Associate Director, Accounting

At A2, our mission is to extend the reach of cell therapy to tackle the next frontier in cancer treatment. Our team is dedicated to pushing the boundaries of science to transform medicine and turn the tide on serious illnesses. Central to achieving this mission is our focus on hiring and developing the best talent and building an environment that enables our team to do the best work of their careers and make an impact on patients and society at large.

We are seeking a highly motivated Associate Director, Accounting, to support and help manage the accounting, analysis and reporting for the Company.  This position will manage the month/quarter/year-end financial close process, be responsible for various journal entries, account reconciliations and review work of other team members.  This role will also participate and support the year-end audits, as well as other duties needed to support the accounting and finance functions.

The successful candidate will join us at our research facility in Agoura Hills, CA and work in a dynamic, fast-paced and team-oriented environment. This will be a hybrid position.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Manage the month, quarter and year-end financial close process, to ensure timely and accurate completion in accordance with U.S.GAAP
• Prepare analyses, related journal entries, reconciliations, and supporting schedules for technical accounting areas such as partnership accounting deals, clinical trials and preclinical studies 
• Review and approve team members journal entries and account reconciliations
• Work closely with external partners to provide quarterly invoicing and additional information requests 
• Help develop, implement and document internal controls and key policies to ensure the accuracy of the company’s financial statements and support the future growth and complexity of the company
• Research technical accounting issues and prepare analyses and memos to support conclusions and a clear understanding of accounting guidance and impact to the Company 
• Identify and implement best practices to enhance efficiency and effectiveness
• Work closely with external auditors, prepare and provide necessary documentation and support to ensure a smooth and timely audit process
• Ad hoc compliance reporting support (tax returns, statutory audits, etc.)
• Develop and maintain relationships with cross-functional teams, partners, and external stakeholders
• Work on special projects as needed

Requirements

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Manage the month, quarter and year-end financial close process, to ensure timely and accurate completion in accordance with U.S.GAAP
• Prepare analyses, related journal entries, reconciliations, and supporting schedules for technical accounting areas such as partnership accounting deals, clinical trials and preclinical studies 
• Review and approve team members journal entries and account reconciliations
• Work closely with external partners to provide quarterly invoicing and additional information requests 
• Help develop, implement and document internal controls and key policies to ensure the accuracy of the company’s financial statements and support the future growth and complexity of the company
• Research technical accounting issues and prepare analyses and memos to support conclusions and a clear understanding of accounting guidance and impact to the Company 
• Identify and implement best practices to enhance efficiency and effectiveness
• Work closely with external auditors, prepare and provide necessary documentation and support to ensure a smooth and timely audit process
• Ad hoc compliance reporting support (tax returns, statutory audits, etc.)
• Develop and maintain relationships with cross-functional teams, partners, and external stakeholders
• Work on special projects as needed

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance with at least 10 years of related experience, or a Masters in Accounting or Finance with at least 8 years of related experience.

• Preferably, experience should be gained in the pharmaceutical or biotech industry.
• CPA license is required
• At least 2 years of experience in Big 4 accounting or auditing is preferred

Competencies and Skills:

• Understanding of clinical trial conduct, as well as ability to understand the impact of clinical trial activity on financial statements a plus
• Experience in SAP ByDesign experience a plus
• Experience supervision other is desired
• Excellent analytical problem-solving and documentation skills, researc