Senior Manager, R&D Accounting

Avalo Therapeutics; Chesterbrook (PA); On-site; USD 130,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Avalo Therapeutics seeks a Senior Manager, Research & Development (R&D) Accounting to lead the accounting for R&D activities and the monthly close under US GAAP. You will partner with Clinical Operations, CMC, FP&A, and external vendors to ensure accurate reporting and timely insights for decision-making.

The ideal candidate has 8+ years in accounting, with 5+ in publicly traded biotech or life sciences, and strong GL/R&D accounting experience in a fast-paced biotech environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance required.
• CPA preferred but not required.
• MBA or Master’s degree is a plus.
• 8+ years of progressive accounting experience, including 5+ years in publicly traded biotech or life sciences.
• Extensive experience supporting clinical-stage biotechnology companies.
• Strong background in General Ledger accounting and monthly close.
• Experience in R&D accounting: clinical trial accruals, CRO accounting, investigator payments, CMC accounting.

Responsibilities

• Lead the monthly accounting and close process for all R&D-related activities.
• Own the monthly R&D accrual process and related analyses.
• Prepare journal entries, reconciliations, and schedules for clinical trial expenses, CRO contracts, CMC, and related costs.
• Partner with Clinical Operations, Clinical Development, CMC, FP&A, and external vendors.
• Prepare R&D analyses and reporting for close cycles and management presentations.
• Develop balance sheet reconciliations and account analyses.
• Support quarterly and annual financial reporting and SOX readiness.
• Collaborate with FP&A on budgeting, forecasting, and variance analysis.
• Review complex contracts for accounting treatment and accrual methodologies.
• Drive process improvements in R&D accounting and systems implementations.

Skills

Advanced Excel

Intacct ERP

Data analysis

Project management

Cross-functional collaboration

GAAP knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance

CPA preferred

MBA or Master's degree

Tools

Intacct

Finance reporting tools

Job description

At Avalo (ahh-vah'-low), we are 100% focused on developing treatments for immune-mediated inflammatory diseases with large unmet needs that affect millions worldwide. Our strategy is to develop medicines that target the IL-1β pathway, which is a central driver of the inflammatory process.

We share a commitment to teamwork, passion for science, and dedication to patients suffering from acute and chronic inflammatory disorders. Our collective expertise in discovery, development, and regulatory approvals is evidenced in our strong individual track records of advancing multiple therapeutic programs to successful commercialization.

Position Summary:

Senior Manager, Research & Development (R&D) Accounting to lead the accounting and financial reporting for the Company's research and development activities. Reporting to the Director, Accounting, this individual will be the primary owner of the monthly R&D close process, ensuring the accurate accounting of clinical trial costs, CROs, CMC activities, and other development-related expenditures.

This role partners closely with Clinical Operations, Clinical Development, CMC, FP&A, Program Management, and external vendors to ensure timely, accurate financial reporting while supporting business decision-making. The ideal candidate has deep biotechnology or life sciences R&D accounting experience, strong general ledger expertise, excellent analytical skills, and thrives in a collaborative, fast-paced environment.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Lead the monthly accounting and close process for all R&D-related activities in accordance with U.S. GAAP and company policies.
• Own the monthly R&D accrual process, including vendor outreach, meetings with internal stakeholders, accrual and prepaid analysis, preparation of supporting schedules, and complex journal entries.
• Prepare and review journal entries, account reconciliations, and supporting schedules related to:
  • Clinical trial expenses
  • CRO contracts and related services, investigator grants and site payments, and pass through costs
  • CMC and manufacturing activities
  • Central laboratory expenses
  • External research collaborations
  • Preclinical research
  • Other R&D development costs
• Serve as the primary accounting partner to Clinical Operations, Clinical Development, CMC, Program Management, FP&A, and external vendors, ensuring accurate financial reporting and proper period recognition of R&D related expenses.
• Prepare key R&D analyses and reporting for the monthly, quarterly, and annual close, including significant contributions to management close presentations.
• Prepare complex balance sheet reconciliations, and account analyses.
• Analyze financial results, investigate variances, and ensure accounting records are complete and well-supported.
• Assist with quarterly and annual financial reporting requirements.
• Collaborate with FP&A during budgeting, forecasting, and monthly variance analysis.
• Review complex clinical, manufacturing, and service contracts and vendor agreements to support and document appropriate accounting treatment, accrual methodologies, and financial reporting implications.
• Build strong relationships with internal stakeholders and external vendors to improve financial reporting accuracy.
• Continuously improve R&D accounting processes, accrual methodologies, and financial reporting.
• Support implementation of new accounting systems including a CRO accounting software, automation tools, and process enhancements.
• Develop and maintain documentation supporting accounting policies, procedures, and internal controls.
• Assist with SOX readiness, external audits, and compliance with U.S. GAAP. Lead these initiatives for R&D accounts.

Required Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance required.
• CPA preferred but not required.
• MBA or Master's degree is a plus.
• 8+ years of progressive accounting experience, including at least 5 years within publicly traded biotechnology or life sciences organizations.
• Extensive experience supporting clinical-stage biotechnology companies.
• Strong background in General Ledger accounting and monthly close.
• Demonstrated expertise in R&D accounting, including:
  • Clinical trial accruals
  • CRO accounting
  • Clinical vendor management
  • Investigator payments
  • CMC accounting
• Strong understanding of U.S. GAAP.
• Experience supporting external audits and internal controls

Additional Skills, Knowledge, and/or Responsibilities:

• Biotech/Pharmaceutical industry experience preferred
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills, including complex formulas, pivot tables, and data analysis.
• Experience with ERP systems (Intacct preferred) and financial reporting tools.
• Ability to analyze large datasets and translate findings into actionable business insights.
• Strong project management and organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills and proven ability to partner with cross-functional teams.
• Ability to work independently in a fast-paced, publicly traded biotechnology environment.

About Avalo Therapeutics

Avalo Therapeutics is a clinical stage biotechnology company dedicated to developing therapeutics targeting the IL-1β pathway for immune-mediated inflammatory diseases. Avalo is advancing its lead anti-IL-1β monoclonal antibody (mAb) drug candidate, abdakibart, into a phase 3 registrational program in hidradenitis suppurativa (HS), a chronic inflammatory skin condition that affects an estimated 1-4% of the population globally. Avalo is pursuing additional development opportunities in IL-1β driven indications. Avalo is also developing AVTX-010, a long-acting next-generation anti-IL-1β mAb. For more information about Avalo, please visitwww.avalotx.com .