Associate Director, SEC Reporting & Technical Accounting

At Kailera, we are bold, authentic and committed to our mission of developing therapies that give people the power to transform their lives and elevate their overall health. Rooted in an entrepreneurial spirit and a team-oriented culture, we are working together to advance Kailera’s mission to advance novel therapies for obesity and related conditions.
 
We are passionate about creating an inclusive workplace that promotes collaboration, integrity, and excellence. As we expand, we seek the most talented individuals with diverse backgrounds, cultures, perspectives, and experiences to join our team.

What You’ll Do:

This role offers an exciting opportunity to join a fast-paced, talented, and growing organization as the Associate Director, SEC Reporting and Technical Accounting. This role will report directly to the Vice President, Corporate Controller and be responsible for providing technical expertise and support for the SEC filing, compliance related reporting, internal controls compliance program, and technical accounting functions for a company that recently closed an IPO. This role will partner directly with accounting staff, legal, and other stakeholders across the organization. This role is a “hands-on” position and will require critical thinking skills, strong attention to detail, and excellent written communication skills. The successful applicant will have the opportunity to leverage a strong background in technical accounting and SEC reporting to enhance the Company’s compliance and reporting capabilities.

Required location: Waltham, MA (hub-based, onsite 3-4 days per week)

Responsibilities:

• Lead the preparation, review, and filing of all SEC reports, including Forms 10‑K, 10‑Q, 8‑K, proxy statements, and other registration statements, ensuring accuracy, completeness, and timeliness
• Serve as a technical accounting subject‑matter expert, providing guidance on complex accounting matters under U.S. GAAP
• Prepare and review technical accounting memoranda supporting significant or non‑routine transactions and key accounting judgments
• Monitor and assess the impact of new accounting standards and SEC rules; lead implementation efforts and updates to accounting policies and disclosures
• Partner closely with external auditors to support quarterly reviews, annual audits, and the review of other public filings
• Coordinate cross‑functionally with Legal, FP&A, Investor Relations, and external counsel on disclosure matters and public filings
• Prepare materials and run disclosure committee meetings with key stakeholders to ensure timely and accurate public disclosures
• Oversee the EDGARization and XBRL tagging processes, ensuring compliance with SEC requirements and consistency across filings
• Serve as the primary point of contact for all aspects of the Company’s SOX compliance program, including ownership of risk assessment, scoping, documentation, testing coordination, remediation of control deficiencies, and ongoing communication with internal stakeholders and external auditors to ensure effective internal controls over financial reporting
• Provide accounting support for special projects and ad-hoc reporting and analysis, as necessary

Required Qualifications:

• 10+ years of progressive experience in public accounting and/or SEC reporting and technical accounting roles with a Bachelor’s degree or 5+ years of experience with an advanced degree
• Advanced knowledge of U.S. GAAP, SEC reporting requirements, financial statement disclosures, and internal controls
• Hands‑on experience preparing and reviewing SEC filings and working directly with external auditors and advisors
• Strong ability to research, interpret, and apply accounting literature to complex transactions
• Strong, hands-on experience with IT and financial systems, leveraging ERP platforms, SEC reporting and disclosure tools, and financial reporting systems to support accurate reporting, SOX compliance, data integrity, and efficient close and reporting processes
• Proven project‑management skills with the ability to manage multiple deadlines in a fast‑paced environment
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to clearly explain complex accounting matters to non‑technical stakeholders
• High attention to detail, strong analytical skills, and sound professional judgment
• Strong team player that has a customer service approach and is solutions oriented
• Pharmaceutical or life science experience preferred

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field required
• Master’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or Business Administration preferred
• Current CPA license required

For Full Time Roles: This range represents the company’s good-faith estimate of the salary at the time of posting. Actual pay may vary based on experience, skills, qualifications, location, and internal equity. We also offer comprehensive health coverage, flexible time off, paid holidays, and a year-end shutdown. Enjoy a monthly wellness stipend, generous 401(k) match, tuition reimbursement, commuter benefits, disability and life insurance, plus annual bonus opportunities and equity grants—because your well-being and future matter to us.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY INFORMATION: 

Kailera Therapeutics, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer that does not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived race (including traits historically associated with race, such as hair texture and protective hairstyles), color, creed, religion (including religious dress and grooming practices), national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age (40 and over), sex or gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, pregnancy-related conditions, and lactation), gender identity or expression (including transgender status), sexual orientation, marital status, military service and veteran status, physical or mental disability, genetic information, reproductive health decisions, domestic victim status, political affiliation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws and ordinances.

E-Verify:

Kailera Therapeutics, Inc. uses E-Verify to confirm the identity and employment eligibility of all new hires.

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