Biotechnology, Life Sciences, Research & Development

Director, Accounting

South San Francisco, CAOnsiteFull TimeDirector$240,000–$245,000 /yrPosted 2 months agoVisa sponsorship available

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Required skills

CPA
NetSuite
US GAAP
SOX
Clinical trial expenses
1099
1042
Sales/use tax
Excel-to-NetSuite journal automation
AI tools

Nice to have

Coupa
Adaptive
Data Analytics

Role summary

Calico, an Alphabet-founded research company focused on aging, seeks a Director of Accounting / Assistant Controller. This hands-on role requires technical accounting expertise, data automation skills, and a drive for accurate reporting. Responsibilities include managing financial close processes, clinical trial expense accruals, operational accounting (1099, sales tax), ensuring US GAAP and SOX compliance, and leading accounting staff. The ideal candidate will have 10+ years of progressive accounting experience, a CPA, strong NetSuite proficiency, and experience in life sciences clinical trial accounting. A background in Computer Science or Data Analytics is a plus. The role emphasizes process optimization and automation, including AI tools.

Who We Are:

Calico (Calico Life Sciences LLC) is an Alphabet-founded research and development company whose mission is to harness advanced technologies and model systems to increase our understanding of the biology that controls human aging. Calico will use that knowledge to devise interventions that enable people to lead longer and healthier lives. Calico’s highly innovative technology labs, its commitment to curiosity-driven discovery science and, with academic and industry partners, its vibrant drug-development pipeline, together create an inspiring and exciting place to catalyze and enable medical breakthroughs.

Position Description:

We are seeking a highly conscientious, hands-on Director of Accounting / Assistant Controller who combines technical accounting expertise with a practical drive for data automation and timely/accurate reporting. Operating within a collaborative team, you will play a vital role in our core controllership function.

In addition to being a high-level oversight role, this position requires someone who genuinely enjoys digging into the details and executing daily accounting operations, tracking clinical trial expenses, and building targeted technology enhancements. Reporting directly to the Controller, you will partner closely with cross-functional teams across Calico, including the Finance Team and Clinical Operations.

Key Responsibilities:

Core Financial Close:

Manage and perform significant portions of the monthly, quarterly, and annual accounting close processes, including the preparation and review of journal entries, reconciliations, and management reports

Oversee and perform various account accruals, prepaids, and cash disbursements

Clinical Trial Accruals:

Lead the end-to-end clinical trial expense accrual process and partner closely with Clinical Operations to track study expenses and ensure high accuracy and transparency in clinical project accounting

Operational Accounting:

Perform 1099 and 1042 reporting and sales/use tax accruals and returns

Compliance & Technical Accounting:

Ensure strict compliance with US GAAP, corporate accounting policies, and SOX requirements

Document and maintain effective internal controls

Liaise with Alphabet Technical Accounting and Accounting groups as needed

Team Leadership:

Manage, mentor, and develop accounting staff, fostering a collaborative and high-performing team environment

Targeted Process Optimization:

Analyze existing workflows, design and implement smart automation enhancements (such as Excel-to-NetSuite journal pipelines), and identify opportunities to leverage Gemini-enabled AI tools to improve efficiency and accuracy

Position Requirements:

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance; a minor, secondary degree, or heavy coursework in Computer Science, Data Analytics, or a related field is a strong plus

CPA required

10+ years of progressive accounting experience, including a strong background in public accounting, corporate accounting, or technical accounting

Extensive, hands-on experience managing complex clinical trial accruals within the life sciences, biotech, or pharmaceutical industry

High integrity with the highest standards of professional ethics, financial integrity, and personal accountability

Attention to detail

Superior problem-solving skills and strong desire to go the extra mile to find root causes of and solve problems

Ability to multi-task and balance multiple requests without losing sight of overall objectives and deadlines

Proven track record of managing and developing accounting professionals

Hands-on proficiency with NetSuite; proficiency with Coupa and Adaptive helpful

Strong analytical skills and systems thinking

Ability to optimize accounting workflows, with specific experience in Excel-to-NetSuite journal automation or similar system integrations

Must be willing to work onsite at least 4 days a week

The estimated base salary range for this role is $240,000 - $245,000. Actual pay will be based on a number of factors including experience and qualifications. This position is also eligible for two annual cash bonuses.

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