Senior R&D Accountant, Contract (25107-R-840-FIN)

WHO WE ARE

Arsenal Biosciences Inc. is a clinical-stage programmable cell therapy company engineering advanced CAR T-cell therapies for solid tumors. We seek a talented and experienced Senior Director, Corporate Controller to work hybrid based in our South San Francisco office. 

ArsenalBio’s mission and purpose are very clear: defeat cancer. With our programmable and computationally driven approach, our team is engineering medicines to attack cancer’s inherent multifaceted nature and overcome the challenges of addressing solid tumors with cell therapy.

Driven by a collective of diverse experts across multi-scientific disciplines and clinical and manufacturing expertise, we are united in our purpose to develop the optimal medicines for improving patients’ lives.

This means you’ll have the opportunity to work with the best talent in the field of cell therapy and be part of ONE TEAM, which advances therapies for patients who need it most.

We are seeking a Senior R&D Accountant with strong attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.  The candidate will work in a dynamic biotech startup environment and have the opportunity to partner with an innovative group of leaders to influence key business decisions. The candidate should possess a problem solving mindset and an ability to resolve issues on a timely basis by working independently and collaboratively. 

• Partner closely with FP&A and Clinical Operations to prepare clinical trial accruals based on trial activities/progress, understand CRO financial models, and review CRO contracts and work orders
• Lead cost tracking for all R&D spend, including contract management, project progress vs. budget, FTE allocations, and percentage-of-completion reporting
• Prepare monthly R&D accruals for all programs to accurately record CRO activities, and other R&D related actual spend (including lab supplies, CMC materials, and outsourced services). Ensure full compliance with Company accounting policies and the application of GAAP to R&D expenditure
• Execute the month-end close process, including journal entries, account analyses, and balance sheet reconciliations for assigned R&D and clinical cost areas
• Collaborate with R&D Operations and the Contracts team regarding contract amendments, new contracts, and work orders for planned projects. Work cross-functionally to resolve accounting matters with internal stakeholders and external partners, including CROs and vendors
• Review R&D purchase orders to evaluate percentage of completion, timing of deliverables, and alignment with project milestones
• Ensure timely and accurate reporting of actual R&D costs for revenue recognition and internal financial reporting and also assist and prepare collaboration revenue entries based on GAAP and internal accounting policies
• Review and validate R&D PO coding and R&D invoices to ensure compliance with GAAP and internal accounting policies.
• Prepare consultant and contractor accruals, ensuring completeness, accuracy, and alignment with project milestones and contractual terms
• Support annual audit activities and internal control reviews by preparing schedules, analyses, and supporting documentation.
• Perform special projects and ad-hoc analyses as needed

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance with 7+ years of experience
• Prior experience in a publicly listed company strongly preferred
• Experience in the biotechnology or life sciences industry is a plus
• Strong understanding of the U.S. GAAP, particularly R&D accruals, consultant accruals, CRO accounting, and percentage-of-completion methods
• Minimum of 5+ years accounting experience
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet tight deadlines in a fast-paced environment
• Strong analytical skills with exceptional attention to detail
• Proactive, self-directed, and able to work independently with minimal supervision
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Proven ability to work collaboratively in a team environment

BENEFITS AND PAY

Our people-first culture cultivates a deep respect for humanity, not only in those we serve but also in one another. We take pride in being part of a company that values and celebrates diversity—in experiences, ideas, and interests. We are empowered in an environment that embraces unity and inclusivity, fostering a sense of belonging and mutual respect.

We provide powerful tools to empower our employees to take charge of their career paths and reach their full potential. At ArsenalBio, we believe in investing in our employees' well-being—both professionally and personally—because our people are our most valuable asset. Our essential team members bring exceptional expertise in molecular biology, immunology, pharmacology, protein chemistry, computational biology, automation, genome engineering, software, and other fields to turn the possibilities of tomorrow into the realities of today.

We are committed to hiring the best talent from diverse backgrounds. A diverse workforce engenders richness of thought, creativity and discovery. We invite individuals who embrace intellectual achievement to bring their unique personal and professional journeys and together we will build transformative cell therapies for cancer patients.

We are an equal opportunity employer and deeply value diversity within our company. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability.

The estimated base salary for the preferred primary location of the San Francisco Bay area ranges from $55 – $79/hour. Salary ranges for other locations may vary.  Base pay offered may vary based on job-related knowledge, experience, education, and location. Beyond these considerations, we are committed to pay equity and consider the internal equity of our current employees when making any final offers.

To all recruitment agencies: ArsenalBio does not accept agency resumes. Please do not forward resumes to our jobs alias or to ArsenalBio employees. ArsenalBio is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes.