Director, Technical Accounting and SOX Compliance

Position Summary

The Director of Technical Accounting and SOX Compliance will lead the company’s Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) Section 404 compliance program and oversee complex technical accounting matters. The Director will serve as a key advisor on accounting policy, internal controls, and financial reporting, while also supporting tax compliance activities. The role requires strong leadership, deep technical accounting and 404 expertise, and the ability to partner cross-functionally in a dynamic, growth-oriented environment.

This position is remote, with a strong preference for candidates to be based on the East Coast. The Director will report to the Vice President, Finance and Chief Accounting Officer.

Primary Responsibilities 

• Serve as the subject matter expert on U.S. GAAP and SEC accounting standards applicable to a commercial biotech company
• Research, interpret, and document technical accounting conclusions for complex transactions, including revenue recognition, collaboration and licensing arrangements, R&D arrangements, inventory valuation, business combinations, equity compensation, leases, and impairments
• Develop and maintain accounting policies and position papers to support audit and regulatory review
• Monitor new accounting standards and assess their impact; lead adoption and implementation efforts
• Coordinate statutory audits, including planning, execution, and timely completion of local statutory financial statements
• Assist with tax compliance processes, including coordination with external tax advisors and review of tax-related accounting matters
• Support special projects and process improvements as directed by the Chief Accounting Officer
• Assist with the Company’s SOX compliance program, including risk assessment, scoping, control design, documentation, testing, remediation, and certification
• Manage and coordinate the outsourced internal audit firm, ensuring timely execution of testing and alignment with Company priorities
• Partner with business process owners to identify control gaps, design remediation plans, and drive timely and sustainable resolution
• Serve as a key liaison with external auditors related to SOX and internal control matters
• Monitor changes in business operations, systems, and organizational structure to assess SOX impact and update control frameworks accordingly
• Provide guidance and training to control owners and finance personnel on SOX and accounting matter

Competencies

• Strong knowledge of U.S. GAAP, SEC reporting, and internal control frameworks (COSO)
• Ability to work collaboratively with external auditors
• Proven ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced, growing commercial organization
• Ability to collaborate with senior leadership, peers and external partners
• Excellent written and verbal communication, leadership, and project management skills
• Proven ability to navigate and resolve complex, undefined issues with sound financial judgment

Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration or related field
• CPA required
• At least 9 years of progressive experience (a mix of industry and Big 4 experience preferred)
• Experience in life sciences, biotech, or pharmaceutical industry strongly preferred
• Proficiency in financial systems (NetSuite, or similar) and Microsoft Office
• Hands-on experience managing SOX 404 programs and working with outsourced internal audit providers

EEO Statement: 

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status. 

Benefit Statement:

All regular-status, full-time employees of Geron are eligible to participate in the Company’s comprehensive benefit program, pursuant to plan terms and conditions.  Plan choices include medical, dental, vision, life insurance, flexible spending accounts, disability insurance, supplemental health insurance, a 401(k) retirement savings plan, and an employee stock purchase plan.  Geron also provides regular-status, full-time employees with a generous time off program that includes the eligibility to accrue 160 hours of vacation during each full year of employment, 64 hours of sick leave, 9 standard paid holiday days off, and paid leave for certain life events.  Geron recognizes that its employees work in many different states and therefore may be affected by different laws.  It is Geron’s intention to comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws that apply to the Company’s employees.

Salary Statement:

Offered compensation is determined based on market data, internal equity, and an applicant’s relevant skills, experience, and educational background.  

General Salary Range: $205,000 to $230,000