Director of Accounting

Meet Life Sciences; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading life sciences company in Boston is seeking a Director of Accounting to oversee all accounting operations, ensuring compliance with US GAAP and IFRS. This role involves driving financial close processes, tax compliance, and leading a high-performing team. The ideal candidate should have over 10 years of experience in accounting within the pharmaceutical or life sciences industry and possess a CPA credential.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of progressive experience in accounting/finance, with leadership roles.
• Prior experience in the pharmaceutical, biotech, or life sciences industry required.
• Strong understanding of US GAAP, IFRS, and compliance standards.

Responsibilities

• Oversee monthly, quarterly, and annual financial close processes.
• Manage external audits, tax compliance, and internal controls.
• Drive automation, system improvements, and process optimization.

Skills

Accounting expertise

Financial analysis

Leadership

Process optimization

Team development

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance

Certified Public Accountant (CPA)

Tools

ERP systems (SAP, NetSuite)

Job description

Overview

Director of Accounting is responsible for overseeing all accounting operations, ensuring compliance with US GAAP and IFRS, and driving process improvements across the finance function. This role leads financial close processes, reporting, internal controls, tax compliance, treasury, and cost accounting while supporting strategic planning and enterprise-wide initiatives. The ideal candidate will bring deep expertise in accounting within the pharmaceutical or life sciences industry and will lead a high-performing team in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Oversee monthly, quarterly, and annual financial close processes.
• Lead general ledger, accounts payable, payroll, cost accounting, inventory valuation, tax, and treasury operations.
• Prepare financial statements in accordance with US GAAP and IFRS.
• Manage external audits, tax compliance (corporate, sales, transfer pricing), and internal controls.
• Drive automation, system improvements, and process optimization within the accounting function.
• Own intercompany transactions, physical inventory processes, and cash flow forecasting.
• Perform technical accounting research and documentation for complex transactions.
• Support budgeting, forecasting, and long-term financial planning.
• Provide strategic insights through financial analysis and risk assessment.
• Evaluate and implement tools to enhance financial efficiency and reporting capabilities.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing accounting team.
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Collaborate cross-functionally to support business operations and ensure financial alignment.
• Represent Finance in strategic initiatives and enterprise-wide projects.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance.
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) required.
• 10+ years of progressive experience in accounting/finance, with leadership roles.
• Prior experience in the pharmaceutical, biotech, or life sciences industry required.
• Strong understanding of US GAAP, IFRS, and compliance standards.
• Experience with ERP systems (SAP, NetSuite); ERP implementation a plus.
• Expertise in manufacturing cost accounting and pharmaceutical inventory management.
• Familiarity with government pricing, rebates, and pharma compliance reporting.