Associate Director, AccountingSouth San Francisco, CA

Associate Director, Accounting The Finance team is looking for an Associate Director, Accounting who will lead core accounting operations, including payroll and month‑end close, ensuring accurate and timely financial reporting. The role balances detail‑oriented execution with strategic direction, maintains internal controls, partners with auditors, drives process improvements, and leads a high‑performing accounting team. Responsibilities Oversee day‑to‑day accounting operations, payroll, general ledger, and month‑end close activities; review journal entries, account reconciliations, and supporting schedules. Partner with People Operations, the accounting team, and third‑party payroll provider to ensure accurate, compliant, and timely payroll processing. Own and maintain internal control compliance (SOX 404) for assigned processes, including documentation, risk assessment, control design, testing, remediation, and serve as liaison with internal and external auditors. Manage, mentor, and develop accounting team members, providing clear guidance, coaching, and performance feedback. Act as a trusted business partner to cross‑functional stakeholders, including FP&A, People Operations, and IT. Drive continuous process improvement focused on scalability, efficiency, and control effectiveness; review user access and change management; ensure accounting policies, procedures, and documentation are accurate and current. Leadership Competencies Communication and Influence Builds communication channels across Maze and shares information. Influences senior management decisions through persuasive arguments. Respectfully addresses differing opinions to support decisions. Teamwork and Collaboration Champions partnerships and connections across Maze. Proactively addresses issues that could break team relationships. Spotlights team and individual contributions in public forums. Execution and Results Addresses gaps and leverages strengths to achieve best results. Maintains steady presence and clarifies priorities during change. Anticipates and removes barriers that put functional and corporate goals at risk. Develop Others and Self Removes barriers to staff development and empowers them to make decisions. Stays current on industry trends and keeps direct reports prepared and responsive. Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance or related field with 10+ years of progressive accounting experience; CPA preferred. Proven experience leading payroll operations and the month‑end close process. Experience managing at least 2 direct reports. Deep experience with SOX 404 and internal controls in a public company environment. Solid knowledge of US GAAP and public‑company requirements. Experience supporting external audits and working directly with auditors. Ability to come to site 2–3 × per week. Hands‑on experience with NetSuite and ADP required; Coupa preferred. Big 4 public accounting experience preferred. Biotech and/or pre‑revenue R&D company experience preferred. Benefits and Compensation The expected annual salary range for employees located in the San Francisco Bay Area is $187,000 – $229,000, with eligibility for an annual performance bonus. The company offers a robust benefits package, including competitive medical, dental, and vision insurance, mental health offerings, equity incentive plan, 401(k) program with employer match, and generous holiday and PTO policy. #J-18808-Ljbffr