Associate Director, Accounting Operations

Who We Are:

Cogent Biosciences is a publicly traded biotechnology company focused on developing novel precision therapies to treat a broad range of patients with unmet medical needs. Cogent’s lead program, bezuclastinib, is designed to selectively and potently inhibit exon 17 mutations found within the KIT receptor tyrosine kinase, including KIT D816V. KIT D816V is responsible for driving a rare and serious condition called Systemic Mastocytosis, and exon 17 mutations are also found in patients with gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST), a type of cancer with strong dependence on oncogenic KIT signaling. Bezuclastinib has exhibited promising initial data across all three trials: APEX in AdvSM, SUMMIT in NonAdvSM and PEAK in GIST, including an encouraging safety profile across 600+ patients in single agent and combination dosing.

The Role:

We are looking for a seasoned accounting leader to oversee day-to-day accounting operations, including accounts payable, vendor management, fixed assets, and procurement processes. This role provides strategic oversight of compliance, tax reporting, internal controls, and audit support while driving process improvements and automation initiatives.

Responsibilities:

Own day-to-day accounting operations, including procurement, vendor management, accounts payable, fixed asset management, and supporting services and contracts

Prepare and review journal entries, accruals and account reconciliations based on assigned accounting areas and consistent with accounting operations

Provide leadership, direction, and oversight to the accounting operations team responsible for purchasing and PO maintenance, invoice processing, vendor maintenance, and payment execution

Generate and present critical metrics, such as AP aging reports, Days Payable Outstanding (DPO), data input and review, stakeholder follow up, etc.

Support FX forecasting and other cash forecasting processes

Support business tax reporting, including sales and use tax and VAT filings and work directly with third party consultants on tax filings

Support state registrations, filings and maintenance

Support and oversee the build out and maintenance of compliance processes, including expense report audit and Sunshine Act reporting processes; work closely with the compliance and accounting teams to ensure we have appropriate processes and controls in place

Own and manage credit card and expense report reporting processes, including exception processing, policy validation and trend reporting, and monitoring for HCP meals and sponsorship activity processed to credit card

Oversee day-to-day equity operations, including maintenance of system, reporting of grants and exercises and ensuring information is provided to accounting and payroll teams timely

Work with internal teams to ensure procure to pay processes are efficient, well-documented, and aligned with internal controls and critically evaluate existing processes and controls for changes or enhancements needed

Review changes to access and workflows needed to support changing processes and internal controls and ensure appropriate documentation is maintained for all changes

Develop reporting to support processes and internal controls

Support internal and external audit efforts

Ensure compliance with GAAP, internal policies, and all applicable regulatory requirements

Drive continuous improvement initiations and process enhancements to systems and month-end close processes, embracing digital automation

Lead, mentor and develop accounting operations team to drive performance and professional growth

Qualifications:

7+ years’ experience with accounts payable and/or purchasing management and accounting, with at least 2 years in a supervisory role

Strong knowledge U.S. GAAP and financial reporting requirements

Proficiency in accounting software, NetSuite strongly preferred and Agiloft and/or Jaggaer e-procurement experience a plus

Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail

Excellent analytical, organizational, and communication skills

Ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities in a fast-paced environment

Sarbanes-Oxley experience required

Pharma/biotech experience strongly preferred

Ability to be on-site in Waltham, MA required

Salary Range:

$170,000 - $200,000 USD

Target Bonus: 20% Exact compensation will vary based on skills, experience, and location. Our Locations

Waltham, MA: Our headquarters is located in the Greater Boston life sciences community, with an open, collaborative office environment designed to support teamwork and connection. Employees benefit from convenient on-site amenities, including free on-site parking and gym facilities in the building.

Boulder, CO: Our Boulder location is home to Cogent’s discovery research organization and a key scientific hub with strong leadership based on site. Situated in the greater Denver-Boulder biopharmaceutical corridor, this office plays a central role in advancing our discovery efforts and pipeline.

Our Offer To You

At Cogent Biosciences, we offer a competitive salary, bonus, and ongoing stock awards, alongside a benefits package that sets us apart. We cover 100% of medical, dental, and vision premiums for you and your family, and help reduce out-of-pocket costs by funding up to 75% of in-network deductibles. Our benefits also include a 401(k) match with immediate vesting, generous paid time off, 12 weeks of fully paid parental leave, paid family and medical leave for all employees regardless of location, and company-paid short-term disability coverage for up to 20 weeks. Additional perks like wellness programs, tuition reimbursement, and inclusive family-forming support help you thrive at work and beyond.

We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our goal is to have a diverse workforce. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, age, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status or disability, or any other status protected under federal, state, or local law. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need.