What are the responsibilities and job description for the Staff Accountant position at Athira Pharma?
About Athira:
Athira Pharma, Inc., headquartered in the Seattle, Washington area, is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company dedicated to the development of novel therapeutics for high unmet medical needs, including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and treatment-resistant metastatic breast cancer, with the goal of improving patients’ lives. Our lead drug candidates, lasofoxifene and ATH-1105, are novel, small molecule therapies with the potential to address devastating diseases where current treatment options are limited or ineffective. With a strong commitment to scientific excellence and patient-centered innovation, we are dedicated to developing meaningful new therapies for those who need them most.
About this role:
The Staff Accountant will be responsible for the day-to-day transactional accounting of the company, ensuring accurate management and reporting of financial data. Key responsibilities include invoice processing and payments, month end closing activities, payroll preparation, and supporting ongoing financial accuracy and performance. The ideal candidate is an experienced and dynamic finance or accounting professional who understands how financial concepts connect to operational procedures and outcomes. Our team is small but growing, and this is a key position within the organization. We’re looking for someone who is eager to try new things, passionate about process improvement, and motivated to learn and take on new challenges.
Responsibilities:
- Perform full cycle accounts payable, including invoice entry, payment processing, ledger reconciliations, and 1099s
- Maintain vendor files and collect necessary information for various reporting requirements.
- Uphold existing internal control procedures and provide support for government filings.
- Support timely month end closing activities, including preparing journal entries and reconciliations for various accounts, including prepaids, credit cards, and other assets.
- Prepare semi-monthly payroll in Paychex.
- Review and process employee expense reports in Concur.
- Raise new purchase orders based on complex, milestone-based contracts and budgets.
- Prepare journal entries and balance sheet reconciliations.
- Perform full cycle fixed asset accounting, including processing additions, depreciation, and disposals.
- Continuously strive for process improvement and quality outcomes as part of the monthly closing process.
- Cross collaborate with other departments in preparing work-in-process accruals.
- Provide financial information and financial review summary upon requests.
- Assist with other Finance duties and special projects as assigned.
Qualifications and Experience:
- 1-3 years of Accounting experience with a strong foundation in fundamental skills.
- Associate degree in Accounting, Bachelor’s degree preferred.
- Strong MS Office (including excel) skills.
- Fundamental knowledge of GAAP.
- Experience with NetSuite preferred.
- Biotech experience preferred.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Detail-oriented and deadline-driven.
- Shows accountability through ownership, transparency, and a willingness to seek support when needed.
- Demonstrated flexibility and ability to adapt in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
- Shares our team values of people, perseverance, inclusion, transformation, resourcefulness, collaboration, and integrity.
Salary Range: $80,000-$100,000
Placement in salary range is dependent upon experience, market rate and internal equity considerations.
We offer competitive compensation and benefits designed to help you find balance, grow, and thrive at work and in life. Benefits at a glance:
- Company paid medical, dental and vision coverage
- Company paid life and disability benefits
- 401(k) with company match
- Flexible spending account (FSA)
- Employee Stock Purchase Plan
- Paid time off, 11 paid holidays, year-end holiday closure
- Professional development opportunities
- Flexible work environment
- Annual Bonus and Stock Options
Athira is an equal opportunity employer and does not unlawfully discriminate against employees or applicants for employment on the basis of an individual’s race, color, religion, creed, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, veteran status or any other status protected by applicable law. This policy applies to all terms, conditions and privileges of employment, including recruitment, hiring, placement, compensation, promotion, discipline and termination.
Salary : $80,000 - $100,000