Associate Director, Accounting

About the role

The Associate Director, Accounting will play a key leadership role in overseeing the Company's accounting operations, financial reporting, and internal control environment. This individual will ensure accurate and timely financial reporting, maintain compliance with U.S. GAAP and SEC requirements, drive process improvements, and support the continued growth of the organization. The role serves as a strategic business partner across Finance and other functional areas, providing technical accounting guidance, strengthening operational processes, and helping scale the accounting infrastructure as Viridian advances toward commercialization and future growth opportunities.

The ideal candidate is a collaborative and hands-on leader with strong technical expertise, public company experience, and a demonstrated ability to build efficient and scalable processes in a dynamic biotechnology environment. This role is based in Waltham, MA headquarters and requires in-office work three (3) days per week.

Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee monthly, quarterly, and annual close processes, ensuring timely and accurate financial reporting.
• Oversee key accounting areas including CMC and clinical trial R&D accruals, leases, fixed assets, intercompany transactions, treasury activities, long-term debt, and other critical accounting functions.
• Lead accounting process improvement initiatives and support the continued development of scalable systems, controls, and workflows.
• Evaluate and optimize ERP, financial reporting, and close management processes to improve efficiency and accuracy.
• Develop, mentor, and manage members of the accounting team, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Partner closely with FP&A, Legal, Human Resources, Tax, Commercial, Clinical Development, and other business functions to evaluate accounting implications of business activities and strategic initiatives.
• Operationalize complex accounting transactions in accordance with U.S. GAAP.
• Partner with the Corporate Controller on accounting policy development and implementation of new accounting standards.
• Lead the preparation and review of internal financial statements, including preparation of flux analyses and working closely with FP&A.
• Support the design, implementation, and enhancement of internal controls and SOX compliance activities.
• Serve as a liaison with external auditors, coordinating audit timelines and managing deliverables.
• Support financing transactions, business development activities, and other strategic corporate initiatives as needed.
• Assist in preparing materials and analyses for executive leadership.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance required.
• CPA required.
• 10+ years of progressive accounting experience, including public company experience.
• Biotechnology, pharmaceutical, life sciences, or other publicly traded industry experience strongly preferred.
• Prior management experience with demonstrated ability to lead and develop accounting professionals.
• Strong knowledge of U.S. GAAP, SEC reporting requirements, and internal control frameworks.
• Experience supporting SOX compliance programs and external audits.
• Big 4 public accounting experience strongly preferred.
• Experience with equity compensation accounting and technical accounting research preferred.
• Proven ability to drive process improvements and implement scalable financial processes.
• Strong business partnership, communication, and influencing skills.
• Demonstrated ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced, high-growth environment.
• Strong analytical skills and attention to detail.
• High degree of integrity and commitment to ethical business practices.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and financial systems.

Benefits

• Competitive pay and stock options for all employees.
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• 100% Paid Parental Leave.
• Short- and long-term disability coverage.
• Life, Travel, and AD&D insurance.
• 401(k) Company Match with immediate company vesting.
• Employee Stock Purchase plan.
• Generous vacation plan and paid company holiday shutdowns.
• Various fertility, mental, financial, and proactive physical health programs.