Senior Accountant / Accounting Manager

Variant Bio is developing life-saving therapies by studying the genes of people with exceptional health-related traits. By identifying communities with unique genetic architectures and outlier phenotypes, Variant Bio has identified novel human genetic evidence that is the basis for programs with breakthrough potential across multiple therapeutic areas. The company's research is powered by its proprietary Inference platform , which integrates across deep phenotyping and multi-omic data using statistical genetics and AI/ML approaches to identify and validate therapeutic targets. In addition, Variant Bio has established strategic partnerships with Novo Nordisk and Boehringer Ingelheim , validating the strength of the platform and enabling the advancement of novel therapeutic programs through world-class development expertise.

With ethics at its core, the company launched an unprecedented benefit-sharing program in 2020, in which it has pledged tangible benefits that directly impact the communities it partners with throughout the world. 

Job Description  

We are seeking a Senior Accountant/Accounting Manager to join our finance team and play a central role in the day-to-day operation and continued build-out of the company's accounting function. Reporting to the Senior Director of Finance, this is a hands-on, broad-scope role that pairs ownership of the monthly and quarterly close with meaningful exposure to technical accounting, audit, tax compliance, equity administration, and operational accounting. The ideal candidate moves fluidly between executing the mechanics of a high-quality close and digging into more complex matters such as collaboration revenue recognition, stock-based compensation, and ad hoc technical accounting analyses.  

This role is well suited to someone who thrives in a small, high-trust finance team, takes pride in clean books and a well-run close, and is energized by the pace and intellectual variety of an early-stage biotech.  

We will consider candidates at both the Senior Accountant and Accounting Manager level, with the flexibility to shape the role around the right candidate’s strengths.  

Responsibilities  

Month-End, Quarter-End & Year-End Close  

• Own the monthly and quarterly close process end-to-end, including preparation and posting of journal entries across cash, prepaids, accruals, depreciation/amortization, stock-based compensation, payroll, and revenue  

• Perform month-over-month flux analysis and prepare the monthly financial statement package (P&L, balance sheet, cash flow) for investor reporting  

Technical Accounting, Financial Statements, & Audit  

• Draft and maintain technical accounting memos covering revenue recognition, leases, debt instruments, and other matters as they arise  

• Serve as the primary point of contact for the external auditor, managing PBC requests and audit deliverables through completion of a clean opinion  

• Lead the preparation of annual financial statements and footnotes, ensuring compliance with US GAAP  

Accounts Payable & Vendor Management  

• Oversee the weekly AP cycle, including invoice review, approver follow-up, and execution of pay-runs  

• Manage the AP inbox and resolve vendor inquiries  

• Onboard new vendors in the ERP and banking platforms, maintain vendor master data, and create/issue purchase orders for R&D spend  

• Triage incoming finance requests, route for appropriate approvals, and maintain contract and vendor control documentation  

Equity Administration  

• Administer the company's cap table in Carta, including stakeholder onboarding and termination, drafting of grant agreements, and input of board-approved equity grants  

• Coordinate annual 3921 distribution and other equity-related stakeholder communications  

Tax Compliance  

• Manage federal, state, and local tax filings and payments  

• Coordinate with external tax advisors on federal and state extensions, the annual income tax provision, and year-end filings  

• Maintain a tax calendar and ensure timely filing and payment across all jurisdictions  

401(k) Administration  

• Process monthly deferral election updates, fund 401(k) contributions following each payroll, and monitor employees against annual IRS contribution limits  

• Manage 401(k) onboarding for new hires and offboarding upon termination  

Expense Management  

• Administer the corporate card and expense reporting platform, driving timely submission and approval through monthly follow-up with employees and managers  

Required Qualifications  

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field

• 5+ years of progressive experience in accounting and finance in a start-up environment

• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced and dynamic work environment

• Willingness to learn new areas and take on new tasks as needed to support a growing business

• Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Excel

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills

• Ability to interpret financial data and provide strategic insights

Preferred Qualifications  

• CPA license

• NetSuite or similar ERP experience

Compensation & Perks  

At Variant Bio, we’re building something meaningful and we believe supporting our people is essential to that mission. We offer a thoughtful and competitive set of benefits designed to support your health, growth, and life outside of work.  

• Competitive Compensation & Equity – Market-competitive salary with the opportunity to participate in company equity and share in our long-term success  

• Comprehensive Health Benefits – Variant Bio covers 100% of employee premiums for medical, dental, and vision insurance. Dependents may be added to the plan at an incremental cost

• Flexible Time Off – Flexible paid time off and company holidays, with an emphasis on balance and trust  

• 401(k) Plan – Employer-sponsored retirement plan with company match  

• Professional Growth – Support for learning, development, and attending scientific or industry conferences

• Collaborative, Mission-Driven Culture – Work alongside a highly engaged, interdisciplinary team passionate about transforming human health through genetics  

• Early-Stage Impact – A chance to make a meaningful contribution at a growing biotech where your work has visible impact

Anticipated annual base salary for this position is $130,000 - $165,000 plus up to 10% bonus and an options package, for total compensation of up $143,000 - $181,500, plus equity options. The annual salary range above is based on the responsibilities and qualifications listed above. Individual salary will depend on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.  

Don't meet every single requirement but are excited to join the Variant Bio team? If your past experience doesn't align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may still be the right candidate for this or other roles.  

Variant Bio is an equal opportunity employer that guarantees a work environment that respects and values diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.