Accounting Manager

4 Days on-site in San Diego, CA

CPA REQUIRED

Meet Life Sciences is supporting a client in the life sciences industry with the recruitment of an Accounting Manager specializing in equity and compensation accounting. The position will also contribute to broader general ledger accounting, financial reporting, and monthly close activities.

This individual will manage one team member and collaborate closely with stakeholders across Accounting, Finance, Human Resources, Payroll, Legal, and Tax. The position is based in San Diego, CA. Relocation is available for the right candidate.

• Lead the accounting and reporting of equity-based compensation in accordance with ASC 718.
• Calculate and record stock-based compensation expense associated with stock options, restricted stock units, performance-based awards, employee stock purchase plans, and other equity arrangements.
• Review new grants, vesting events, exercises, forfeitures, cancellations, and award modifications to ensure appropriate accounting treatment.
• Prepare and review equity roll‑forwards, reconciliations, journal entries, and supporting schedules.
• Support earnings‑per‑share calculations and the preparation of equity‑related financial statement disclosures.
• Partner with Human Resources, Payroll, Legal, Tax, and stock administration to ensure equity and compensation data is complete and accurate.
• Coordinate with external auditors and third‑party valuation or equity‑administration providers as needed.
• Monitor changes in accounting guidance related to equity and employee compensation.

• Contribute to monthly, quarterly, and annual close activities, including journal entries, account reconciliations, accruals, and financial reporting schedules.
• Review general ledger activity and investigate unusual transactions or account fluctuations.
• Support accounting for payroll, bonuses, benefits, and other employee‑related expenses.
• Ensure assigned transactions and accounts are recorded accurately and in accordance with U.S. GAAP.
• Assist with internal management reporting and external financial reporting requirements.
• Support technical accounting research and special projects as the organization evolves.
• Identify opportunities to improve close timelines, reporting accuracy, internal controls, and accounting processes.

• Manage, mentor, and develop one accounting professional.
• Review work products and establish clear priorities, expectations, and deadlines.
• Support compliance with SOX requirements and maintain documentation for relevant internal controls.
• Serve as a primary contact for internal and external audit requests related to equity, compensation, and assigned general ledger areas.
• Collaborate cross‑functionally to resolve accounting issues and improve the flow of financial information.

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
• CPA REQUIRED
• Approximately 5–8 years of progressive accounting or audit experience.
• Direct experience with stock‑based compensation accounting under ASC 718.
• Strong understanding of U.S. GAAP, general ledger accounting, and financial reporting.
• Experience supporting monthly, quarterly, and annual close processes.
• Previous supervisory, mentoring, or work‑review experience.
• Public‑company, SEC‑reporting, or SOX‑compliant environment experience strongly preferred.
• Experience in public accounting, corporate accounting, or a combination of both.
• Life sciences, biotechnology, pharmaceutical, medical technology, or another regulated‑industry background is preferred.
• Experience with equity‑administration platforms such as E
  * TRADE Equity Edge, Share works, Carta, or a comparable system is beneficial.
• Strong Excel skills and experience working with ERP and financial reporting systems.