Accountant

Accountant at Flagship Pioneering, Inc.

About the role

Flagship Pioneering is seeking a dedicated and detail-oriented Accountant to join its finance team. The successful candidate will be responsible for managing various accounting functions across multiple portfolio companies, ensuring accurate financial reporting, and supporting the organization’s growth and operational efficiency. This role requires a strong understanding of accounting principles, excellent organizational skills, and the ability to work collaboratively with internal teams and external stakeholders.

The Accountant will play a vital part in maintaining compliance with accounting standards, streamlining financial processes, and contributing to the company’s strategic financial planning. The position offers an exciting opportunity to work within a pioneering organization that is at the forefront of innovation in the life sciences and technology sectors.

Key facts

Location: Cambridge, MA, USA

Engagement: Full-time

The role involves working closely with various departments including FP&A, Legal, HR, Procurement, and external partners such as auditors and investors. The position is based on-site in Cambridge, MA, and requires the candidate to be physically present at the office. The company values a proactive approach to problem-solving and a commitment to maintaining high standards of accuracy and integrity in financial data.

The role does not specify a particular team size but involves collaboration across multiple functions within the organization. The position is designed for an experienced accounting professional who can handle complex financial tasks and adapt to a fast-paced, innovative environment.

What you’ll do

• Oversee daily accounting operations, including processing expense reports, reviewing invoices, and reconciling cash and credit card transactions for a variety of portfolio companies. This involves ensuring all transactions are accurately recorded and compliant with company policies.
• Manage month-end, quarter-end, and year-end closing processes, including preparing journal entries, tracking accruals, and reconciling balance sheet accounts. The accountant will coordinate with different teams to ensure timely and accurate closings across multiple entities.
• Update monthly financial forecasts, compare actual results to projections, and upload data to NSPB. The role involves troubleshooting discrepancies, performing variance analysis, and providing insights to support financial planning.
• Handle fixed assets and finance and operating leases, ensuring proper tracking, documentation, and compliance with accounting standards. This includes managing lease schedules, order tracking, and service dates to ensure accurate accounting treatment.
• Conduct monthly payroll and benefits reconciliations, support onboarding of new employees, and assist with ad hoc tasks such as preparing 83(b) elections. The accountant will ensure all payroll and benefits data are accurate and compliant with relevant regulations.
• Assist with the preparation and coordination of annual audits, statutory filings, debt compliance reports, investor reports, and tax filings. This involves gathering documentation, preparing schedules, and liaising with auditors and external agencies to ensure timely completion of all required reports.
• Collaborate with internal teams including FP&A, Legal, HR, Procurement, and Payroll to provide financial insights, support operational initiatives, and improve financial processes. External communication with investors and auditors is also part of the role.
• Maintain and reconcile data across multiple financial systems such as NetSuite, NSPB, Expensify, Coupa, and LeaseQuery. The role includes supporting system integrations, troubleshooting data issues, and ensuring data integrity across platforms.
• Support the company’s scaling efforts by assisting during transitions, mergers, and organizational changes. The accountant will help implement new processes and adapt existing procedures to accommodate growth.
• Contribute to the development and implementation of accounting policies and procedures, aiming to improve efficiency, accuracy, and compliance. The role involves identifying areas for process improvement and assisting in the rollout of new standards.
• Participate in ongoing training and professional development to stay current with accounting standards, best practices, and relevant regulatory changes. The accountant will also mentor junior team members as needed.

Requirements

• CPA certification is required, reflecting a high level of professional competence and adherence to accounting standards.
• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field from an accredited institution.
• A minimum of 4 years of accounting experience, with at least 2 years working in public accounting or within a high-growth technology or life sciences organization.
• Strong understanding of US GAAP and experience applying these standards in a corporate setting.
• Proficiency with accounting software, particularly NetSuite or similar ERP systems, is essential.
• Advanced Excel skills, including the ability to create complex formulas, pivot tables, and perform detailed data analysis.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail to ensure accuracy in financial reporting and reconciliation tasks.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously while meeting deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, to collaborate effectively with internal teams, external auditors, and investors.
• Demonstrated problem-solving skills and the ability to troubleshoot discrepancies and system issues efficiently.

Nice to have

• Prior experience working in a startup environment, which provides familiarity with rapid growth and evolving processes.
• Knowledge of additional financial systems such as NSPB, Expensify, Coupa, or LeaseQuery.
• Experience supporting audits, statutory filings, and investor reporting in a high-growth organization.
• Familiarity with lease accounting standards and fixed asset management.

Skills & Tools

• NetSuite
• NSPB
• Expensify
• Coupa
• LeaseQuery

Practical notes

• Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. Candidates must have the legal right to work in the United States.
• Flagship Pioneering offers a comprehensive benefits package, including healthcare coverage, an annual incentive program, retirement plans, and other employee perks.
• The salary range for this role is between $76,000 and $121,000, depending on experience, qualifications, and skills.
• The position is on-site at the Cambridge, MA office, and candidates are expected to work at the office location.
• The company values diversity and encourages applicants from all backgrounds to apply, regardless of whether they meet every listed requirement.

The role involves working in a collaborative environment that emphasizes innovation, accuracy, and continuous improvement.

The successful candidate will be expected to adapt to the evolving needs of the organization and support its strategic growth initiatives.

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