Senior Accountant

Natera is seeking an experienced and detail-oriented Senior Accountant to support key accounting operations related to Clinical Trials and Research & Development (R&D) activities. This role will be responsible for clinical trial accruals, prepaid expense accounting, R&D expense analysis, month-end close activities, and financial reporting processes in compliance with GAAP, ASC 730, and SOX requirements.

The Senior Accountant will partner closely with Clinical Operations, FP&A, Procurement, and external vendors including CROs and clinical sites to ensure accurate accounting and reporting of clinical trial and R&D expenditures. This individual will also support process improvements and technical accounting reviews related to clinical trial agreements and research activities.

This is a fully remote position, offering the opportunity to work from anywhere within the United States while collaborating with a high-performing and dynamic finance team.

This is an excellent opportunity for an accounting professional looking to grow within a rapidly expanding public biotechnology company.

• Prepare monthly clinical trial accruals, prepaid roll-forwards, and reconciliations in accordance with ASC 730
• Gather enrollment, site activity, and milestone data from Clinical Operations to support accrual calculations
• Review CRO and clinical site invoices against contracted milestones and fee schedules; identify and investigate variances
• Support R&D expense accounting, including accruals, prepaid amortization, and cost allocations
• Assist with technical accounting reviews of new and amended clinical trial agreements
• Maintain supporting schedules and documentation related to clinical trial and R&D accounting activities
• Partner cross-functionally with Clinical Operations, Legal, Procurement, and FP&A to ensure accurate and timely accounting treatment of research-related expenditures

• Support monthly and quarterly financial statement close processes
• Prepare and post month-end journal entries with appropriate supporting documentation
• Perform account reconciliations and detailed analyses to identify and resolve discrepancies
• Prepare fluctuation analyses and provide explanations for financial trends and variances
• Review, investigate, and correct accounting errors, inconsistencies, and reporting issues
• Ensure compliance with GAAP, internal controls, and company accounting policies
• Proactively communicate accounting, financial reporting, or control issues to management
• Support internal and external audit requests, including preparation of supporting documentation

• Execute SOX 404(b) controls related to clinical trial and R&D accounting processes
• Contribute to process improvements across clinical trial and R&D accounting workflows
• Participate in automation, scalability, and operational efficiency initiatives within the accounting function
• Collaborate with team members to improve reporting accuracy and streamline month-end close processes

• Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field required
• CPA certification preferred
• Minimum of 2-3 years of accounting or audit experience required
• Public accounting/audit background required; Big 4 experience strongly preferred
• Experience in biotechnology, life sciences, healthcare, or pharmaceutical industries strongly preferred
• Experience supporting R&D or clinical trial accounting activities preferred
• Equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered

• Strong understanding of accrual accounting and GAAP, including ASC 730 related to R&D accounting
• Experience with clinical trial accounting, CRO/vendor management, or life sciences accounting processes preferred
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Office applications
• Experience with Oracle ERP systems preferred
• Familiarity with Google Workspace tools (Gmail, Google Sheets, Google Docs) preferred
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills
• Proven ability to perform under pressure and consistently meet tight deadlines
• Highly proactive self-starter with strong ownership mindset and ability to work independently
• Quick learner who can ramp up on new systems, processes, and technical topics with minimal guidance
• Demonstrated track record of identifying and implementing process improvements
• Ability to navigate ambiguity and adapt quickly in a fast-paced environment
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Detail-oriented with a high degree of accuracy and accountability
• Team-oriented mindset with a willingness to learn and take initiative

Natera™ is a global leader in cell-free DNA (cfDNA) testing, dedicated to oncology, women’s health, and organ health. Our aim is to make personalized genetic testing and diagnostics part of the standard of care to protect health and enable earlier and more targeted interventions that lead to longer, healthier lives.

The Natera team consists of highly dedicated statisticians, geneticists, doctors, laboratory scientists, business professionals, software engineers and many other professionals from world-class institutions, who care deeply for our work and each other. When you join Natera, you’ll work hard and grow quickly. Working alongside the elite of the industry, you’ll be stretched and challenged, and take pride in being part of a company that is changing the landscape of genetic disease management.