Accounting Manager (Contractor)

This position is listed on behalf of a partner company, which manages all applications and next steps. Our partner is looking for an Accounting Manager (Contractor) based in the United States. The Accounting Manager will play a key role in maintaining accurate financial records and supporting essential accounting operations during a six-month leave-of-absence coverage period. Reporting to the Assistant Controller, this position offers broad exposure to general ledger management, financial reporting, payroll, treasury, and internal controls. You will lead important month-end and quarter-end close activities while ensuring timely, reliable financial information. The role involves close collaboration with cross-functional teams and oversight of key accounting processes, including research and development accruals. You will also support complex accounting calculations and review the work of a Senior Accountant. This is an opportunity for an experienced accounting professional to contribute immediately in a fast-paced biotechnology environment while helping maintain operational continuity and financial accuracy.

Month-End and Quarter-End Close: Lead day-to-day close activities, manage accrual processes, and prepare or review journal entries to ensure accurate and timely financial reporting. R&D Accrual Management: Own the preparation of monthly research and development accruals, collaborating with department leaders and external contract research organizations to validate expenses and estimates. Financial Calculations: Prepare quarterly stock-based compensation calculations and warrant liability calculations in accordance with applicable accounting standards. Lease Accounting: Manage lease accounting activities, maintain reconciliations, and record monthly journal entries. Financial Reporting: Prepare internal financial reporting packages and provide reliable accounting information to support business operations and management decisions. Accounts Payable and Payroll: Oversee accounts payable and payroll processes, ensuring accuracy, timely processing, and appropriate controls. Team Oversight: Supervise the Senior Accountant’s activities, review reconciliations and journal entries, and provide guidance to support quality and consistency. Internal Controls and Accounting Compliance: Support the integrity of financial records and accounting processes, applying relevant accounting principles and internal control practices. Cross-Functional Collaboration: Build effective working relationships across departments, communicate clearly, address issues proactively, and contribute to a collaborative, execution-focused team environment. Ad Hoc Projects: Assist with additional accounting and finance projects as business needs arise, adapting to competing priorities and tight deadlines. Requirements: A bachelor’s degree in Business, Accounting, Finance, or a related field; a master’s degree is preferred. At least five years of relevant accounting experience, ideally within the biotechnology or life sciences industry. Previous public accounting experience is preferred. Strong working knowledge of general ledger accounting, Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), accounts payable, payroll, and accrual accounting. Experience supporting monthly and quarterly close processes, preparing journal entries, reconciling accounts, and contributing to financial reporting. Familiarity with research and development accruals, stock-based compensation, warrant liabilities, and lease accounting is valuable. Experience with NetSuite is preferred. Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel and Word. Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues and cross-functional stakeholders. Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to manage competing priorities and meet frequent deadlines. A proactive, adaptable, and team-oriented approach, with a willingness to take ownership, resolve problems, and fill operational gaps when needed. Ability to work effectively in a busy office and laboratory environment with interruptions and changing priorities. Benefits: Hourly compensation: $70–$100 per hour, depending on experience and qualifications. Contract duration: Six-month engagement to provide coverage for a leave of absence. Remote flexibility: The role is listed as remote and based in Boston, Massachusetts, with the broader organization supporting a geographically distributed workforce across the United States. Professional exposure: Opportunity to work across general ledger accounting, financial close, payroll, financial reporting, and other core accounting functions. Leadership experience: Oversight of a Senior Accountant and collaboration with the Assistant Controller and cross-functional teams. Industry experience: Opportunity to contribute within a clinical-stage biotechnology environment focused on innovative cancer immunotherapies.