Associate Director, Finance (Fixed Term)

Zymeworks Inc.; Vancouver; On-site; CAD 130,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Zymeworks Inc. is seeking an Associate Director of Finance (Fixed Term) to lead the monthly, quarterly, and year-end close in a hybrid Vancouver setting.

You will review complex journal entries, oversee reconciliations, and partner with FP&A, HR, Procurement, IT and Legal to deliver timely financial reporting, audits, and SOX readiness. This 18-month assignment offers a high-impact opportunity within a growing biotech company.

Qualifications

• 8–10+ years of progressive accounting and finance experience under US GAAP.
• Experience leading accounting teams and month-end close processes.
• Experience with NetSuite and Coupa.
• Biotech, life sciences, or public company experience is an asset.
• Demonstrated ability to lead through change and uncertainty, providing clear direction and context to team members.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills and ability to work cross-functionally.
• High level of accuracy and attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Lead monthly, quarterly, and year-end financial close processes.
• Review complex journal entries, reconciliations, including payroll and other general ledger activities.
• Oversee balance sheet reconciliations and financial reporting deliverables.
• Support quarterly and annual reporting, tax memos, and audit deliverables.
• Lead, develop, and mentor Accounting and Accounts Payable teams.
• Establish priorities, allocate resources, and manage workloads across the team.
• Partner with FP&A, HR, Payroll, Procurement, IT, and Legal to drive strategic finance.

Skills

US GAAP

Financial leadership

Month-end close

Cross-functional collaboration

Excel

ERP systems

Strategic finance

Audit readiness

Education

CPA/CA designation or equivalent

Bachelor's degree in accounting/finance

Tools

NetSuite

Coupa

Job description

Associate Director, Finance (Fixed Term)

Company Description
Zymeworks is a global biotechnology company managing a portfolio of licensed healthcare assets and developing a diverse pipeline of novel, multifunctional biotherapeutics to improve the standard of care for difficult-to-treat diseases, including cancer, inflammation, and autoimmune disease. The Company’s asset and royalty aggregation strategy focuses on optimizing positive future cash flows from an emerging portfolio of licensed products such as Ziihera® (zanidatamab-hrii) and other licensed products and product candidates such as pasritamig. In addition, Zymeworks is also building a portfolio of healthcare assets that can generate strong cash flows, while supporting the early-stage development of innovative medicines. We are a global company headquartered in Vancouver BC, with operations in Bellevue WA, Dublin IRE, and Singapore.

Why Work With Us

Nothing is more critical to our success than the quality of our team. The work we do is meaningful and impactful - we care about each other as well as the patients we serve. We offer challenging career opportunities, competitive benefits and an environment that recognizes and rewards performance.

This role will be located in Vancouver and is hybrid with a minimum of 3 days per week onsite.

This role is fixed term for 18-months.

What You'll Do

• Lead and oversee the monthly, quarterly, and year-end financial close process.
• Review and approve complex journal entries, reconciliations, including but not limited to Royalty monetization, G&A, R&D and Clinical accruals, payroll, and other general ledger activities.
• Review balance sheet reconciliations and financial reporting deliverables.
• Support quarterly and annual reporting, technical accounting memos, and audit deliverables.
• Lead, develop, and mentor members of the Accounting and Accounts Payable teams.
• Establish priorities, allocate resources, and manage workloads across the team.
• Provide coaching, feedback, and performance management support.
• Act as the primary escalation point for accounting and AP matters.

Accounts Payable & Operational Oversight

• Oversee Accounts Payable processes and controls.
• Drive process improvements, automation initiatives, and operational efficiencies, with a focus on timely payment of invoices and stakeholder communication.
• Partner with stakeholders to improve procure-to-pay workflows.

Financial Reporting, Audit & Compliance

• Coordinate audit requests and support external audit activities.
• Ensure compliance with accounting policies, controls, and regulatory requirements.
• Support SOX readiness and control documentation activities.

Cross-Functional Business Partnership

• Partner with FP&A, HR, Payroll, Procurement, Clinical/R&D Operations, IT, and Legal.
• Provide accounting guidance and recommendations to stakeholders.
• Support strategic finance and organizational initiatives including but not limited to; mergers /integrations, divestitures and financings.

Process Improvement & Systems

• Lead initiatives focused on scalability, automation, and operational excellence.
• Support ERP enhancements, testing, and implementations.
• Develop and maintain finance procedures and documentation.

What You'll Bring

• 8-10+ years of progressive accounting and finance experience under US GAAP.
• Experience leading accounting teams and month-end close processes.
• Experience with NetSuite and Coupa.
• Biotech, life sciences, or public company experience is an asset.
• Experience with transactions like mergers and divestitures is an asset.
• Demonstrated ability to lead through change and uncertainty, providing clear direction, transparency, and context to team members while maintaining focus on priorities, deliverables, and business objectives.
• Proven interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to work collaboratively as a member of a team and to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, management and external associates.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with ability to work through complex accounting topics.
• High level of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Ability to take ownership of work and operate with minimal supervision.
• Ability to review work of others and provide constructive feedback.
• Strong communication skills and ability to work cross-functionally.
• Adaptability and willingness to work in a fast-paced, evolving environment.
• Proficiency in Excel and familiarity with ERP systems.

Total Rewards

We offer a comprehensive total rewards package, which includes competitive salaries, generous benefits, an outstanding work environment, and excellent opportunities for professional growth. We regularly benchmark our compensation against leading biotechnology companies in our geographies.

The base salary range displayed on each job posting reflects the minimum and maximum target for new hire salaries for the position in the location for which the job is posted and does not include bonus, equity, or benefits. Within the range, individual pay is determined by a variety of factors and the salary offered may vary depending on the successful candidate’s location and qualifications (including, but not limited to, job-related knowledge, education, training, skills, and experience).

This role is not eligible for relocation or immigration support.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin or disability.