Manager, Accounting

At Kailera, we are bold, authentic and committed to our mission of developing therapies that give people the power to transform their lives and elevate their overall health. Rooted in an entrepreneurial spirit and a team-oriented culture, we are working together to advance Kailera’s mission to advance novel therapies for obesity and related conditions. We are passionate about creating an inclusive workplace that promotes collaboration, integrity, and excellence. As we expand, we seek the most talented individuals with diverse backgrounds, cultures, perspectives, and experiences to join our team. What You’ll Do: The Manager, Accounting will lead key aspects of the month-end close process, including the responsibility of the accuracy, completeness and timeliness of corporate accounting, G&A-related accruals, and other non-clinical/non-manufacturing R&D accruals. This role will be responsible for managing general ledger activities, supporting financial systems and process optimization, ensuring compliance with U.S. GAAP, ongoing compliance with internal control requirements and other frameworks, supporting external audits, and other ad-hoc projects. The ideal candidate is a strong leader who can balance hands-on execution with effective review and oversight of accounting operations. They will have a proven ability to improve processes, strengthen controls, and build scalable solutions that support a growing organization. The successful candidate will bring a collaborative approach to cross-functional partnership, the adaptability to thrive in a fast-paced environment, and experience managing and developing direct reports. A positive attitude, strong sense of ownership, intellectual curiosity, and commitment to continuous improvement are essential for success in this role. Required location: Waltham, MA (hub-based, onsite 3-4 days per week) Responsibilities: • Own and manage the corporate accounting, G&A-related and other R&D-related monthly, quarterly, and annual close processes, ensuring internal financial reporting is accurate, complete, timely, and compliant with U.S. GAAP and company accounting policies. • Prepare and review journal entries across key accounting areas, including cash, investments, intercompany, prepaids and other assets, fixed assets, leases, G&A accruals, other R&D accruals, and other general ledger activities. • Prepare and review balance sheet reconciliations, variance analyses, and fluctuation reviews, ensuring appropriate support and resolution of reconciling items. • Partner with FP&A to support monthly reporting and management analyses. • Partner with SEC Reporting to support quarterly balance sheet-related footnote disclosures. • Maintain internal controls over financial reporting and close processes in alignment with SOX and public company expectations. • Assist with audit requests and ensure timely resolution of audit inquiries. • Support and review day-to-day operational accounting processes, including credit card accruals, T&E compliance and employee reimbursements, and weekly vendor payment runs. • Support the operations of the ERP system, procurement system, and management close system. • Leverage ERP, procurement, and reporting tools, including AI-enabled capabilities, to automate manual processes and strengthen financial controls. • Lead, mentor, and develop a direct report, fostering accountability, collaboration, and professional growth. • Serve as a trusted advisor and partner to finance, cross-functional stakeholders and external vendors. • Support the finance team and the company with various analyses, ad hoc projects and system enhancements. • Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance the efficiency, accuracy, and scalability of accounting operations. Required Qualifications: • 6+ years of progressive accounting experience • Strong knowledge of fundamental accounting principles, including U.S. GAAP • Strong technology and system skills, including experience with Financial Systems (e.g. NetSuite, Coupa, FloQast) • Experience managing and developing accounting professionals • Ability to be a flexible, personable team player • Ability to work collaboratively and effectively with others • Ability to balance multiple priorities in a fast-paced and evolving environment • Ability to maintain a high level of integrity, confidentiality, and professional skepticism • Ability to identify inefficiencies, provide suggestions, and drive scalable solutions • Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills, with attention to detail • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate effectively across various levels of the organization • Eagerness to be part of a fast-growing organization and to make a positive impact Preferred Qualifications: • CPA license • Combination of public accounting and / or corporate accounting background • Experience operating in a public company and / or SOX-compliant environment • Background in the biotech, pharmaceutical or life sciences industry • Knowledge of accounting for Research and Development and Commercial accruals • Experience with system optimization and process automation initiatives Education: • Bachelor’s and/or Masters’ degree in the field of Accounting, Finance, or Business Salary Range $122,000—$150,000 USD For Full Time Roles: This range represents the company’s good-faith estimate of the salary at the time of posting. Actual pay may vary based on experience, skills, qualifications, location, and internal equity. We also offer comprehensive health coverage, flexible time off, paid holidays, and a year-end shutdown. Enjoy a monthly wellness stipend, generous 401(k) match, tuition reimbursement, commuter benefits, disability and life insurance, plus annual bonus opportunities and equity grants—because your well-being and future matter to us. EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY INFORMATION: Kailera Therapeutics, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer that does not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived race (including traits historically associated with race, such as hair texture and protective hairstyles), color, creed, religion (including religious dress and grooming practices), national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age (40 and over), sex or gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, pregnancy-related conditions, and lactation), gender identity or expression (including transgender status), sexual orientation, marital status, military service and veteran status, physical or mental disability, genetic information, reproductive health decisions, domestic victim status, political affiliation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws and ordinances. E-Verify: Kailera Therapeutics, Inc. uses E-Verify to confirm the identity and employment eligibility of all new hires. #LI-Hybrid