Associate Director, SEC Reporting & Tech Accounting

About the role

Our client, a publicly traded life sciences company, is seeking an Associate Director of SEC Reporting & Technical Accounting to play a key role in its financial reporting and technical accounting organization. This highly visible position will lead external reporting processes, support complex accounting matters, and help scale reporting capabilities within a growing organization. The ideal candidate is a technically strong accounting professional who enjoys hands-on execution, cross-functional collaboration, and process improvement in a dynamic environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead the preparation and review of quarterly and annual external financial filings and related disclosures.
• Prepare and review financial statements, footnotes, and supporting schedules in accordance with U.S. GAAP and regulatory reporting requirements.
• Coordinate reporting activities with Accounting, FP&A, Legal, external auditors, and other key stakeholders.
• Research, analyze, and document technical accounting issues related to complex transactions and new accounting guidance.
• Draft technical accounting memoranda and communicate conclusions to management and business partners.
• Support accounting for lease arrangements and other complex accounting areas.
• Manage and mentor team members, providing guidance, oversight, and professional development support.
• Drive process improvements and help enhance reporting, compliance, and internal control frameworks.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field; CPA strongly preferred.
• 10+ years of progressive accounting experience, including public accounting and/or public company reporting experience.
• Strong knowledge of U.S. GAAP, technical accounting, and external financial reporting requirements.
• Experience preparing and reviewing public company filings and financial disclosures.
• Proven ability to research and document complex accounting issues and communicate recommendations effectively.
• Experience managing or mentoring team members preferred.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with exceptional attention to detail.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, growth-oriented environment.

Location: San Mateo, CA. Hybrid with in-office expectations 3 days/week.