Senior Accountant

About this role

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 Compensation & Total Rewards This range reflects a good-faith estimate of the base pay we reasonably expect to offer at the time of hire.