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