Accountant No Experience Jobs in Ridgefield, CT (NOW HIRING)

Job Summary:

The Staff Accountant is a foundational member of Accounting team, responsible for supporting the day-to-day accounting operations, monthly close process, and financial reporting activities of a clinical-stage biotech. This role provides accurate and timely accounting support across general ledger maintenance, accounts payable, account reconciliations, and expense reporting - contributing to the integrity of the financial records that underpin the organization's reporting and compliance obligations. Operating in a lean finance environment, the Staff Accountant is expected to bring attention to detail, a strong work ethic, and a genuine desire to build foundational accounting skills in a fast-paced, high-growth life sciences setting. This is an excellent opportunity for an early-career accounting professional to gain broad exposure to all aspects of biotech accounting and develop their skills alongside an experienced Finance team.

Work Arrangement & Location: 

Hybrid - This position follows a hybrid work schedule, requiring a minimum of two (2) days on-site per week - currently designated as Tuesday and Wednesday. Additional on-site days may be required based on business needs, team priorities, or leadership direction.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Support the monthly financial close process - preparing and posting journal entries, performing account reconciliations, and assisting with the preparation of close workpapers across assigned accounting areas including prepaid expenses, accruals, and fixed assets.
• Process and manage accounts payable activities - reviewing and coding vendor invoices, coordinating approval workflows, maintaining vendor records, and supporting timely and accurate payment processing in accordance with company policies.
• Prepare and maintain accounting schedules and supporting documentation for assigned balance sheet accounts - ensuring all reconciliations are completed accurately, on schedule, and supported by appropriate backup documentation.
• Support clinical and research program accrual processes - working with Clinical Operations, Finance, and external vendors to track program expenditures, estimate accruals, and ensure accurate recording of CRO and research-related costs.
• Assist in the preparation of external audit support - organizing workpapers, preparing schedules, and gathering documentation in response to auditor requests under the direction of the Manager, Accounting.
• Support accounts payable vendor management - maintaining accurate vendor master data, processing new vendor setups, and ensuring W-9/W-8 compliance in coordination with Tax and Finance leadership.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of accounting processes - identifying opportunities to streamline workflows, improve documentation standards, and enhance the efficiency of close and reporting activities.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned

Qualifications:

• Education: Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance required. CPA exam eligibility or active progress toward CPA licensure preferred.
• 3 years of accounting experience in a corporate, public accounting, or life sciences environment.
• to general ledger accounting, accounts payable, or financial close processes preferred.
• Life sciences or biotech experience is a plus
• Foundational knowledge of US GAAP accounting principles - including accrual accounting, reconciliation preparation, journal entry documentation, and basic financial statement concepts.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel - including the ability to prepare and maintain accounting schedules, reconciliations, and supporting workpapers; experience with VLOOKUP, pivot tables, and basic financial formulas.
• Familiarity with accounting software or ERP systems (e.g., NetSuite, QuickBooks, or equivalent); willingness to learn and develop proficiency in the organization's financial systems.
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills - able to manage multiple accounting tasks simultaneously, meet close deadlines consistently, and maintain accurate and organized financial records.
• Reliable and accountable team contributor - consistently meets deadlines, follows through on assigned responsibilities, and communicates proactively when issues or questions arise.
• Process-minded and improvement-oriented - looks for opportunities to work more efficiently, maintain better documentation, and contribute to a higher-quality accounting close process over time.
• Clear and professional written and verbal communicator - able to correspond with vendors, internal stakeholders, and Finance team members in a professional, organized, and timely manner.
• Collaborative and responsive - responds to questions and requests from the Finance team, external auditors, and cross-functional partners in a timely, professional, and helpful manner.