Senior Manager, Accounting

At Azenta, new ideas, new technologies and new ways of thinking are driving our future. Our customer-focused culture encourages employees to embrace innovation and challenge the status quo with novel thinking and collaborative work relationships. 

We are a global leader in the life sciences space with headquarters in Burlington, MA, and offices and operations worldwide. We are a market leader in automated bio sample management solutions and genomic services across areas such as drug development, clinical and advanced cell therapies for the industry's top pharmaceutical, biotech, academic and healthcare institutions globally.   We provide unparalleled capabilities with our lab analysis, sample management and storage services, informatics software, and consumables, with the largest installed base managing millions of samples globally.

How You’ll Add Value:

Join the Azenta Finance team as the Senior Manager, Accounting working with a global team of professionals. This role will initially lead the company’s deficiency remediation efforts focused on balance sheet reconciliations and related close processes. This includes performing deep-dive reviews of account reconciliations, redesigning processes and controls, and ensuring full SOX compliance.

In parallel, this role will oversee the transition of accounting operations currently managed by an outsourced service provider. Once transitioned, the Senior Manager will lead and develop the newly re-integrated accounting operations team, ensuring strong ownership, accuracy, and continuous improvement across all accounting functions.

This position reports directly to the Corporate Controller and will have high visibility with the Chief Accounting Officer, Internal Audit, and External Auditors. You’ll work with a global team and will be exposed to senior management as you develop knowledge about key business issues, support new initiatives, and identify opportunities to leverage technology. Grow personally and professionally while building a network within the life sciences industry!

What You’ll Do

Balance Sheet and Control Remediation (Initial Focus):

• Lead the company’s global deficiency remediation initiative related to balance sheet reconciliations and substantiation of accounts.
• Collaborate with other members of the Global Finance Team to conduct detailed reviews of balance sheet accounts to identify process gaps, control deficiencies, and systemic issues.
• Design and implement standardized reconciliation formats, review procedures, and escalation protocols.
• Enhance documentation and evidence standards to align with SOX 404 and external audit expectations.
• Partner with internal and external audit teams to validate and test the effectiveness of newly designed controls.

Transition and Leadership of Accounting Operations:

• Oversee the transition of accounting processes (e.g., accounts payable, journal entry processing, reconciliations) from outsourced service providers back in-house.
• Recruit, onboard, and lead the in-house Corporate Accounting Operations team, establishing clear accountability and performance metrics.
• Implement a robust review structure to ensure reconciliations, journal entries, and subledger activities are performed timely and accurately.
• Drive a culture of continuous improvement, leveraging automation and process optimization where feasible.

Accounting Oversight and Close Management:

• Oversee components of the global monthly and quarterly close process to ensure completeness, accuracy, and timely reporting.
• Review and approve key journal entries, reconciliations, and supporting schedules for financial statement reporting.
• Collaborate with FP&A and other departments to ensure alignment between operational and financial reporting.
• Support technical accounting and compliance activities, ensuring adherence to US GAAP.
• Partner with the Corporate Controller, Director of Internal Audit and Controls and CAO to design and sustain a scalable control environment that supports long-term business growth.
• Provide technical guidance to accounting teams on proper classification, cutoff, and accrual practices.

What You'll Bring

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance required; Master’s degree preferred.
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) required.
• 8+ years of progressive accounting experience, including Big Four public accounting experience (audit or advisory).
• Experience in a public company environment with a strong understanding of SOX 404 compliance, internal controls, and financial reporting requirements.
• Demonstrated success leading control remediation or balance sheet clean-up projects.
• Experience managing or transitioning outsourced accounting operations preferred.
• Strong technical knowledge of US GAAP and financial statement preparation.
• Proven leadership, team-building, and change management skills.
• Excellent communication, analytical, and organizational abilities.

Preferred Attributes:

• Hands-on experience in ERP environments such as Oracle or NetSuite.
• Track record of driving process improvement and automation initiatives.
• Ability to work cross-functionally and influence outcomes across departments.
• Motivated self-starter who thrives in a fast-paced, evolving environment.
• Detail-oriented with the ability to work independently to meet deadlines, or as a team member.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to communicate clearly and concisely both verbally and in writing to all levels within the organization.
• Ability to work under pressure and with multiple deadlines.
• A sense of urgency and self-motivation, with a personal commitment to meeting deadlines.
• Visa sponsorship will not be provided for this position.
• Candidates for this position must be authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis for any employer without restriction.

This is an onsite role in Burlington, MA 4 days/week.

EOE M/F/Disabled/VET

Azenta is an Equal Opportunity Employer. This company considers candidates regardless of race, color, age, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status.

The posted pay range for this position is an estimate based on current market data and internal pay structure. Final compensation may vary above or below this range depending on factors such as experience, education (including licensure and certifications),  qualifications, performance, and geographic location, among other relevant business or organizational needs.