Associate Director, SEC Reporting & Technical Accounting

Vaco; San Carlos (CA); On-site; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Vaco by Highspring seeks an Associate Director of SEC Reporting & Technical Accounting in the San Mateo area. The role leads external filings, influences accounting policy, and partners with cross-functional teams to scale reporting in a growing life sciences company.

Hybrid work (3 days in office). CPA preferred; 10+ years of accounting experience; strong U.S. GAAP knowledge; mentoring and process improvement focus.

Qualifications

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

Skills

Public accounting experience

U.S. GAAP knowledge

Technical accounting

Strong communication

Mentoring

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting/Finance

CPA strongly preferred

Job description

Associate Director, SEC Reporting & Technical Accounting

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.

Location:

San Mateo, CA. This role is hybrid with in-office expectations 3 days/week.

Job Description:

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.

Compensation:

Determining compensation for this role (and others) at Vaco by Highspring depends upon a wide array of factors, including but not limited to:

• The individual’s skill sets, experience, and training;
• Licensure and certifications;
• Office location and other geographic considerations;
• Other business and organizational needs.

With that said, as required by local law in geographies that require salary range disclosure, Vaco by Highspring notes that the salary range for the role is noted in this job posting. The individual may also be eligible for discretionary bonuses, and can participate in medical, dental, and vision benefits as well as the company’s 401(k) retirement plan.