Associate Director, Accounting

Neurodegenerative diseases are one of the largest medical challenges of our time. Denali Therapeutics is a biotechnology company dedicated to developing breakthrough therapies for neurodegenerative diseases through our deep commitment to degeneration biology and principles of translational medicine. Denali is founded on the collaboration of leading scientists, industry experts, and investors who share the vision that scientific discovery energetically applied to translational medicine is the key to delivering effective therapies to patients.

We invite you to consider an opportunity with Denali to help achieve our goal of delivering meaningful therapeutics to patients.

Reporting to the Assistant Controller, this role leads key accounting operations, close activities, internal controls, and finance systems governance to support accurate financial reporting and a strong control environment. The position provides leadership and development for a team of accounting professionals while overseeing critical accounting processes and partnering across Finance, Procurement, Clinical Operations, HR, IT, and external auditors. This role drives scalable processes, strengthens operational effectiveness, and supports the company's growth through sound financial stewardship, compliance, and continuous improvement.

Key Accountabilities/Core

Job Responsibilities :

Lead day-to-day management of the monthly, quarterly, and annual close process, including review and approval of journal entries and account reconciliations.

Monitor close progress, drive issue resolution, and ensure timely completion of all close deliverables.

Oversee accounting for pre-clinical and clinical trial expenses and related R&D accruals.

Manage accounting for stock-based compensation, ESPP, bonus accruals, and other payroll-related accounting activities.

Review accounts payable activities and related accounting controls.

Serve as process owner for assigned SOX controls and coordinate with internal and external auditors, including EY and Deloitte.

Provide oversight of accounts payable operations and identify opportunities to strengthen efficiency and controls.

Serve as business owner for Coupa, including review and approval of testing associated with system enhancements, upgrades, and process changes.

Lead finance systems and process improvement initiatives in partnership with IT and business stakeholders.

Prepare and/or review technical accounting analyses, accounting memos, and implementation of new accounting standards (Associate Director level).Support external audits, quarterly reviews, SEC reporting processes, and special projects as needed.

Lead, coach, and develop accounting team members, including performance management, goal setting, workload prioritization, and career development.

Qualifications/Skills :

Active CPA required.

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field.

Typically, 9+ years of industry experience and 5+ years of management experience

Big Four public accounting experience required (approximately 5+ years preferred).12+ years of progressive accounting experience

Strong knowledge of U.S. GAAP, SOX compliance, and public company reporting requirements.

Experience with SAP and Coupa strongly preferred.

Public biotechnology, pharmaceutical, life sciences, or similar public company experience required.

Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional projects, drive process improvements, and manage competing priorities.

Salary Range: $ to $ . Compensation for the role will depend on a number of factors, including a candidate’s qualifications, skills, competencies, and experience. Denali offers a competitive total rewards package, which includes a 401k, healthcare coverage, ESPP and a broad range of other benefits. Learn more at  compensation and benefits information is based on Denali’s good faith estimate as of the date of publication and may be modified in the future.

Denali is committed to its core company value of unity by creating a diverse and inclusive environment. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, status as a veteran, basis of disability, or any other federal, state, or local protected class.
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