Director of Accounting

Absci is a data-first AI drug creation company designing differentiated therapeutics using generative AI. Our Integrated Drug Creation platform powers cutting-edge de novo AI models and AI lead optimization models aimed at designing better biologics against difficult-to-drug targets.

Absci is a global company with a state-of-the-art lab and headquarters in Vancouver, WA, AI Research Lab in New York City, AI Computational Center in Serbia, and Drug Creation innovation center in Switzerland. absci.com/joinus

Director of Accounting

Hybrid, Vancouver, WA

As the Director of Accounting, reporting to the Chief Accounting Officer, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the strategy and operations of our fast-paced, high-impact Finance organization. In this hands-on leadership role, you will utilize your extensive expertise to directly oversee and manage a diverse range of finance and accounting activities, from overseeing day-to-day accounting operations to leading our financial reporting and compliance efforts. You'll be responsible for ensuring we maintain the highest standards of accuracy and integrity. Your strategic insight will help us navigate the complexities of a rapidly evolving industry.

Responsibilities:

• Lead the monthly close process, ensuring the team is appropriately structured to meet deadlines and deliver both internal and external communication of financial results.
• Lead and mentor members of the accounting team, fostering a culture of excellence, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Review periodic accounting entries and reconciliations for certain accounts; will also include preparing entries as well.
• Responsible for the review of Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) filings in conjunction with the SEC Reporting team, ensuring the appropriate application and implementation of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) requirements and changes.
• Lead coordination with external service providers to ensure compliance with statutory reporting filings for international entities.
• Support in coordination of tax compliance activities including the preparation of tax filings by external service providers, tax accounting and reporting and oversee the intercompany tax-related accounting
• Ensure the team's compliance with policies and procedures in accordance with Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) requirements, focusing on continuous evaluation of the control environment to ensure the controls in place continue to be appropriate as the business continues to evolve.
• Lead coordination with IT team, including management of key ERP systems and related workflows
• Build strong relationships across the organization both within Finance and with other departments including Legal, IT, Business Development, Alliance Management, among others, to help influence continuous improvement and collaboration.
• Build strong relationship with external auditors as one of the primary points of contacts and provide oversight over the external audit process
• Support new process enhancements and/or system implementations to address accounting, planning, and reporting needs; make recommendations and update for changes in processes and controls as the company scales and evolves into a clinical stage biotechnology company
• Support in quarterly preparation of the Audit Committee and Board of Director meeting materials
• Maintain a continuing awareness of developments and changes in SEC laws, GAAP rules, and accounting policies and disclosures adopted by industry peers
• Other special projects, as applicable

Qualifications:

• Educational Background: Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field is required.
• CPA (or equivalent) designation is required
• Experience: A minimum of 10 years of progressive accounting experience, with at least 5 years in a leadership role. This includes at least 5 years of public accounting experience and working with publicly traded companies.
• Experience working with multi-national organizations, including foreign currency and intercompany eliminations
• Experience with Big 4 accounting firm is strongly preferred
• Deep knowledge of US GAAP, SEC reporting, and SOX requirements.
• Experience with ERP and other accounting-related systems (NetSuite, Coupa, Workiva, and Shareworks strongly preferred).
• Experience with revenue recognition accounting for contracts with multiple performance obligations following the adoption of ASC 606; stock-based compensation for equity awards;
• Ability to demonstrate and mentor alignment with Absci's mission, vision, and values
• Proven experience building strong relationships with internal stakeholders and external service providers

The salary range for this position is $190, 000 - 220,000/year. Competitive equity package applies. Pay offered may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. In addition to equity, compensation packages include a wide range of medical, dental, vision benefits and ability to participate in our employee stock purchase plan.

We seek candidates who will dive into our creative company culture that's collaborative, multidisciplinary, and committed to a big vision for positive impact. We are defying conventions and innovating without boundaries. We are disrupting an industry with bold ideas and passionate pursuit of new possibilities. We are looking for original thinkers, creative scientists, and data-devoted gurus. Successful candidates will be excited to work in a dynamic environment and contribute as a key member of a project team. If this sounds good to you, we invite you to join us in our quest to redefine possible.

Legal authorization to work in the United States is required. Absci is committed to equal employment opportunity and non-discrimination for all employees and qualified applicants without regard to a person's race, color, gender, age, religion, national origin, ancestry, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, or any characteristic protected under applicable law. Absci will make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with known disabilities, in accordance with applicable law. Absci offers a dog-friendly work environment - bring your pup along for the ride.