Staff Accountant (AP / AR)

Job Title : Staff Accountant (AP / AR)

Location : Solana Beach, CA (in-office)

LENZ Therapeutics is a pharmaceutical company focused on the commercialization of VIZZ™ (aceclidine ophthalmologic solution) 1.44%-the first and only FDA-approved aceclidine‑based eye drop for treating presbyopia. LENZ is actively commercializing VIZZ™ in the U.S. and building licensing partnerships globally to improve near vision for a broad patient population. The company is headquartered in San Diego, California.

We are committed to providing an engaging, rewarding work experience that reflects the passion our employees bring to our mission to improve and sustain vision. Our company fosters a diverse and inclusive culture where our employees are encouraged to learn, grow, and innovate, while making a meaningful difference for millions of people around the world.

LENZ provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants.

Overall Purpose :

The AP / AR Staff Accountant will report to the Corporate Controller and play a critical role in supporting the Finance team's accounting processes, including accounts payable, expense report auditing and cash application activities. This position is essential to ensuring the accuracy, timeliness, and compliance of day-to-day accounting operations in a public company environment, supporting the company's ability to meet monthly and quarterly close deadlines and maintain strong internal controls, in accordance with SOX 404.

The AP / AR Staff Accountant will work closely with the Senior Accountant and collaborate with colleagues across the Finance team and other business functions to ensure smooth vendor onboarding, contract routing, purchase order processing, expense report auditing and cash application workflows. The successful candidate will be detail-oriented, organized and comfortable operating in a fast-paced environment where accuracy and adherence to internal controls are critical.

A key focus of this role will be to support efficient, well-controlled accounting operations that contribute to an accelerated close and strong financial reporting foundation. The ideal candidate thrives on process execution, demonstrates accountability for high-volume transactional work, and brings a continuous improvement mindset to evolving financial systems and workflows.

Key Responsibilities of the Role :

Support AP processing - review, code, and route invoices for approval; post in NetSuite; support timely vendor payments.

Manage the contracts inbox - collect vendor setup forms, ensure proper signature authority, follow up with business partners and enter new purchase orders into NetSuite.

Maintain vendor data and support compliance - keep records current, perform vendor reconciliations and support 1099 reporting.

Audit expense reports in Concur to ensure compliance with company policies and support timely reimbursement.

Apply customer payments and support AR reconciliations; help resolve unapplied cash issues.

Prepare and maintain documentation to support SOX / internal controls, audits and efficient close processes.

Assist with ad hoc projects and initiatives to support the broader Finance team and drive process improvements.

Qualification Requirements :

Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field preferred, or equivalent relevant experience.

3+ years of hands-on accounting operations experience, including accounts payable, expense report auditing, and / or accounts receivable cash application, preferably in a public company environment.

Familiarity with SOX internal controls and working within a structured control framework.

Experience with financial systems such as NetSuite and Concur.

Strong attention to detail, organizational skills, and ability to process high transaction volumes accurately and efficiently.

Demonstrated ability to execute processes independently and manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Proactive, responsive, and reliable problem solver who drives tasks to completion and meets deadlines.

Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills, with the ability to work collaboratively across functional teams.

Strong work ethic; self-motivated and willing to "roll up your sleeves" to support the team and improve processes.

Demonstrated ability to identify opportunities to streamline workflows and enhance operational efficiency.

A team-oriented mindset, with a commitment to supporting the broader Finance organization's goals.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

Typically works in an office environment. May, on a continuous basis, sit at desk for a long period of time, intermittently answer telephone and write or use a keyboard to communicate through written means. Some walking and lifting up to 20 lbs. may be required. The noise level in the work environment is usually low to moderate. Must be flexible to work varying schedules and hours as needed. Occasional out-of-town travel may be required. The physical demands described above are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Salary Range

$75-100k DOE

Mission Statement :

LENZ employees are united in a mission to improve and sustain vision. We are passionate and creative about applying scientific innovation to meet the needs of the millions of people worldwide who suffer from Presbyopia and other ophthalmic maladies. We focus on the development and commercialization of new therapies to bring our mission to life for patients every day.