Director, Accounting & Compliance

Annexon Biosciences is aclinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing a pipeline of noveltherapies for patients with classical complement-mediated disorders of thebody, brain and eye. The Company’s pipeline is based on its platform technologyaddressing well-researched classical complement-mediated autoimmune andneurodegenerative disease processes, both of which are triggered by aberrantactivation of C1q, the initiating molecule of the classical complement pathway.The Company’s first product candidate, ANX005, is a full-length monoclonalantibody formulated for intravenous administration in autoimmune andneurodegenerative disorders. The Company’s second product candidate, ANX007, isa monoclonal antibody antigen-binding fragment (Fab) formulated forintravitreal administration for the treatment of neurodegenerative ophthalmicdisorders. Based on learnings from its initial trials, Annexon is advancing itscurrent programs while evaluating additional orphan and large marketindications. Annexon is deploying a disciplined, biomarker-driven developmentstrategy designed to establish that each of its product candidates is engagingthe specific target at a well-tolerated therapeutic dose in the intendedpatient tissue.

The Accounting & Compliance Director is a “hands on” position thatwill report directly to the VP, Controller, and support Annexon’s criticalpipeline milestones, as well as the company’s growth toward becoming amulti-product commercial-stage biopharmaceutical company. The position will be responsible foroverseeing the financial close process, accounting operations, clinical trialand manufacturing accounting, and SOX responsibilities. The Accounting & Compliance Director willpartner with the accounting team, vendors and CRO’s (Contract ResearchOrganizations), project teams and external auditors to meet accounting andfinance objectives. The ideal candidatewill have operational experience in SOX 404(b) environment including oversightof internal controls associated with accounting activities.

Responsibilities

• Month end close activities with oversight of all GL recorded transactions (including journal entries) and ensuring all GL accounts are properly reconciled on a timely basis maintaining GAAP compliance
• Maintenance and improvement of processes to support the Company’s accounting and reporting related to clinical trial and manufacturing expenses, including communicating with business partners (internal & external) for preparation of journal entries, reconciliations, audit support, SOX PBC schedules
• Lead monthly meetings with external CRO’s, senior clinical and manufacturing management to provide project status updates and obtain validation of percentage and units completed
• Ensure the accuracy and adequacy of various non-clinical liabilities, including accounts payable and accrued expenses, accrued compensation and related expenses, and other liabilities
• Oversee outsourced payroll activities and ensure timely and accurate payroll processing and reconciliation
• Oversight of equity related transactions including working with external stock plan administrator to records and reconcile equity activity
• Able to identify, optimize and automate accounting processes and drive efficient and streamlined close process
• Support annual and quarterly audit preparation activities including SEC filings (10Q, 10K, 8-K, Proxy) and assist with disclosures as needed
• Act as point person for external audit and outsourced tax group support
• Participate and support the maintenance of Sarbanes-Oxley internal control certification requirements
• Work with outsourced providers on ERP system design, implementation, and enhancement
• Special projects as requested, particularly related to implementation of new processes and accounting policies

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or related field and CPA required with at least 8 years of experience with at least 3 years of experience in auditing (preferably in a Big 4 accounting firm)
• Life Science industry experience preferred with specific experience in drug manufacturing and clinical trials
• Strong knowledge of GAAP, SEC reporting and SOX 404 compliance
• Ability to grow, manage and develop a diverse accounting team in a dynamic environment
• Proficient using Microsoft Office Suite tools and ERP systems
• Excellent organizational skills and an ability to prioritize effectively to deliver results within aggressive timelines with the ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Comfortable in a fast-paced, small company environment with minimal direction and able to adjust workload based upon changing priorities

• Ability to establishstrong business relationships and interact cross-functionally at all levels.

• Strong interpersonal skills including verbal and written communication are essential in this collaborative work environment
• Advanced Excel skills required