Senior Accounting Manager

Vaco by Highspring; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

7 weeks PTO

Fully covered health insurance

401(k) match

Team-building events

Continuing education

Job summary

A prominent accounting and finance consulting firm in San Diego is seeking a skilled finance professional to lead multiple client engagements. This role offers a clear pathway to a Director position with a focus on mentoring junior staff while overseeing critical financial activities like reporting and compliance. Competitive compensation of $140K - $180K plus bonuses is provided, alongside comprehensive benefits including health insurance and generous PTO. Join a collaborative, flexible environment dedicated to professional growth.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in audit or advisory from a Big 4 firm.
• Ability to thrive in a consulting environment.
• Strong collaboration and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead accounting and finance activities across several clients.
• Oversee financial reporting and operational accounting support.
• Contribute to budgeting, forecasting, and FP&A responsibilities.
• Support SOX compliance and internal controls.
• Mentor junior team members.

Skills

Big 4 audit or advisory experience

Experience working with life science or biotech companies

Strong communication skills

Ability to manage multiple priorities

Job description

Overview

Compensation: $140K - $180K + 10% bonus + OT

Our client is a growing accounting and finance consulting firm that provides part-time, project-based, and ongoing support to companies in the life science and technology sectors. The team works with organizations ranging from early-stage start-ups to established public companies, offering flexible, high-quality solutions across accounting, finance, and SOX compliance.

Why Join? You'll be part of a team of experienced CPAs and industry professionals with strong public accounting and corporate backgrounds. The environment emphasizes mentorship, continuous learning, and professional growth-with a path toward Director for high performers. We prioritize flexibility, collaboration, and a culture that values both excellence and work-life balance.

The work is dynamic and varied-you'll support multiple clients, meaning no two weeks look the same. You'll gain exposure to a wide range of industries, systems, and challenges while working alongside colleagues who are committed to delivering high-quality results.

What’s Exciting About This Role

• Clear pathway to grow into a Director role
• Highly flexible environment-autonomy as long as work is completed and communication is strong
• Established internal structure with reviews, resources, and support
• Strong team culture, including regular team-building events and continuing education
• Benefits: ~7 weeks PTO, fully covered health insurance, 401(k) match, and additional perks
• Workload: Typical peak weeks range from 40-55 hours

What You'll Do

• Lead accounting and finance activities across several clients
• Oversee financial reporting, technical accounting, and operational accounting support
• Contribute to budgeting, forecasting, and other FP&A responsibilities
• Support SOX compliance, internal controls, and process improvement initiatives
• Partner directly with client leadership and serve as a trusted advisor
• Provide guidance and mentorship to junior team members

What You Bring

• Big 4 audit or advisory experience
• Experience working with life science or biotech companies
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and thrive in a consulting environment
• Strong communication skills and a collaborative mindset

Determining compensation for this role (and others) at Vaco/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, as well as other business and organizational needs. With that said, as required by local law in geographies that require salary range disclosure, Vaco/Highspring notes 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. Additional disclaimer: Unless otherwise noted in the job description, the position Vaco/Highspring is filing for is occupied. Please note, however, that Vaco/Highspring is regularly asked to provide talent to other organizations. By submitting to this position, you are agreeing to be included in our talent pool for future hiring for similarly qualified positions. Submissions to this position are subject to the use of AI to perform preliminary candidate screenings, focused on ensuring minimum job requirements noted in the position are satisfied. Further assessment of candidates beyond this initial phase within Vaco/Highspring will be otherwise assessed by recruiters and hiring managers. Vaco/Highspring does not have knowledge of the tools used by its clients in making final hiring decisions and cannot opine on their use of AI products.