South San Francisco, California, United States
Onsite
The Head of Capital & Technical Accounting is a newly established leadership role designed to provide expert financial stewardship over Genentech’s multibillion-dollar campus redevelopment while serving as the organization’s primary authority on complex accounting matters.
The Opportunity:
PL8 or PL9 ( One position but two possible levels based on skills and qualifications).
This role is a high-visibility hybrid of strategic advisory and hands-on operational execution. The lead will be directly responsible for the financial integrity of the Campus Vision Plan, including the new gRED Center and other state-of-the-art research facilities totaling a multi-billion-dollar active investment.
Strategy vs. Operations: This is a hands-on leadership role. Approximately 70% of capacity is dedicated to active, day-to-day capital accounting execution, stewardship and managing the Capital Team, with 30% of capacity focused on leading the Technical Accounting Team and chairing governance bodies.
Impact: Ensures the accurate planning, recording and tracking of rising CapEx spend while safeguarding financial integrity through expert technical accounting guidance on capital transactions, leases, restructuring plans, M&A / alliance deals, reserves/rebates, evolving accounting standards, etc.
Innovation: Champions the implementation of AI and machine learning to automate operational workflows, enhance CapEx tracking precision, simplify complex financial processes, and embed the "Right Work, Right Place" (RWRP) philosophy across the team's operating model.
KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
Policy Governance, Stewardship & Clarity (Primary Leadership Focus):
Policy Authority: Serve as the definitive authority on Genentech’s accounting policies (including FGAR), ensuring 100% adherence across all functional areas.
Organizational Clarity: Drive high-impact organizational clarity by proactively translating complex technical & capital accounting / process requirements into simplified, accessible, and actionable communications for both finance and non-finance stakeholders (e.g., Site Services, gRED, and CMG), while ensuring standardization & alignment across all functions.
Capital Accounting Stewardship (70% - Hands-on Focus):
Asset Management: Actively leads the team’s compliant recording of assets, leases, capex, depreciation and asset sales/disposals per Roche (FGAR) accounting guidelines. Leads team to develop meaningful reporting from new system to better track CIP, while also assisting FM's with their expense forecasting efforts.
Campus Vision Finance Leadership: Provides robust financial guidance for significant capital investments, including new research & technical development buildings, manufacturing plants, utility hubs, etc.
Consultative Partnering: Acts as an economic advisor on key capital vs. expense decisions, ensuring adherence to all internal policies & controls. Translates complex accounting details into clear advice to the business for both long-term planning and actual bookings.
AI Integration: Drives the team to implement AI tools for analytics and automation within the capital lifecycle.
Systems / Digital Evolution: Leads simplification efforts within the SAP S/4 HANA (ASPIRE) system and advocates for digital enhancements to optimize the end-to-end process. Acts as a digital champion to bridge the gap between technical accounting requirements and scalable digital solutions.
Technical Accounting Leadership (30%):
gAB Chair: Serves as the Chair of the Genentech Accounting Board (gAB), linking various Finance groups to address emerging issues with accounting implications.
Strategic Expert: Acts as the local expert for all accounting-related inquiries, including providing expert technical accounting guidance on capital transactions, leases, restructuring plans, M&A / alliance deals, reserves/rebates, evolving accounting standards, etc.
Shared Services Alignment: Partners with the SSC in Costa Rica to align on financial results and assess further process transitions to the center by identifying opportunities to Simplify, Automate, Standardize, and Transfer (SAST) technical accounting activities.
Standard Implementation: Leads the implementation of new accounting standards, policies, and procedures across the Genentech organization.
STAKEHOLDER MANAGEMENT
Key Stakeholders: CAO, US Finance Leadership Team (FLT), Controllers Group, Site Services, CMG, Tax, gRED, PD, PT, Global/HQ accounting & reporting colleagues (FCA and eCOE), Global Business Process Owners (GBPOs) and Country Chief Accountants within the RSS Shared Service Center in Costa Rica.
Level of Influence: Seasoned in presenting complex financial issues to executives with clarity and crafting compelling, data-driven executive narratives while maintaining a deep understanding of granular details.
External Exposure: Acts as the primary interface with KPMG to support Genentech’s accounting positions and coordinate substantive audit items.
FINANCIAL SCOPE & BUDGET RESPONSIBILITIES
Financial Scope: Oversight of billions of dollars in active capital expenditures and accountability for the accuracy of depreciation and asset records.
LEADERSHIP SKILLS & PEOPLE MANAGEMENT
Scope: Manages a team of 4 direct reports.
Philosophy: Authentic leader who encourages staff to "lead from their seat" while proactively assisting in their development as "Finance Technologists" and guiding them through complex change management associated with digital and ASPIRE system transitions.
Team Building: Fosters a "One Capital Team" approach, bridging local expertise with shared service support.
Who you are:
PL8 or PL9 ( One position but two possible levels based on skills and qualifications).
Requirement/ preferred skills:
Big 4 accounting firm experience is strongly preferred.
In-depth experience in financial leadership for large, multi-year capital investment projects.
Experience in the pharmaceutical, healthcare, or biotech industry is highly desired.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Advanced technical expertise in Capital Accounting and its effects on financial statements.
Proficiency with SAP (S/4 HANA) and SAC.
Proven ability to leverage technology / AI to enhance operational workflows.
Strong executive presence and communication skills to influence senior commercial and global leaders.
*People Leader 8 Level - Required Formal Training/Education:
A CPA is required.
University degree in Business or Accounting, or similar qualification.
12+ years of relevant financial and business experience, with a bachelor’s degree
8 + years of relevant financial and business experience, with a Master's degree
A Master’s degree (MBA or equivalent) is preferred.
The expected salary range for this position based on the primary location of California is $161,000 - $299,000.
*People Leader 9 Level- Required Formal Training/Education:
A CPA is required.
University degree in Business or Accounting, or similar qualification.
15+ years of relevant financial and business experience, with a bachelor’s degree
12 + years of relevant financial and business experience, with a Master's degree
A Master’s degree (MBA or equivalent) is preferred.
The expected salary range for this position based on the primary location of California is $191,500-$355,600
Actual pay will be determined based on experience, qualifications, geographic location, and other job-related factors permitted by law. A discretionary annual bonus may be available based on individual and Company performance. This position also qualifies for the benefits detailed at the link provided below.
Relocation benefits are not available for this position.
Genentech is an equal opportunity employer. It is our policy and practice to employ, promote, and otherwise treat any and all employees and applicants on the basis of merit, qualifications, and competence. The company's policy prohibits unlawful discrimination, including but not limited to, discrimination on the basis of Protected Veteran status, individuals with disabilities status, and consistent with all federal, state, or local laws.
If you have a disability and need an accommodation in relation to the online application process, please contact us by completing this form Accommodations for Applicants.
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