to a 15% discount up to the federal limit
• Flexible spending account
• Bonus
• Stock options
• Variable compensation based on performance.