Senior Accounting Manager

Prellis Biologics is a pre-IPO biotech located in Berkeley, CA with a team-oriented, inclusive, and family-friendly culture. Our growing pipeline targets high unmet patient needs across therapeutics including metabolic, inflammation, and oncology disease. Prellis has raised funding from top investors, including Celesta, Khosla Ventures, SOSV, & Avidity Partners. Prellis Biologics uses proprietary technology to 3D print lymph node organoids, which we are using to generate in vitro antibody libraries and invitro human lymph node cocultures for generating antigen‑specific‑B‑cells. We are seeking a highly motivated and technically strong Senior Accounting Manager to join our growing organization. This position has the opportunity to advance into the Controller role. Position Summary This role is designed for an ambitious accounting leader who wants to broaden their experience and ultimately grow into a Controller position. The Senior Accounting Manager will own key accounting operations, lead the monthly close process, strengthen internal controls, support strategic finance initiatives, and help scale the accounting function as the company grows. The ideal candidate combines strong technical accounting expertise with a continuous improvement mindset, leadership potential, and a desire to take on increasing responsibility over time. What You’ll Do Manage all day to day accounting operations, including general ledger, accounts payable/receivable and payroll. Prepare accurate and timely financial statements, including balance sheets, income statements, and cash flow reports. Prepare financial reports for the Board of Directors and senior leadership, providing actionable insights. Participate in ERP implementations, process automation initiatives, and system enhancements. Budgeting & Forecasting Support budgeting, forecasting, and cash flow planning efforts Prepare for and participate in weekly budget meetings with upper management Develop financial forecasts and monitor budget performance, identifying variances and recommending corrective actions Compliance & Risk Management Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations, including tax filings and audits with understanding of GAAP accounting Help monitor internal controls to safeguard organizational assets and mitigate financial risks Strategic Financial Planning Assist the COO and operations team to develop long‑term financial strategies aligned with the organization’s mission. Analyze financial data to support program expansion and operational scalability. Assist with due diligence, fundraising, acquisitions, or other strategic initiatives as applicable. Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, scalability, and reporting capabilities. Growth Path to Controller This role is intentionally designed to provide exposure to all major accounting functions and prepare the successful candidate for future promotion to Controller. As the company grows, responsibilities will expand to include: Ownership of the full accounting function Audit leadership Technical accounting research and implementation Treasury management Accounting team leadership Board and executive‑level reporting Strategic business partnership Success in this role will be measured not only by accounting excellence, but also by demonstrated leadership, process improvement, and readiness to assume broader organizational responsibility. Qualifications Bachelor's degree in accounting, Finance, or related field; CPA highly desired Minimum of 5-7 years of progressive financial management experience Strong knowledge of accounting principles; Experience with Biotech is a plus Prior experience with a Big Four accounting firm or comparable public accounting environment is desirable Proficiency in accounting software (e.g., QuickBooks, Bill.com) and advanced Excel skills. Excellent analytical, problem‑solving, and communication skills. Ability to work in a fast‑paced environment and manage multiple priorities effectively. What you bring Desire to collaborate cross‑functionally to streamline processes for the benefit of all stakeholders A team player attitude who is eager to learn, take initiative and grow into a broader role over time Strong emotional intelligence and interpersonal skills Excellent listening and communication abilities Sound judgment and a high level of integrity Ability to manage conflict with professionalism and empathy Resilience and composure in dynamic environments A passion for building inclusive, people‑first workplaces Adaptability in a fast‑paced environment Ability to handle sensitive information with the highest level of confidentiality What you can expect of us We work to care for your well‑being and your professional and personal growth. From our competitive benefits to our collaborative culture, we’ll support your journey every step of the way. In addition to the base salary, we offer compelling benefits based on eligibility, including: A competitive employee benefits package, including group medical, dental and vision coverage, life and disability insurance, flexible spending accounts and a 401(k) plan Stock‑based long‑term incentives 7 paid holidays + ~1 week winter break We are an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status. We believe diversity, equity, and inclusion need to be at the foundation of our culture. We work hard to bring together diverse teams–grounded in a wide range of expertise and life experiences–and work even harder to ensure those teams thrive in inclusive, growth‑oriented environments supported by equitable company and team practices. All candidates can expect equitable treatment, respect, and fairness throughout the interview process. We recognize that not every candidate will meet every requirement listed. If you’re excited about this role and believe your experience is a strong fit, we encourage you to apply. We value diverse experiences and perspectives, and welcome applicants from all backgrounds. We do not have an application deadline for this position. #J-18808-Ljbffr Prellis Biologics