Associate Director, Corporate Accounting
About the Role
Abdera Therapeutics is seeking an experienced and detail-oriented Associate Director, Corporate Accounting based in the San Francisco Bay Area to partner closely with Clinical Operations and Technical Operations (CMC). This role will also be responsible for U.S. parent company accounting and corporate reporting matters playing a key part in ensuring accurate financial reporting, driving cross-functional alignment, and implementing operational improvements while maintaining a high standard of compliance and internal controls. The ideal candidate brings strong technical accounting skills, hands-on experience with complex clinical and manufacturing accounting contracts, and a collaborative mindset.
Salary range: 165k - 205k
Key Responsibilities
- Support Clinical and Technical Operations: Act as the primary accounting liaison to Clinical Operations and CMC teams to manage expense tracking, monthly accruals, and alignment with accounting timelines and reporting requirements. Provide guidance on expense tracking, accrual methodologies, and budget alignment.
- Clinical and CMC Accruals: Drive the monthly unbilled accrual process for CROs, CDMOs, and other key R&D vendors. Collaborate with functional leads to ensure timely and accurate recognition of clinical and manufacturing costs.
- U.S. Parent Company and Corporate Matters: Lead internal finance activities related to the preparation of U.S. tax returns by our third-party specialist, preparing reports for filing with various U.S. governmental agencies, supporting the preparation of consolidated financial statements, assist with management reporting activities, and other related responsibilities.
- Audit Coordination: Lead U.S. audit deliverables including preparation of flux analyses, supporting schedules, and technical memos. Serve as a key point of contact for external auditors regarding U.S. parent company matters.
- Technical Accounting: Provide technical accounting guidance on U.S. GAAP matters, including capitalization of clinical and manufacturing-related costs, R&D accounting, and fixed asset management. Lead efforts with external specialists as needed.
- Internal Controls: Support SOX readiness and develop scalable processes that ensure compliance, accuracy, and auditability of financial results working closely with the Vancouver based accounting and IT teams.
Qualifications
· Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance; CPA required.
· 8+ years of progressive accounting experience, including at least 3 years in a leadership role within the biotech or life sciences industry.
· Strong understanding of U.S. GAAP, with specific experience in R&D accounting, clinical trial accruals, and technical operations.
· Proven ability to partner cross-functionally and influence stakeholders in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
· Experience with NetSuite or similar ERP systems preferred.
· Excellent analytical, organizational, and communication skills.
Preferred Attributes
· Prior experience supporting IPO readiness or public company accounting.
· Familiarity with SOX compliance frameworks.
· Ability to thrive in a high-growth, mission-driven organization.
· Proximity to the office to facilitate regular in-person meetings.
At Abdera, we recognize the importance of attracting and retaining the best talent, and we're committed to offering competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits tailored to your needs.
Here’s what you can expect when you join our team in the U.S.:
- Comprehensive Benefits: Health, Dental, Vision, Prescription drug coverage, Basic Life and AD&D insurance, both Long-Term and Short-Term disability 16 paid company holidays, 20 days of PTO and 6 sick days to ensure your well-being, as well as a 401k plan with up to 3.5% company match, equity and bonus to help secure your financial future.
- Personalized Pay: Your individual pay will be determined by your job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training, ensuring you receive fair and competitive compensation.
- Work-Life Balance: We also offer a hybrid work schedule with 3 days on-site along with development and growth opportunities.
- At Abdera, we value our employees and strive to create an environment where you can thrive both professionally and personally. Join us and be part of a company that cares about your growth and well-being.
Abdera is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. At Abdera, we prohibit harassment of any kind and any form of discrimination including but not limited to discrimination based on race, color, sex, religion, marital status, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, veteran status, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws.
This is applicable to all employment practices within our organization, including hiring, recruiting, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, leave of absence, compensation, benefits, training, and apprenticeship.