Senior Accountant

Senior Accountant

Clinical Trials & R&D | Finance | Remote (US)

POSITION SUMMARY

Natera is seeking an experienced and detail-oriented Senior Accountant to support key accounting operations related to Clinical Trials and Research & Development (R&D) activities. This role is responsible for clinical trial accruals, prepaid expense accounting, R&D expense analysis, month-end close activities, and financial reporting in compliance with GAAP, ASC 730, and SOX requirements.

The Senior Accountant will partner closely with Clinical Operations, FP&A, Procurement, and external vendors including CROs and clinical sites to ensure accurate accounting and reporting of clinical trial and R&D expenditures. This individual will also support process improvements and technical accounting reviews related to clinical trial agreements and research activities.

This is a fully remote position, offering the opportunity to work from anywhere within the United States while collaborating with a high-performing and dynamic finance team. It is an excellent opportunity for an accounting professional looking to grow within a rapidly expanding public biotechnology company.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Clinical Trial & R&D Accounting

• Prepare monthly clinical trial accruals, prepaid roll-forwards, and reconciliations in accordance with ASC 730
• Gather enrollment, site activity, and milestone data from Clinical Operations to support accrual calculations
• Review CRO and clinical site invoices against contracted milestones and fee schedules; identify and investigate variances
• Support R&D expense accounting, including accruals, prepaid amortization, and cost allocations
• Assist with technical accounting reviews of new and amended clinical trial agreements
• Maintain supporting schedules and documentation related to clinical trial and R&D accounting activities
• Partner cross-functionally with Clinical Operations, Legal, Procurement, and FP&A to ensure accurate and timely accounting treatment of research-related expenditures

Month-End Close & Financial Reporting

• Perform month-end close activities, including journal entries, account reconciliations, and flux analysis
• Prepare fluctuation analyses and provide explanations for financial trends and variances
• Review, investigate, and correct accounting errors, inconsistencies, and reporting issues
• Ensure compliance with GAAP, internal controls, and company accounting policies
• Proactively communicate accounting, financial reporting, or control issues to management
• Support internal and external audit requests, including preparation of supporting documentation

SOX Compliance & Process Improvement

• Execute SOX 404(b) controls related to clinical trial and R&D accounting processes
• Contribute to process improvements across clinical trial and R&D accounting workflows
• Participate in automation, scalability, and operational efficiency initiatives within the accounting function
• Collaborate with team members to improve reporting accuracy and streamline month-end close processes

KEY QUALIFICATIONS

Experience & Background

• Minimum of 2–3 years of accounting or audit experience required
• Public accounting/audit background required; Big 4 experience strongly preferred given SOX and technical accounting scope
• Experience in biotechnology, life sciences, healthcare, or pharmaceutical industries strongly preferred
• Experience supporting R&D or clinical trial accounting activities preferred

Competencies

• Proven ability to perform under pressure and consistently meet tight deadlines
• Highly proactive self-starter with strong ownership mindset and ability to work independently
• Quick learner who can ramp up on new systems, processes, and technical topics with minimal guidance
• Demonstrated track record of identifying and implementing process improvements
• Ability to navigate ambiguity and adapt quickly in a fast-paced environment
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills; detail-oriented with a high degree of accuracy and accountability
• Team-oriented mindset with a willingness to learn and take initiative

EDUCATION & CERTIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's Degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field required; equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered
• CPA: Preferred, not required

TECHNICAL SKILLS

• Advanced Excel: Required (complex formulas, pivot tables, financial modeling)
• Oracle Fusion ERP: Preferred
• Google Workspace: Preferred (Gmail, Google Sheets, Google Docs)
• Strong understanding of accrual accounting and GAAP, including ASC 730 R&D accounting
• Experience with clinical trial accounting, CRO/vendor management, or life sciences accounting processes preferred