Associate Director, SEC Reporting & Technical Accounting

Vaco by Highspring; San Mateo (CA); Hybrid; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Discretionary bonus

Medical, dental, and vision benefits

401(k) retirement plan

Job summary

Vaco by Highspring seeks an Associate Director of SEC Reporting & Technical Accounting in San Mateo, CA. This hybrid role drives external reporting, ensures GAAP compliance, and scales the company's reporting capabilities in a dynamic, growth-focused life sciences environment.

The ideal candidate brings 10+ years of accounting experience, a CPA, and proven ability to lead cross-functional teams, prepare filings, draft technical memoranda, and mentor staff while driving process improvements.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of progressive accounting experience, including public company reporting.
• Strong knowledge of U.S. GAAP and external financial reporting requirements.
• Experience preparing and reviewing public company filings and disclosures.
• Ability to research and document complex accounting issues and communicate recommendations.
• Experience mentoring or managing team members.
• Excellent written and verbal communication; detail oriented.
• Thrives in a fast-paced, growth-oriented environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead the preparation and review of quarterly and annual external filings and related disclosures.
• Prepare and review financial statements, footnotes, and schedules under U.S. GAAP.
• Coordinate reporting activities with Accounting, FP&A, Legal, external auditors, and stakeholders.
• Research and document technical accounting issues related to complex transactions and new guidance.
• Draft technical accounting memoranda and communicate conclusions to management.
• Support accounting for lease arrangements and other complex areas.
• Manage and mentor team members; drive process improvements in reporting and controls.
• Enhance reporting, compliance, and internal control frameworks.

Skills

CPA

Communication

Leadership

GAAP knowledge

Technical accounting

Mentoring

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting/Finance

CPA

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.

Equal Opportunity Notice

Highspring LLC (d/b/a Vaco by Highspring) and its parents, affiliates, and subsidiaries ("we," "our," or "Vaco by Highspring") are committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race (including but not limited to traits historically associated with race such as hair texture and hair style), color, sex (includes pregnancy or related conditions), religion or creed, national origin, citizenship, age, disability, status as a veteran, union membership, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, political affiliation, or any other protected characteristics as required by applicable law. The company is also committed to ensuring that persons who need them are provided with reasonable accommodations; if an accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, please contact [e-mail].