Reporting to the Associate Director of Accounting, the Senior Accountant - General Ledger is a key contributor in the Finance organization and will play a key role in the monthly close process, financial reporting, and accounting operations. This position will be responsible for maintaining accurate financial records, supporting internal controls, partnering with cross-functional stakeholders, and driving process improvements across the accounting organization. The ideal candidate is a detail-oriented accounting professional with experience in a public company and/or public accounting environment, strong knowledge of U.S. GAAP, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced and evolving organization.
This role is based in Sunnyvale, California. It offers a flexible work arrangement, with the ability to work from GRAIL's office or from home. Our current flexible work arrangement policy requires that a minimum of 60%, or 24 hours, of your total work week be on-site. Your specific schedule, determined in collaboration with your manager, will align with team and business needs and could exceed the 60% requirement for the site. At our Headquarters campus in Sunnyvale, Tuesdays and Thursdays are the key days where we encourage on-site presence to engage in events and on-site activities.
Responsibilities:
- Perform month-end, quarter-end and year-end closing duties, including preparing journal entries, variance reporting, reconciliations, and account analysis to ensure compliance with U.S. GAAP
- Ensure timely and accurate completion of assigned close responsibilities in accordance with established deadlines.
- Perform balance sheet and income statement fluctuation analyses and provide meaningful explanations for significant variances.
- Own general accrual accounting across assigned cost centers, ensuring accuracy and timely recognition
- Manage clinical trial accruals in partnership with the Clinical Operations and FP&A teams
- Prepare supporting documents for internal/external auditors
- Help design, implement and maintain a thorough system of accounting process, policies and controls designed to accurately and efficiently close the books
- Apply a thorough understanding of GRAIL’s business to all aspects of the accounting function
- Assist in maintaining regular contact and building solid working relationships with various groups to ensure a high level of customer service
- Drive automation and process improvements to improve efficiencies, including leveraging AI tools to reduce manual effort
- Execute and maintain internal controls over assigned accounting areas and support SOX compliance activities.
- Participate in cross-functional projects and other special assignments as needed.
Required Qualifications:
- 5+ years of progressive accounting/finance experience, ideally a public accounting and private industry mix.
- Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or related field.
- Ability to travel 10% as required
Preferred Qualifications:
- 8+ years of progressive accounting/finance experience, ideally a public accounting and private industry mix.
- Excellent professional written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills required.
- Experience with Netsuite and/or Coupa or other ERP systems
- Strong understanding in US GAAP Accounting.
Physical Demands & Working Environment:
- Hours and days may vary depending on operational needs.
- Standing or sitting for long periods of time may be necessary.
- Some lifting (up to 20 pounds) may be necessary
- Ability to travel 10%
At GRAIL, we believe in recognizing and rewarding the contributions our employees make to our mission and success. In addition to base pay, this role may be eligible for additional compensation, including an annual bonus and/or other incentives, in accordance with applicable plans and the company's discretion. The posted range reflects our good-faith estimate of the base pay we expect to offer for this position at the time of hire. Actual compensation will be determined based on factors such as the candidate’s experience, skills, qualifications, and other relevant considerations.
At GRAIL, we invest in the health, well-being, and future of our employees and their families. Employees in this role are eligible for a comprehensive and competitive benefits package designed to support what matters most, including flexible time off or vacation, a 401(k) retirement plan with employer match, medical, dental, and vision coverage, and thoughtfully selected well-being programs. Benefits are offered in accordance with applicable plans and policies.
GRAIL is an equal employment opportunity employer, and we are committed to building a workplace where every individual can thrive, contribute, and grow. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other class or characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, and local laws. Additionally, GRAIL will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records in a manner consistent with applicable law and provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. Please contact us at [email protected] if you require an accommodation to apply for an open position.
GRAIL maintains a drug-free workplace. We welcome job-seekers from all backgrounds to join us!
Skills Required
- 5+ years of progressive accounting/finance experience, ideally a public accounting and private industry mix
- Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or related field
- Excellent professional written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills
- Experience with NetSuite and/or Coupa
- Strong understanding of U.S. GAAP accounting
- Familiarity with clinical trial accrual accounting or life sciences industry
- CPA
- Hands-on experience with AI tools, automation, or scripting to improve accounting processes
- Proficient in fixed asset accounting
- Advanced Excel and Google Suite (Sheets, Docs)
- Proven analytical and project management skills
- Ability to work on-site a minimum of 60% (24 hours) per week in Menlo Park / Sunnyvale area
GRAIL Compensation & Benefits Highlights
-
Healthcare Strength — Health coverage is described as comprehensive, spanning medical, dental, vision, disability, life insurance, and mental-health/wellbeing programs, plus backup care and family-forming support. Feedback suggests these offerings are a clear strong point of the package.
-
Leave & Time Off Breadth — Flexible Time Off for exempt employees, paid holidays, and sick time are emphasized, and PTO is often described as flexible in practice. Feedback suggests this breadth supports work-life balance, even if usage can depend on team demands.
-
Parental & Family Support — Paid parental leave is described as generous, and family-forming and backup-care resources are explicitly included. These supports are frequently highlighted as standout elements for caregivers.
GRAIL Insights
What We Do
GRAIL is a healthcare company whose mission is to detect cancer early, when it can be cured. GRAIL is using the power of high-intensity sequencing, population-scale clinical studies, and state-of-the-art computer science and data science to enhance the scientific understanding of cancer biology, and to develop and commercialize pioneering products.
Why Work With Us
Everything we do is guided by our mission to detect cancer early, when it can be cured. It’s the reason we’re here, and it’s no small task. The right people make all the difference. That’s why we’re looking for those who strive to share their knowledge, contribute their skills, inspire each other and commit to something bigger than themselves.
Gallery
GRAIL Offices
Hybrid Workspace
Employees engage in a combination of remote and on-site work.
GRAIL has a variety of work types depending on the roles. Some roles are onsite like a lab role, some are fully remote like our Galleri Sales Consultant roles. Others are hybrid with 3 days onsite.















