Director, Accounting

The main focus of the Director, Accounting position is to coordinate and direct the financial activities for consolidated financial closings, audit reviews and preparation of required external and management financial statements, which includes:

• Developing, implementing, and maintaining systems, procedures and policies, including all general accounting functions.
• Ensuring the accurate compilation, analysis and reporting of accounting data.
• Acting as a liaison between the company, government, CPA and other auditors in providing the required information and ensuring that proper information is maintained for historical purposes.
• Supporting the preparation of federal, state and local reports and tax returns.
• Creating and interpreting reports and records for management.
• Supporting management in the preparation of management reporting, financial analysis and financial statements.
• Selecting, developing, and evaluating personnel to ensure the efficient operation of the function.

Additional responsibilities include:

• Participating with other senior managers to establish strategic plans and objectives.
• Making final decisions on administrative or operational matters and ensures operations effective achievement of objectives.
• Working on complex issues where analysis of situations or data requires an in-depth knowledge of the company.
• Participating in corporate development of methods, techniques and evaluation criteria for projects, programs, and people.
• Ensuring budgets and schedules meet corporate requirements.
• Regularly interacting with executives and/or major customers. Interactions frequently involve special skills, such as negotiating with customers or management or attempting to influence senior level leaders regarding matters of significance to the organization.
• Directing and controlling the activities of a broad functional area within the company. Has overall control of planning, staffing, budgeting, managing expense priorities, and recommending and implementing changes to methods.
• Responsible for developing and maintaining sound business accounting policies, practices and standards to meet regulatory and management requirements. Managing, planning, and forecasting GAAP management operating reporting.
• Directing the recording, consolidation, arrangement, reporting and preservation of all financial data. Providing accounting consultation, assistance and service to leadership and other internal customers.
• Directing the accounting, preparation, analysis and required filings of all relative financial statements and related data and exhibits.
• Directing the preparation, analysis and filing of financial statements and other reports for internal and external sources.
• Reviewing, advising, counseling and participating actively concerning new systems developments and other systems related matters to ensure accuracy of all financial data. 
• Providing advice, counsel and assistance concerning accounting policies and practices.
• Developing and maintaining strong business relationships with decision makers of targeted accounts and government agencies.
• Planning, initiating, and conducting account negotiations.
• Maintaining fiscal responsibility for operational budget.
• Responding to applicable inquiries from internal and external auditors and other regulatory agencies.
• Directing the preparation of special reports, analyses and financials as requested by management and external agencies.
• Overseeing and ensuring Company business is in accordance with all regulations and Company policy and procedures.
• Providing regular performance feedback, development and coaching to junior accounting staff.

Minimum Qualification Requirements:

A minimum of a Bachelors degree in a Finance or Business discipline is required. A CPA, MBA or other advanced degree is preferred. Equivalent experience may be accepted.

A minimum of 13 years previous accounting experience, preferably in the biotech or pharmaceutical industry is required. A minimum of 8 years’ experience at an auditing company is highly preferred. A minimum of 8 years’ experience at a publicly traded company is highly preferred. May require a minimum of 10 years previous management experience.

Additional requirements include:

• A thorough understanding of accounting principles is essential.
• Must be able to demonstrate a thorough knowledge of GAAP.
• Must be able to demonstrate a high attention to detail with an ability to independently prioritize and organize work assignments.
• Previous corporate accounting experience is required.
• Must possess excellent computer and analytical skills with proficiency in Excel. Good communication skills both oral and written are required.
• Previous experience with JDE ERP, COGNOS reporting, and Adaytum software are highly desired.
• Must be able to review and understand significant agreements as they pertain to the accounting group.