Sr. Accountant

About the role

We are looking for an experienced Sr. Accountant to support key accounting activities for a life sciences organization in Waltham, Massachusetts. This Long-term Contract position will focus on clinical accruals, reconciliations, and monthly close processes while partnering with teams involved in research and development operations. The ideal candidate brings strong pharmaceutical or biotech accounting experience, advanced Excel capabilities, and the ability to work effectively across evolving systems and processes.

Responsibilities

• Oversee clinical trial accrual accounting by reviewing financial activity, recording appropriate entries, and maintaining accurate period-end balances.
• Manage month-end close tasks, including preparation of journal entries, balance sheet support, and timely completion of assigned accounting deliverables.
• Perform detailed reconciliations across general ledger accounts and banking activity to identify variances and resolve discrepancies efficiently.
• Support accounting for research and development spending by analyzing transactions and ensuring expenses are recorded in the proper reporting period.
• Prepare and maintain schedules that substantiate account balances and provide clear documentation for internal review and audit readiness.
• Collaborate with cross-functional partners to gather accrual inputs, validate financial data, and improve the accuracy of monthly reporting.
• Use advanced Microsoft Excel to organize large data sets, build supporting analyses, and streamline recurring accounting processes.
• Contribute to accounting operations within changing systems or workflows while maintaining consistency, control, and compliance in financial reporting.

Requirements

• At least 5 years of accounting experience within pharmaceutical, biotech, biopharmaceutical, or broader life sciences environments.
• Hands-on background in month-end close activities, including journal entry preparation, general ledger analysis, and account reconciliation.
• Demonstrated experience with clinical trial accruals and accounting support for research and development expenditures.
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Excel, with the ability to create detailed reconciliations, perform data analysis, and manage complex spreadsheets.
• Solid understanding of bank reconciliations and balance sheet account review processes.
• Able to adapt to new systems, tools, or accounting workflows with minimal disruption to deliverables.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to meet deadlines in a fast-paced accounting environment.

Qualifications

• Advanced degree in Accounting or related field preferred.
• CPA certification is a plus.

Skills

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Experience with financial software and systems.

Benefits

Robert Half offers competitive compensation and benefits, including medical, vision, dental, and life and disability insurance. Hired contract/temporary professionals are also eligible to enroll in our company 401(k) plan.

Pay

$66.5 - $77 USD / Hourly

Schedule

Onsite

Location

South Waltham, MA