Associate Director - Accounting

Reporting to the Sr. Director, Corporate Controller, the Associate Director, Accounting will play a key leadership role in overseeing the Company's accounting operations, financial reporting, and internal control environment. This individual will be responsible for ensuring accurate and timely financial reporting, maintaining compliance with U.S. GAAP and SEC requirements, driving process improvements, and supporting the continued growth of the organization.

The Associate Director will serve as a strategic business partner across Finance and other functional areas, providing technical accounting guidance, strengthening operational processes, and helping scale the accounting infrastructure as Viridian advances toward commercialization and future growth opportunities. The ideal candidate is a collaborative and hands-on leader with strong technical expertise, public company experience, and a demonstrated ability to build efficient and scalable processes in a dynamic biotechnology environment.

This role is based in our Waltham, MA headquarters. Our office-based employees are required to work in the office three (3) days per week.

Responsibilities (including, but not limited to):

• Lead and oversee monthly, quarterly, and annual close processes, ensuring timely and accurate financial reporting
• Oversee key accounting areas including CMC and clinical trial R&D accruals, leases, fixed assets, intercompany transactions, treasury activities, long-term debt, and other critical accounting functions
• Lead accounting process improvement initiatives and support the continued development of scalable systems, controls, and workflows
• Evaluate and optimize ERP, financial reporting, and close management processes to improve efficiency and accuracy
• Develop, mentor, and manage members of the accounting team, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement
• Partner closely with FP&A, Legal, Human Resources, Tax, Commercial, Clinical Development, and other business functions to evaluate accounting implications of business activities and strategic initiatives
• Operationalize complex accounting transactions in accordance with U.S. GAAP
• Partner with the Corporate Controller on accounting policy development and implementation of new accounting standards
• Lead the preparation and review of internal financial statements, including preparation of flux analyses and working closely with FP&A
• Support the design, implementation, and enhancement of internal controls and SOX compliance activities
• Serve as a liaison with external auditors, coordinating audit timelines and managing deliverables
• Support financing transactions, business development activities, and other strategic corporate initiatives as needed
• Assist in preparing materials and analyses for executive leadership

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance required
• CPA required
• 10+ years of progressive accounting experience, including public company experience
• Biotechnology, pharmaceutical, life sciences, or other publicly traded industry experience strongly preferred
• Prior management experience with demonstrated ability to lead and develop accounting professionals
• Strong knowledge of U.S. GAAP, SEC reporting requirements, and internal control frameworks
• Experience supporting SOX compliance programs and external audits
• Big 4 public accounting experience strongly preferred
• Experience with equity compensation accounting and technical accounting research preferred
• Proven ability to drive process improvements and implement scalable financial processes
• Strong business partnership, communication, and influencing skills
• Demonstrated ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced, high-growth environment
• Strong analytical skills and attention to detail
• High degree of integrity and commitment to ethical business practices
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and financial systems

Viridian offers a comprehensive benefits package including:

• Competitive pay and stock options for all employees
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 100% Paid Parental Leave 
• Short- and long-term disability coverage
• Life, Travel and AD&D
• 401(k) Company Match with immediate company vest
• Employee Stock Purchase plan
• Generous vacation plan and paid company holiday shutdowns
• Various fertility, mental, financial, and proactive physical health programs

Viridian Therapeutics, Inc. provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination, harassment, or retaliation of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by Federal, State, and Local laws. Viridian will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.

Viridian Therapeutics, Inc participates in E-Verify, the federal program for electronic verification of employment eligibility.

Salary Range 163000 - 200000 USD