Senior Accountant

As a Senior Accountant at Xilio Therapeutics, you will be responsible for various key duties including general ledger accounting, managing monthly and quarterly closing processes, and maintaining balance sheet reconciliations. You’ll also prepare financial statements, assist with external audits, and enhance internal controls to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements. Your role is essential in contributing to the overall financial health and growth of the company.

To qualify for the Senior Accountant position at Xilio Therapeutics, candidates should hold a Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or a related field, with a preference for CPA certification. Additionally, candidates should have at least 5 years of progressive accounting experience, ideally with a strong focus on general accounting procedures and expertise in the biotechnology or pharmaceutical sector.

The Senior Accountant role at Xilio Therapeutics is pivotal in financial planning and analysis. You will manage and update quarterly accrual files, participate in accrual meetings, prepare budget versus actual analysis, and assist with the preparation of the company’s investment plan. Your analytical skills and attention to detail will support informed financial decision-making that drives company growth.

Important skills for a Senior Accountant at Xilio Therapeutics include strong organizational abilities, proficiency in Excel and accounting software, effective communication skills, and the capability to work both independently and collaboratively. A strong customer service focus and the ability to adapt in a fast-paced environment are also crucial for success in this role.

At Xilio Therapeutics, we foster a workplace culture that emphasizes equity, diversity, and inclusion. We believe in providing a supportive environment for all employees while ensuring that your contributions as a Senior Accountant are valued. Collaboration across teams and open communication is encouraged, making it a dynamic and engaging place to work.

When answering this question, provide specific examples of your involvement in closing processes, detailing the steps you took to ensure accuracy and timeliness. Discuss the types of reconciliations you've performed, any software you utilized, and challenges you encountered and how you resolved them.

To effectively answer this question, highlight your attention to detail, the methods you use for double-checking your work, and your understanding of GAAP and SOX compliance standards. Discuss any internal controls you’ve helped implement and how these practices contribute to corporate transparency and trust.

Discuss specific accounting software you've used, such as NetSuite or any ERP systems. Mention how you applied these tools in your accounting tasks, the efficiencies they brought to your work, and any training or mentoring you’ve provided to colleagues on the systems.

Share your process for conducting financial planning and analysis, including the tools and data sources you rely on. Explain how you analyze variances and trends, and any specific examples of how your insights have influenced decision-making or strategic planning in your previous positions.

When discussing a challenging accounting problem, provide context about the situation, the specific challenges faced, and the steps you took to analyze and resolve the issue. Mention the positive outcomes that ensued and what you learned from that experience.

Talk about your time management techniques, such as prioritization and creating schedules. Give examples of how you've handled tight deadlines while maintaining quality in your work, and discuss any tools you use for task management.

Emphasize your belief in the importance of clear communication and collaboration in achieving financial goals. Provide examples of how you’ve communicated financial insights to non-financial departments and fostered an understanding of financial impacts across the organization.

Discuss your experience with audits, including how you prepare documentation and ensure that financial records are organized and accessible. Explain your proactive approach to addressing audit requests and how you ensure compliance throughout the year.

Share your thoughts on technology’s role in accounting, such as automation and data analytics. Discuss how these trends might affect accounting practices and the importance of continuous learning to stay up-to-date with industry changes.

In your response, express your enthusiasm for both the accounting profession and Xilio Therapeutics' mission. Highlight how your skills align with the job requirements, and discuss your passion for working in the biotechnology industry to make a meaningful difference.