Senior Accountant

About the role

Flagship Pioneering is seeking a highly skilled Senior Accountant to join Montai Therapeutics, a pioneering company dedicated to developing innovative therapies for chronic diseases. This position offers an exciting opportunity to be part of a dynamic team that is transforming the biotech industry through cutting-edge research and development. The Senior Accountant will play a critical role in managing the month-end and quarter-end closing processes, ensuring compliance with US GAAP, and supporting the company's financial reporting and analysis efforts. Reporting directly to the Controller, the successful candidate will be responsible for maintaining accurate financial records, performing reconciliations, and assisting with various accounting functions essential to the company's growth and success.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Lead and manage the month-end and quarter-end closing activities, including preparing and reviewing journal entries in accordance with US GAAP standards.
• Perform detailed monthly and quarterly reconciliations of general ledger accounts to ensure accuracy and completeness of financial data.
• Analyze profit and loss accounts to identify discrepancies, classify transactions correctly, and resolve any issues that arise during the closing process.
• Ensure that all reconciliations, supporting schedules, and analytical reviews are completed timely, supporting the overall monthly closing timeline.
• Collaborate closely with the Controller to develop, review, and update the annual budget, as well as prepare monthly forecasts to support strategic decision-making.
• Assist in preparing financial statements, including balance sheets, income statements, and cash flow statements, for internal management and external reporting purposes.
• Conduct analytical reviews of actual financial performance against budget and forecast figures, providing insights and explanations for variances.
• Support the external audit process by preparing schedules, providing documentation, and addressing auditor inquiries efficiently.
• Contribute to the income tax provision process, including calculations and supporting documentation for tax filings.
• Maintain and oversee fixed asset tracking, including annual physical observation, depreciation schedules, and asset management.
• Ensure compliance with internal controls and recommend process improvements to enhance efficiency and accuracy of financial operations.
• Assist with internal financial reporting, including ad-hoc analyses and special projects related to the company's financial health and operational efficiency.
• Stay updated on new accounting standards and regulations, ensuring the company's policies and procedures are aligned with current requirements.
• Support system upgrades and process automation initiatives to improve financial reporting workflows.
• Participate in cross-functional projects that support the company's growth, including system implementations and process enhancements.
• Maintain documentation of accounting policies and procedures, ensuring clarity and consistency across the finance team.
• Communicate effectively with management, external auditors, and other stakeholders to ensure transparency and accuracy in financial reporting.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or a related field is required.
• CPA certification is preferred, along with 2-3 years of experience in Big Four public accounting.
• At least 1-2 years of experience working within the biotechnology or life sciences sector is highly advantageous.
• Strong knowledge of US GAAP financial reporting standards and accounting principles.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Word is essential for data analysis and documentation.
• Experience with NetSuite ERP system is a plus, but not mandatory.
• Demonstrated attention to detail and accuracy in financial data management.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet tight deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent analytical skills and problem-solving abilities.
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, to interact effectively with team members, management, and external auditors.
• Ability to work independently, demonstrate initiative, and adapt to changing priorities and deadlines.
• High level of integrity and professionalism in handling sensitive financial information.
• Knowledge of internal controls and experience supporting audit processes.

Nice to have

• Experience working in a small, fast-paced startup environment within the biotech or life sciences industry.
• Proven track record of successfully managing complex financial transactions and meeting aggressive deadlines.
• Familiarity with financial system automation and process improvement initiatives.
• Experience with tax provisioning and compliance in a corporate setting.
• Knowledge of regulatory requirements relevant to biotech companies, including potential ITAR considerations.

Skills & tools

• US GAAP financial reporting standards
• Microsoft Excel and Word
• NetSuite ERP system (preferred)
• Financial analysis and reporting tools
• Internal controls and compliance procedures

Practical notes

The salary range for this position is $88,000 - $121,000, depending on the candidate's experience, skills, and qualifications. Montai Therapeutics offers a comprehensive benefits package, including healthcare coverage, an annual incentive program, retirement benefits, and additional perks. This information reflects the company's current estimates at the time of publication and may be subject to change. The role is based on-site in Cambridge, MA, and involves a hybrid work arrangement. The company values diversity and encourages qualified individuals to apply. Candidates should be prepared to support the external audit process annually and contribute to ongoing process improvements within the finance team.