Staff Accountant

Aera Therapeutics; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Insurance

401k Retirement Plan

Paid Time Off

Commuting Expense Reimbursement

Job summary

Aera Therapeutics is seeking an experienced accounting professional to support day-to-day finance operations in our Cambridge-based team. Reporting to the Director, Finance and Accounting, you will manage Accounts Payable, vendor forms, expense reimbursements, and assist with monthly, quarterly, and year-end close, while ensuring SOX controls and compliant reporting.

You will collaborate across departments, review P&L classifications, support audits, and participate in process improvements.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance with 2+ years of industry experience.
• Experience with public accounting or publicly traded companies preferred.
• Ability to translate financial concepts to non-finance managers.
• Life sciences, biotech, or pharmaceutical industry experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Manage Accounts Payable, AP Inbox, and weekly check runs.
• Retrieval, organization, and maintenance of vendor forms, ensuring 1099 reporting compliance.
• Review employee expense reimbursements for policy compliance, reconciling discrepancies.
• Assist with the monthly and quarterly close process; prepare journal entries and reconciliations.
• Support external audits during quarterly reviews and year-end audit.

Skills

Accounting fundamentals

Financial reporting

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance

Tools

NetSuite

Job description

Aera Therapeutics was founded by a world-class team of scientists, investors, and company builders with a shared vision to unlock the potential of genetic medicines across a broad range of modalities and therapeutic areas. We strive for excellence and an industry-leading position in our chosen delivery platforms, while aggressively hunting for opportunities where enabling delivery technologies can unlock applications of high, unmet medical need.

Leveraging deep expertise in the space, Aera has a leading LNP platform that enables today’s applications, while investing in and developing a potentially disruptive antibody oligonucleotide conjugate platform to enable tomorrow’s applications.

How will your role make an impact at Aera Therapeutics?

Reporting to the Director, Finance and Accounting, you will provide day-to-day support and administration of various accounting and finance processes, including accounts payables, purchasing, expense reimbursement, month and quarterly close, and yearly audits. The ideal candidate has a strong understanding of accounting principles and is looking to expand their real world experience in the life sciences / biotech industry.

You will:

• Manage Accounts Payable, AP Inbox, and weekly check runs
• Retrieval, organization, and maintenance of vendor forms, ensuring full compliance with 1099 reporting
• Reviewing employee expense reimbursements for policy compliance, reconciling discrepancies with employees in a friendly and efficient manner
• Assist with the monthly and quarterly close process; prepare journal entries, accrual schedules, and account reconciliations as part of the monthly, quarterly, and annual close process
• Support external audits during quarterly reviews and year-end audit by preparing requested documentation and analyses
• Identify and support opportunities for process improvements and increased efficiency
• Support with SOX controls documentation, testing, and compliance efforts
• Review P&L accounts to ensure proper classification
• Collaborate cross-functionally with other departments to ensure accurate financial reporting
• Process Biweekly payroll on ADP WFN
• Support ad-hoc financial analyses and projects as needed

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance with 2+ years of industry experience
• NetSuite experience (or other ERP)
• Public accounting and/or publicly traded company experience preferred
• Life sciences, biotech, or pharmaceutical industry experience preferred
• Ability to translate financial concepts to individuals at all levels, including finance and non-finance managers.
• Commitment to our Core Values: Respect, Integrity, Excellence, Impact

The approximate salary range for this role is $80,000 - $95,000

Our salary ranges are determined by job scope, level, and location. The range displayed on this job posting reflects the minimum and maximum target for new hire salaries for the position as posted. Within the range, individual pay is determined by a variety of factors, including job-related skills, experience, relevant education or training, and business need. In addition to the base salary, eligible employees will have an opportunity to participate in an annual cash bonus, equity incentives, and a robust benefits offering that includes health insurance, 401k retirement plan with company match, paid sick and vacation time, life and disability insurance, and commuting expense reimbursement.

Aera Therapeutics is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.