Position Title: Senior Manager, SEC Reporting & Technical Accounting

Department: Accounting

Reports To: Director, SEC & Technical Accounting

Location: Princeton, NJ or South San Francisco, CA – On-site 4 days per week (Mon to Thurs)

Job Overview

Kardigan is seeking an experienced and detail-driven Senior Manager, SEC Reporting & Technical Accounting to play a critical role in supporting the Company's financial reporting and accounting functions as we continue to scale as a public company. This position will lead the preparation and coordination of quarterly and annual SEC filings, provide technical accounting leadership on complex transactions, and oversee the Company's SOX compliance program.

The successful candidate will partner closely with Accounting & Finance leadership, external auditors, and cross-functional stakeholders to ensure accurate financial reporting, compliance with U.S. GAAP and SEC requirements, and an effective internal control environment. This role requires deep experience preparing Forms 10-Q and 10-K, researching technical accounting matters, and supporting a public biotechnology or biopharmaceutical company. Experience with SOX compliance, process improvement, and leveraging automation and AI technologies to enhance reporting processes is strongly preferred.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Financial Reporting & Compliance:

Lead the preparation, review, and coordination of quarterly and annual SEC filings, including Forms 10-Q, 10-K, earnings releases, and related financial disclosures. Partner with Accounting leadership and external auditors to ensure accurate, timely, and compliant external financial reporting in accordance with U.S. GAAP and SEC requirements. Assist with the implementation of new accounting standards and disclosure requirements.

Technical & Operational Accounting: Serve as the subject matter expert on technical and operational accounting matters, including stock-based compensation, lease accounting, equity transactions, licensing arrangements, collaboration agreements, business development transactions, revenue recognition, and other complex accounting areas. Research and evaluate the accounting implications of new transactions, prepare technical accounting memoranda, document accounting conclusions, and ensure compliance with U.S. GAAP and company policies. Partner with cross-functional stakeholders to support complex business initiatives and the implementation of new accounting standards. Support accounting analyses related to strategic collaborations, business development activities, acquisitions, and future commercialization initiatives as the company continues to grow.

SOX Compliance & Internal Controls: Lead and manage all aspects of the company’s SOX compliance program, including annual risk assessments, process documentation, control design, walkthroughs, testing coordination, remediation efforts, and ongoing monitoring. Partner with process owners across the organization to maintain and strengthen an effective internal control environment and support compliance with Sarbanes-Oxley requirements.

Audit & Compliance: Serve as a key point of contact for internal and external auditors related to SOX compliance and technical accounting matters. Coordinate audit requests, prepare supporting documentation, monitor remediation activities, and ensure timely resolution of audit findings, control deficiencies, and compliance requirements.

Business Partnership: Collaborate closely with Accounting, FP&A, People Operations, Legal, and other departments to provide accounting guidance and support strategic business initiatives. Act as a trusted advisor on accounting and controls-related matters, helping stakeholders understand accounting impacts and compliance requirements.

Process Improvement, Automation and Technology: Identify opportunities to enhance accounting processes, internal controls, and reporting efficiencies. Support the implementation and optimization of systems used for accounting, compliance, and financial reporting, ensuring scalability and operational effectiveness as the company grows. Evaluate and promote the use of technology, automation, and AI-enabled solutions to improve efficiency, strengthen controls, and enhance financial reporting and compliance processes.

Qualifications and Preferred Skills

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field; CPA, MBA, or other relevant advanced degree preferred.
• 8+ years of progressive accounting experience, including Big 4 public accounting and/or publicly traded company experience.
• Hands-on experience preparing and supporting SEC filings, including Forms 10-Q, 10-K, earnings releases, and related financial disclosures.
• Experience coordinating quarterly and annual reporting cycles in partnership with external auditors is strongly preferred.
• Biotechnology or pharmaceutical industry experience is required.
• Experience supporting SEC reporting and technical accounting within a publicly traded biotechnology or biopharmaceutical company is strongly preferred. Clinical-stage experience is a plus.
• Strong knowledge of U.S. GAAP, SEC reporting requirements, and technical accounting.
• Experience implementing new accounting standards and supporting external financial reporting in a public company environment.
• Hands-on experience researching complex accounting matters and preparing technical accounting memoranda, including areas such as licensing arrangements, business development transactions, stock-based compensation, lease accounting, revenue recognition, and other complex accounting topics.
• Experience with financial reporting platforms such as Workiva or DFIN ActiveDisclosure.
• Experience with ERP systems (NetSuite preferred) and related financial systems.
• Experience supporting SOX compliance and maintaining an effective internal control environment within a public company. Experience partnering with external auditors and external advisors on SOX programs is preferred.
• Interest in and experience leveraging accounting systems, automation, data analytics, or emerging AI technologies to improve reporting, compliance, operational efficiency, and decision-making.
• Strong business partnership skills with the ability to collaborate effectively across Accounting, FP&A, Legal, People Operations, and other cross-functional stakeholders.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with experience applying accounting guidance to complex business transactions.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to clearly explain accounting concepts to both financial and non-financial audiences.
• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced, evolving environment.
• Detail-oriented, highly organized, and capable of exercising sound professional judgment while working independently.