Accounting Manager

Vaco by Highspring; Del Mar (CA); On-site; USD 125,000 - 145,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus

Equity

Job summary

Vaco is seeking an experienced Accounting Manager for a growing life sciences client in San Diego, CA (4 days onsite). The role oversees general ledger operations, month-end close, and stock-based compensation, reporting to the Assistant Controller, with one direct report.

This position joins a newly established finance leadership team focused on strengthening accounting processes, international growth, and multi-entity consolidation.

Qualifications

• Active CPA license required.
• 2+ years of Accounting Manager experience.
• Experience with month-end close and consolidations.
• Big 4 public accounting preferred with public company exposure.

Responsibilities

• Oversee general ledger operations and accurate financial reporting.
• Manage monthly, quarterly, and annual close processes.
• Oversee stock-based compensation accounting and reconciliations.
• Support consolidation of domestic and international entities.
• Maintain accounting policies, controls, and procedures.
• Collaborate with finance leadership on technical accounting matters.
• Identify process improvements for reporting accuracy and efficiency.
• Develop and mentor one direct report.

Skills

GAAP knowledge

Month-end close

Consolidations

Stock-based compensation

Communication skills

Education

CPA license

Tools

NetSuite

Job description

Compensation: $125,000-$145,000 base + bonus + equity

Location: San Diego, CA (4 days onsite)

Overview

A client of ours, a growing life sciences company, is seeking an experienced Accounting Manager to oversee general ledger operations and support its expanding accounting function. This is an opportunity to join a newly established finance leadership team focused on strengthening accounting processes, supporting international growth, and integrating multiple entities.

Reporting to the Assistant Controller, this individual will oversee general ledger activities, lead the month-end close process, and manage stock-based compensation accounting. The role will also have one direct report and work closely with the broader accounting and finance leadership team.

Responsibilities

• Oversee general ledger operations, ensuring accurate and timely financial reporting.
• Manage and coordinate the monthly, quarterly, and annual close processes.
• Oversee stock-based compensation accounting and related reconciliations.
• Support the consolidation of multiple domestic and international legal entities.
• Maintain and strengthen accounting policies, procedures, and internal controls.
• Partner with the Assistant Controller and broader finance team on technical accounting and reporting matters.
• Identify opportunities to improve accounting processes, reporting accuracy, and operational efficiency.
• Manage and develop one direct report.

Qualifications

• Active CPA license required.
• Big 4 public accounting experience strongly preferred. Candidates from regional firms will also be considered with experience serving public company clients.
• At least 2 years of experience in an Accounting Manager capacity.
• Strong knowledge of US GAAP and general ledger accounting.
• Experience managing month-end close processes and financial consolidations.
• Exposure to stock-based compensation accounting.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to work cross-functionally within a growing organization.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with biotech or life sciences companies.
• Prior public company accounting experience.
• Experience supporting multi-entity consolidations and international operations.
• Familiarity with NetSuite.
• Reports directly to the Assistant Controller.
• Four days onsite in San Diego.
• Workload will fluctuate around month-end close and financial reporting deadlines.
• Opportunity to join a growing organization with an evolving finance leadership team and expanding international presence.