Senior Accountant

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.

Responsibilities

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; 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; 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

Requirements

Minimum of 2–3 years of accounting or audit experience required; Public accounting/audit background required; Bachelor's Degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field required; Advanced Excel required (complex formulas, pivot tables, financial modeling); Strong understanding of accrual accounting and GAAP, including ASC 730 R&D accounting; 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

Nice to have

Big 4 experience strongly preferred; Experience in biotechnology, life sciences, healthcare, or pharmaceutical industries strongly preferred; Experience supporting R&D or clinical trial accounting activities preferred; CPA preferred; Oracle Fusion ERP preferred; Google Workspace preferred

Benefits

Comprehensive health benefits (medical, dental, vision); 401(k) with company match; Generous paid time off and company holidays; Additional wellness and work-life benefits; Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, life and disability plans; Free testing for employees and their immediate families; Fertility care benefits; Pregnancy and baby bonding leave; Commuter benefits; Employee referral program