Overview
Reporting to the Associate Director of Accounting, the Senior Accountant - General Ledger is a key contributor in the Finance organization and will play a key role in the monthly close process, financial reporting, and accounting operations. This position will be responsible for maintaining accurate financial records, supporting internal controls, partnering with cross-functional stakeholders, and driving process improvements across the accounting organization. The ideal candidate is a detail-oriented accounting professional with experience in a public company and/or public accounting environment, strong knowledge of U.S. GAAP, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced and evolving organization.
This role is based in Menlo Park, California, and will move to Sunnyvale, California in Fall 2026. It offers a flexible work arrangement, with the ability to work from GRAIL's office or from home. Our current flexible work arrangement policy requires that a minimum of 60%, or 24 hours, of your total work week be on-site. Your specific schedule, determined in collaboration with your manager, will align with team and business needs and could exceed the 60% requirement for the site. At our Menlo Park campus, Tuesdays and Thursdays are the key days where we encourage on-site presence to engage in events and on-site activities.
Responsibilities:
- Perform month-end, quarter-end and year-end closing duties, including preparing journal entries, variance reporting, reconciliations, and account analysis to ensure compliance with U.S. GAAP
- Ensure timely and accurate completion of assigned close responsibilities in accordance with established deadlines.
- Perform balance sheet and income statement fluctuation analyses and provide meaningful explanations for significant variances.
- Own general accrual accounting across assigned cost centers, ensuring accuracy and timely recognition
- Manage clinical trial accruals in partnership with the Clinical Operations and FP&A teams
- Prepare supporting documents for internal/external auditors
- Help design, implement and maintain a thorough system of accounting process, policies and controls designed to accurately and efficiently close the books
- Apply a thorough understanding of GRAIL’s business to all aspects of the accounting function
- Assist in maintaining regular contact and building solid working relationships with various groups to ensure a high level of customer service
- Drive automation and process improvements to improve efficiencies, including leveraging AI tools to reduce manual effort
- Execute and maintain internal controls over assigned accounting areas and support SOX compliance activities.
- Participate in cross-functional projects and other special assignments as needed.
- These responsibilities summarize the role’s primary responsibilities and are not an exhaustive list. They may change at the company’s discretion
Required Qualifications:
- 5+ years of progressive accounting/finance experience, ideally a public accounting and private industry mix.
- Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or related field.
- Excellent professional written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills required.
- Experience with Netsuite and/or Coupa or other ERP systems
- Strong understanding in US GAAP Accounting.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Familiarity with clinical trial accrual accounting or life sciences industry.
- CPA desired.
- Hands on experience with AI tools, automation, or scripting to improve accounting processes.
- Able to prioritize assignments, manage interruptions, and meet deadlines in a fast paced and growth oriented environment.
- Proficient in fixed asset accounting.
- Advanced Excel and Google Suite of products (Sheets, Docs) is a plus
- Proven analytical and project management skills.
- Logical and critical thinking skills.
- Proven teamwork and collaboration skills.
Physical Demands & Working Environment:
- Hours and days may vary depending on operational needs.
- Working with dry ice may be necessary.
- Standing or sitting for long periods of time may be necessary.
- May be exposed to hazardous materials, blood specimens and instruments with moving parts, heating or freezing elements, and high speed centrifugation.
- Some lifting (up to 25 pounds) may be necessary
- Ability to travel 10% as required
