Associate Director of Accounting

Associate Director, Accounting

Location: San Diego, CA

Base Salary: $150,000–$175,000

Additional Compensation: Target bonus and long-term incentives

Reports To: Controller

BioPhase is seeking an Associate Director, Accounting for an innovative biotechnology company advancing novel therapeutics in oncology and immunology.

This opportunity is ideal for a hands-on, collaborative accounting leader who enjoys developing teams, strengthening processes, and building scalable operations. Reporting to the Controller, you will own day-to-day accounting execution, lead close activities, improve Workday-enabled workflows, and strengthen the documentation, controls, and cross-training needed to support continued growth.

Success in this role goes beyond accurate and timely financial results. You will help build a more resilient accounting function with clear ownership, consistent execution, and less reliance on individual knowledge.

Key Responsibilities:

Accounting Operations & Close Leadership

• Lead monthly, quarterly, and annual close processes, ensuring accurate, timely, and consistent execution.
• Coordinate workflows across Accounting Managers, Accounts Payable, Payroll, and other business partners.
• Establish clear ownership, review standards, documentation requirements, and internal controls for key deliverables.
• Develop backup coverage and cross-training to support operational continuity.
• Ensure accounting records, workpapers, and reporting packages are complete, accurate, and audit-ready.

Process Improvement & Systems Optimization

• Stabilize and optimize Workday-enabled accounting processes, workflows, reporting, and controls.
• Identify process gaps, resource constraints, and recurring execution issues.
• Implement sustainable improvements that strengthen efficiency, accountability, and operational consistency.
• Recommend resource allocation and staffing solutions to support current needs and future growth.
• Develop and maintain standard operating procedures that make accounting processes clear and repeatable.

Cross-Functional & Parent Company Collaboration

• Serve as the primary operational accounting liaison for parent company stakeholders.
• Own the execution, tracking, and follow-through of reporting deliverables and audit support.
• Partner with FP&A, Procurement, HR, IT, and Legal to coordinate accounting activities and resolve operational issues.
• Identify transactions or business changes requiring additional accounting guidance.
• Escalate material accounting risks and governance matters to the Controller.

Team Leadership & Development

• Coach Accounting Managers and staff to strengthen ownership, accountability, and execution.
• Build team capabilities through documentation, cross-training, and knowledge sharing.
• Create clarity around responsibilities and priorities when business demands compete.
• Promote continuous improvement and develop future leaders within the accounting function.
• Balance immediate operational needs with long-term team development and organizational effectiveness.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, or a related field.
• At least 10 years of progressive accounting experience, including increasing leadership responsibility.
• Experience leading accounting operations, close processes, financial reporting support, and audit activities.
• Demonstrated success leading teams through significant systems, process, organizational, or business change.
• Proven ability to establish structure, accountability, and execution discipline in an evolving environment.
• Ability to identify operational risks, capability gaps, capacity constraints, and recurring process issues—and implement sustainable solutions.
• Experience effectively coordinating resources across teams and cross-functional stakeholders.
• Strong leadership, communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to balance near-term execution with long-term organizational development and continuous improvement.

Preferred Qualifications

• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation.

Compensation & Benefits

The anticipated base salary range is $150,000–$175,000, depending on relevant skills, competencies, experience, and education.

The position is also eligible for:

• Target bonus.
• Long-term incentives.
• 401(k) retirement savings plan with company match.
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Life and disability insurance.