Senior Accountant - SEC Reporting and Technical Accounting

Ionis-Pharmaceuticals; Carlsbad (CA); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 119,000; Full time

Job summary

Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. in Carlsbad, CA, is seeking a Senior Accountant – SEC Reporting & Technical Accounting to support external financial reporting and the close process. The role emphasizes applying U.S.

GAAP, researching guidance, and preparing memoranda for complex transactions in a hybrid onsite setting. The ideal candidate holds a Bachelor’s in Accounting, a CPA (or in-process), and at least five years of relevant experience, including public accounting, with strong communication and

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting.
• CPA certification (or in-process).
• At least five years of relevant accounting experience, including at least two years at a public accounting firm.
• Strong understanding of U.S. GAAP and the ability to research and interpret accounting guidance.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office programs.
• Self-motivated and goal-oriented, with the ability to adapt and work efficiently and effectively in a dynamic environment.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Excellent attention to detail and commitment to accuracy and completeness of working papers.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to take ownership of projects and processes.
• Collaborative and comfortable asking questions, engaging in constructive debate, and addressing challenging issues.
• Excellent time-management and prioritization skills, with the ability to manage multiple time-sensitive deadlines.
• This is a hybrid position based in Carlsbad, CA, with regular onsite work required.

Responsibilities

• Support quarterly and year-end financial reporting and audit deliverables, including preparation of quarterly earnings releases and Forms 10-Q and 10-K, and XBRL review.
• Support the financial statement close process by preparing journal entries and account reconciliations for investments, leases, debt, equity, and other areas.
• Prepare quarterly consolidated financial statements, including statements of equity and cash flows.
• Help ensure internal controls operate as designed and support SOX compliance activities.
• Monitor and analyze current, new, and pending technical accounting guidance as needed.
• Prepare technical accounting memoranda for specific transactions and new accounting guidance.
• Assist in overseeing accounting policies and drafting new policies upon adoption of new principles.
• Identify opportunities to optimize accounting processes and procedures.
• Perform other duties and special projects as assigned.

Skills

Communication skills

Attention to detail

Analytical skills

Time management

Self-motivation

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting

CPA certification (or in-process)

Tools

Microsoft Excel

SAP

BlackLine

OneStream

Job description

Senior Accountant - SEC Reporting and Technical Accounting

Job Category: General & Administrative - Ionis

Requisition Number: IONIS003733

• Posted : September 25, 2026
• Full-Time

Locations

Showing 1 location

Description

Headquartered in Carlsbad, California, and with offices in Boston, Massachusetts, and Dublin, Ireland, Ionis has been at work for more than three decades discovering medical breakthroughs that have redefined life for people with serious diseases. We’re pioneers in RNA‑targeted medicines, and our platform continues to revolutionize drug discovery and transform lives for patients with unmet needs. With multiple marketed medicines and a leading pipeline in neurology, cardiology and select areas of high patient needs, we continue to drive innovation in RNA therapies in addition to advancing new approaches in gene editing to provide greater value to patients and are well positioned financially to deliver on our strategic goals.

At Ionis, we pride ourselves on cultivating a challenging, motivating and rewarding environment that fosters innovation and scientific excellence. We know that our success is a direct result of the exceptional talents and dedication of our employees.

With an unprecedented opportunity to change the course of human health, we look to add diverse individuals, skill sets and perspectives to our exceptional team. We continue to invest time, money and energy into making our onsite, hybrid and remote work environments a place where solid and lasting relationships are built and where our culture and employees can thrive.

We’re building on our rich history, and we believe our greatest achievements are ahead of us. If you’re passionate about the opportunity to have meaningful impact on patients in need, we invite you to apply and join us. Experience and contribute to our unique culture while you develop and expand your career!

SENIOR ACCOUNTANT – SEC REPORTING & TECHNICAL ACCOUNTING

SUMMARY

The Senior Accountant for SEC Reporting and Technical Accounting will report to the Associate Director, SEC Reporting & Technical Accounting. This team member will support Ionis’ external financial reporting and financial statement close processes, including preparing audit deliverables and performing internal controls for certain business processes. In addition, this team member will be responsible for researching and applying technical accounting guidance, preparing memoranda, and supporting special projects across the organization. The ideal candidate has at least five years of relevant experience including multiple years of public accounting experience, strong understanding of U.S. GAAP, the ability to effectively self‑lead, excellent communication and time management skills and strong attention to detail.

WORK LOCATION

Onsite/hybrid in Carlsbad, CA

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Support quarterly and year-end financial reporting and audit deliverables, including preparation of Ionis’ quarterly earnings releases and Forms 10-Q and 10-K, related tie-outs, and XBRL review
• Support the financial statement close process by preparing journal entries and account reconciliations for investments, leases, debt, equity (including stock-based compensation), and other assigned areas
• Prepare quarterly consolidated financial statements, including statements of equity and cash flows
• Play an integral role in ensuring that internal controls in assigned areas operate as designed and support Sarbanes‑Oxley (SOX) compliance activities
• Monitor, research and analyze current, new, and pending technical accounting guidance as needed
• Prepare technical accounting memoranda for specific transactions and the adoption of new accounting guidance
• Assist in overseeing accounting policies, including drafting any new policies upon adoption of new accounting principles
• Identify opportunities to optimize accounting processes and procedures
• Perform other duties and special projects as assigned

REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting
• CPA certification (or in-process)
• At least five years of relevant accounting experience, including at least two years at a public accounting firm
• Strong understanding of U.S. GAAP and the ability to research and interpret accounting guidance
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office programs
• Self‑motivated and goal‑oriented, with the ability to adapt and work efficiently and effectively in a dynamic environment
• Strong written and oral communication skills
• Excellent attention to detail and commitment to accuracy and completeness of working papers
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills, with the ability to take ownership of projects and processes
• Collaborative and comfortable asking questions, engaging in constructive debate, and addressing challenging issues
• Excellent time‑management and prioritization skills, with the ability to manage multiple time‑sensitive deadlines
• This is a hybrid position based in Carlsbad, CA, with regular onsite work required

PREFERRED

• Experience at a Big Four public accounting firm strongly preferred
• Broadridge or other SEC filing software
• SAP or another enterprise resource planning (ERP) system
• BlackLine
• Equity Edge Online
• Clearwater
• OneStream

Ionis offers an excellent benefits package! Follow this link for more details: Ionis Benefits

The pay scale for this position is $90,000 to $119,180

NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE. PRINCIPALS ONLY.

Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and all its subsidiaries are proud to be EEO employers.

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.