Senior Accountant

Overview

PhaseWell Research, headquartered in Nashville, TN, is expanding its corporate accounting team by hiring a Senior Accountant. This role involves supporting key accounting functions such as maintaining the general ledger, managing accounts payable and receivable, facilitating month-end close activities, and preparing financial reports. PhaseWell is an evolving clinical research site network growing through strategic acquisitions, supported by Shore Capital, operating in the competitive $7 billion site management organization market projected to rise significantly.

Role Summary

The Senior Accountant will report to the Controller and play a pivotal role collaborating with both site leaders and executive management, including direct interaction with the CFO and Chief of Staff. This position is key in integrating acquired entities, overseeing day-to-day accounting, ensuring accurate financial documentation under US GAAP, and maintaining robust internal controls. The role offers advancement opportunities to assume greater responsibility in accounting and finance within a high-growth environment.

Responsibilities

• Manage the general ledger including complex journal entries and review monthly balance sheet reconciliations prepared by staff accountants.
• Lead month-end close processes, including accruals, reconciliations, variance analysis, and report preparation with commentary.
• Supervise accounts payable and receivable activities, ensuring timely vendor invoice processing, accurate customer invoicing aligned with contracts, and proper billing of clinical activities.
• Maintain and update customer billing profiles and resolve invoice discrepancies by collaborating with project and clinical teams.
• Monitor accounts receivable and payable aging reports to expedite collections and resolve outstanding balances.
• Produce monthly and quarterly financial reports and perform detailed financial analyses of revenues, expenses, margins, and billing patterns.
• Oversee forecasting, budgeting, cash management, and working capital optimization efforts with senior finance leaders.
• Lead external audit coordination and tax preparation activities.
• Drive ERP implementation efforts including requirement definition, chart of accounts design, liaising with IT and consultants, plus training and change management.
• Standardize accounting processes and internal controls across sites and integrate newly acquired entities.
• Champion automation and artificial intelligence to enhance accounting efficiency.
• Transition billing from manual spreadsheets to CTMS-based systems ensuring accuracy and timeliness.
• Participate actively in mergers and acquisitions diligence and integration, ensuring consolidation of accounting and reporting systems.
• Model ethical conduct and mentor junior staff, promoting organizational culture.

Candidate Profile

Applicants should have 3-5 years of relevant accounting or finance experience, ideally in service sectors such as life sciences or healthcare, with expertise in GAAP. A Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Business Administration or related field is required; Master's or MBA is a plus. CPA and experience with public accounting are expected. Familiarity with financial software such as NetSuite or Sage Intacct, specifically involving full-cycle implementations, is highly valued. Prior exposure to pharmaceutical, CRO, biotech industries, clinical trial management systems, contract lifecycle management, multi-site healthcare operations, and private equity portfolio companies will be advantageous.

Skills and Competencies

• Entrepreneurial mindset with resilience and capability to operate in dynamic environments.
• Ability to quickly adapt to technology changes and shifting priorities.
• Strong collaborative and communication skills to facilitate teamwork and stakeholder engagement.
• Relationship-building aptitude for internal and client interactions.
• Focused on obtaining accurate results with a results-driven approach.
• Advanced financial and technical accounting skills with strategic and tactical versatility.
• Highly detail-oriented and analytical with critical thinking abilities.

Work Environment & Travel

This is primarily an office-based position requiring in-person attendance five days a week, with occasional travel to clinical sites, conferences, and meetings.

Compensation & Benefits

The role offers a competitive salary commensurate with experience, potential equity opportunities, and a comprehensive benefits package including health insurance, retirement plans, and professional development support.

Additional Information

This position is classified as exempt under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), meaning the employee is not eligible for paid overtime. PhaseWell Research operates under ownership of Shore Capital Partners, a leading private equity firm with proven expertise in supporting growth ventures in healthcare and other sectors.