Sr. Manager, Finance & Accounting

Seattle, WA

Job Description. 

Cajal is seeking a Sr. Manager, Finance & Accounting motivated by Cajal’s mission to develop new medicines for patients with neurodegenerative disorders. Our team members thrive on getting things done, and eagerly navigate the uncertainty of an ever-changing and fast-paced environment in a pre-clinical biotech company.  

As a Sr. Manager, Finance & Accounting at Cajal, initially reporting to the Co-Founder & Co-CEO, you will lead the company’s finance and accounting function and run the day-to-day financial operations.  You will be primarily responsible for all aspects of Cajal’s internal controls and financial close process, including general ledger maintenance, journal entries, reconciliations, and financial results analysis and reporting. Additionally, this role is responsible for payroll, accounts payable (in partnership with the AP Specialist) and financial forecasting (in partnership with the VP, Corporate Strategy & Development).  This job will frequently interact with all levels of the organization and be considered one of the main day-to-day contacts for business operations questions related to finances.

Responsibilities:

• Manage, optimize and operate  Finance / Accounting function (including AP & Payroll), processes and systems 
• Ensure strong internal controls to safeguard company assets and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements
• Conduct timely monthly, quarterly and year end closes
• Ensure relevant accounting standards and regulatory changes impacting the biotech industry are accounted for in processes, practices, policies and systems as Cajal evolves
• Prepare accurate and timely financial statements, including balance sheets, income statements, cash flow statements, fixed asset statements, etc.
• Partner with Executives, department heads, R&D teams to support budgeting and financial forecasts
• Collaborate with the R&D organization and leadership to ensure effective management / interaction of contracts and work orders for planned projects
• Develop & manage accrual models and record journal entries / reconciliations to ensure accurate accounting, close and validation of related financial reporting
• Monitor budget performance, identify variances, and provide insights to management for course correction to ensure Cajal’s financial health
• Manage timely and accurate Payroll (administered through our PEO, TriNet) 
• Oversee stock option program and related reporting; Oversee 401k program and related reporting / compliance
• Manage AP / AR, ensuring timely and accurate payments, purchase orders and related activities / compliance efforts
• Coordinate with external auditors for periodic audits and ensure timely completion of audit procedures
• Support data collection and presentation summaries for Board level reporting; Support due diligence efforts and interface with external stakeholders, including underwriters and legal counsel, as needed
• Ad-hoc reporting and projects to drive and support the financial health of Cajal Neuroscience

This job might be great for you if you:

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field; CPA certification and; MBA preferred
• 6+ years in financial management, accounting, and/or auditing roles, with a minimum of 3 years in a leadership capacity
• Strong technical accounting skills and proficiency in GAAP and SEC reporting requirements paired with exceptional analytical abilities
• Experience with budgeting, expense reporting, procurement, stock & 401K plan administration software + Google Suite & Microsoft Office required; direct experience with NetSuite, Bill.com, Carta a plus
• Experience in the biotechnology or life sciences industry highly preferred; familiarity with pre-IPO and IPO processes is a plus

Startup mentality, capable of defining, implementing and operating compliant, stage-appropriate accounting and financial processes 

• Excellent communication, interpersonal and negotiation skills, with the ability to effectively collaborate with cross-functional teams and external stakeholders
• High degree of integrity, ethics, and professionalism, with a commitment to upholding the highest standards of financial integrity and compliance

Important Considerations

• Cajal’s science and collaborative culture is supported through our daily onsite connection. Occasional hybrid flexibility may be approved. 
• The annual base salary range for this role is $150,000-165,000*

*Final salary depends on qualifications, experience, and level of skills relevant to the role, along with location, where applicable.

Company & Benefits

Cajal is a team of people-first individuals, motivated by our shared mission to advance the field of neurodegeneration. We are committed to ensuring that all our team members feel supported, connected, and energized at work. Our team members eagerly navigate the uncertainty and fast-paced environment of an early-stage biotech company and thrive on getting things done. We value creativity and curiosity in our work, and we take pride in the generosity, sincerity, and kindness of our team members.

Benefits include:

• Competitive compensation based on experience level
• Health insurance: 100% coverage of premiums for employee, partner, & all dependents
• Dental insurance: 100% of premiums
• Vision insurance: 100% of premiums
• Life insurance: 100% of premiums for 2x salary coverage
• Access to Flexible Spending Account
• 401(K) Plan with matching contributions
• 5 weeks paid time off plus 13 company holidays (2 floating)
• Cajal Parental Leave Supplement: Supplement to the WA Paid Family & Medical Leave program, bringing  pay to the normal wage for up to 8 weeks for birthing parents or up to 4 weeks for non-birthing parents
• Generous commuter benefits including free metro cards, on site locker rooms/showers/towel service, modern bike cage and free bike tunes

Located in the Eastlake neighborhood of Seattle, Cajal sits at the heart of a vibrant biotech community, directly between research giants such as the Allen Institute and the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center. We are surrounded by fellow innovative biotech companies and startups and within a stone’s throw of the beautiful Lake Union and the University of Washington. Our state of the art office and labs offer natural light and stunning views of Lake Union, Gasworks Park and the Space Needle downtown. Our kitchen is fully stocked with coffee, tea, and snacks. All desks are sit-stand for maximal comfort and our meeting rooms seamlessly support hybrid teams.

Cajal is an equal opportunity employer that guarantees a work environment that respects and values diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. If you require any accommodations during the recruiting process, please coordinate with your recruiting contact.

To Apply

Please apply with your CV/resume and cover letter via Greenhouse.