Job Description

Position Title: Senior Manager, SOX & Technical Accounting

Department: Accounting

Reports To: Director, SEC & Technical Accounting

Location: Princeton, NJ – On-site 4 days per week (Mon to Thurs)

Kardigan is seeking an experienced and detail-driven Senior Manager, SOX & Technical Accounting to play a critical role in supporting the company’s accounting and compliance functions as we continue to scale as a public company. This role will lead the Company’s SOX compliance program while also serving as a key resource for technical and operational accounting matters, including stock-based compensation, lease accounting, and other complex accounting areas.

The Senior Manager, SOX & Technical Accounting will partner closely with the Accounting & Finance leadership, external auditors, and cross-functional stakeholders to ensure effective internal controls, compliance with accounting standards, and accurate financial reporting. This position requires a strong foundation in SOX compliance, technical accounting, operational accounting, and process improvement, as well as a deep understanding of the biopharmaceutical or biotechnology industry. A demonstrated interest in leveraging technology, automation, and emerging AI tools to enhance accounting processes, controls, and reporting is strongly preferred.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

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.

Technical & Operational Accounting:
Serve as the subject matter expert on technical and operational accounting matters, including stock-based compensation, lease accounting, equity transactions, and other complex accounting areas. Research accounting implications of new transactions, prepare technical accounting memos, and ensure compliance with U.S. GAAP and company policies.

Financial Reporting & Compliance:
Support the preparation of quarterly and annual financial statements and disclosures. Partner with the SEC reporting team to ensure accurate reporting of technical accounting areas and compliance with applicable accounting and regulatory requirements. Assist with implementation of new accounting standards and disclosure 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 & Systems Support:
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 relevant advanced degree preferred.

• 8+ years of progressive accounting experience, including public accounting and/or publicly traded company experience.

• Biotechnology or pharmaceutical industry experience is required.

• Experience with Big 4 accounting firms strongly preferred.

• Strong knowledge of U.S. GAAP, SOX compliance requirements, and technical accounting matters.

• Hands-on experience with stock-based compensation, lease accounting, and other complex accounting areas.

• Experience designing, implementing, and maintaining internal controls in support of SOX compliance.

• Experience with ERP systems (NetSuite preferred) and related financial systems.

• Experience working with financial reporting and compliance platforms such as Workiva or DFIN.

• Interest in and experience leveraging accounting systems, automation, data analytics, or emerging AI technologies to improve reporting, compliance, operational efficiency, and decision-making is strongly preferred.

• Strong business partnership skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across functions and build trusted relationships with key stakeholders.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with experience interpreting financial data and applying accounting guidance to complex transactions and business processes.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to clearly explain accounting concepts and compliance requirements to both financial and non-financial audiences.

• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities, projects, and deadlines in a fast-paced and evolving environment.

• Detail-oriented, highly organized, and capable of exercising sound professional judgment in addressing technical accounting and SOX compliance matters.

• You are a self-starter who can plan, organize, and take the initiative to meet job objectives and deadlines independently.