Senior Accountant
About the job
Arrowhead Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq ARWR) is a commercial stage biopharmaceutical company that develops medicines that treat intractable diseases by silencing the genes that cause them. Using a broad portfolio of RNA chemistries and efficient modes of delivery, Arrowhead therapies trigger the RNA interference mechanism to induce rapid, deep, and durable knockdown of target genes. RNA interference, or RNAi, is a mechanism present in living cells that inhibits the expression of a specific gene, thereby affecting the production of a specific protein. Arrowhead’s RNAi-based therapeutics leverage this natural pathway of gene silencing.
Arrowhead is focused on developing innovative drugs for diseases with a genetic basis, typically characterized by the overproduction of one or more proteins that are involved with disease. The depth and versatility of our RNAi technologies enables us to potentially address conditions in virtually any therapeutic area and pursue disease targets that are not otherwise addressable by small molecules and biologics. Arrowhead is leading the field in bringing the promise of RNAi to address diseases outside of the liver, and our clinical pipeline includes disease targets in the liver and lung with a promising pipeline of preclinical candidates.
Arrowhead’s corporate headquarters is in Pasadena, CA with research and development teams in Madison, WI & San Diego, CA, and a state of the art manufacturing facility in Verona, WI. Our employees are nimble, science-driven innovators who are collaborating to bring new therapies to patients in need.
The Position
Arrowhead is seeking a Senior Accountant to join its Finance & Accounting team at its Pasadena, CA headquarters. Reporting to the Senior Accounting Manager and working closely with the broader accounting team, the Senior Accountant will support the month-end close process, balance sheet reconciliations, SEC reporting, and audit activities.
This role is well-suited for a detail-oriented accounting professional who is eager to build technical expertise in a fast-paced, publicly traded life sciences environment. The ideal candidate will demonstrate strong organizational skills, a solid understanding of U.S. GAAP, and the ability to collaborate effectively across functions.
This is a full-time, onsite position from our location in Pasadena, CA.
Responsibilities
- Support month-end and quarter-end close processes, including preparation and posting of journal entries for assigned accounts
- Prepare and maintain balance sheet reconciliations, including but not limited to lease accounting, other current assets, bonus accruals, transfer pricing, and clinical trial accruals
- Perform flux analysis to explain period-over-period variances and support management review and audit requirements
- Assist with the preparation of SEC reporting deliverables, including support for Forms 10-Q and 10-K (e.g., rollforwards and disclosure support)
- Contribute to segment reporting and other financial reporting requirements
- Support internal and external audit requests, including preparation of audit schedules and supporting documentation
- Assist in updating accounting policies, technical memos, and documentation to ensure compliance with U.S. GAAP and SOX requirements
- Collaborate cross-functionally to gather data supporting accounting estimates and accruals
- Respond to ad hoc requests and participate in process improvement initiatives
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field
- 1–3+ years of relevant accounting experience (public accounting or industry experience preferred)
- Foundational knowledge of U.S. GAAP
- Experience supporting month-end close and account reconciliations
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with attention to detail and accuracy
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet tight deadlines
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to work effectively in a team environment
- Highly organized, self-motivated, and eager to learn in a fast-paced environment
- Proficiency in Microsoft Excel
Preferred
- CPA or CPA-track preferred
- Exposure to SEC reporting or SOX controls is a plus
- Experience in biotech, pharmaceutical, or life sciences industry preferred
- Big 4 public accounting experience
- Experience with ERP systems
Arrowhead provides competitive salaries and an excellent benefit package.
Candidates must have current, valid authorization to work in the country where this role is located.