Director, SEC Reporting and Technical Accounting

Job Description

Kyverna Therapeutics is a patient-centered, clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing cell therapies for patients suffering from autoimmune diseases. Guided by our core values, Stay True to Why, Collaborate to Accelerate, Lead with Clarity, Boldly Innovative, and Own the Outcome, we are committed to transforming the future of treatment for autoimmune disease. Join us at the forefront of cell therapy innovation and help redefine what is possible.

Position Summary

The Director, SEC Reporting and Technical Accounting is responsible for ensuring that all filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission are accurate, complete, and timely, and that complex accounting transactions are recorded in full compliance with U.S. GAAP and SOX requirements. This role serves as the Company’s technical accounting subject matter expert and plays a critical leadership role in supporting financial reporting, commercialization readiness, and strategic transactions.

Reports To VP, Accounting and Business Operations

Location Emeryville, CA (Hybrid, onsite two days per week) or Remote Eligible

Responsibilities

• Lead the preparation and filing of all SEC reports, including Forms 10-K, 10-Q, 8-K, S-8, and other required filings. Oversee XBRL tagging and coordinate closely with internal stakeholders and external service providers to ensure timely and compliant submissions.
• Ensure compliance with U.S. GAAP, SEC regulations, and other applicable financial reporting requirements.
• Own the evaluation and documentation of complex accounting matters, including the adoption of new accounting standards. Prepare and maintain technical accounting position papers and ensure alignment with SOX controls and documentation requirements. Support the monthly and quarterly financial close processes and internal and external reporting.
• Serve as the in-house revenue recognition expert in support of the Company’s upcoming product launch. Establish GAAP- and SOX-compliant accounting and reporting processes for commercialization. Partner cross-functionally with Market Access, Commercial, Finance, and IT to support the implementation and optimization of order-to-cash system solutions.
• Provide technical accounting support for complex transactions, including equity and debt financings, licensing arrangements, and collaboration agreements. Participate in assessing accounting and reporting implications associated with the Company’s commercialization strategy.
• Manage the external audit process, including coordination of quarterly reviews and annual audits. Oversee preparation and delivery of PBC materials and serve as the primary liaison with external auditors on technical accounting matters.
• Lead equity accounting, including calculation and recording of stock-based compensation in accordance with ASC 718 and other applicable standards. Oversee the work of the stock administration consultant responsible for day-to-day equity operations. Support Section 16 reporting and related compliance requirements in coordination with external legal counsel.
• Establish, enhance, and maintain efficient processes and strong SOX internal controls across SEC reporting, technical accounting, and equity administration.
• Partner with Investor Relations and the Controller to support the preparation of quarterly earnings releases, financial tables, annual reports, and proxy statements. Assist in preparing compensation, benefits, and share-based compensation disclosures and related proxy filings.
• Develop, update, and communicate accounting policies as needed to ensure clarity, consistency, and timely adoption across the organization.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or a related field required.
• Ten or more years of relevant experience, including significant SEC reporting and technical accounting experience.
• CPA required. Prior experience in public accounting, particularly within a national or Big Four firm, strongly preferred.
• Deep knowledge of U.S. GAAP, SEC regulations, and SOX compliance requirements, with experience in the biotech industry preferred. Experience with cell therapy revenue recognition is a plus.
• Proficiency with financial reporting and equity administration tools such as Equity Edge, ActiveDisclosure, NetSuite, or similar systems.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret complex accounting guidance and apply it in a practical, business-oriented manner.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to effectively partner across functions and present technical matters to senior leadership and external stakeholders.

The national salary range for this position is from $190,000 to $210,000 ($215,000 to $235,00 for Northern California) USD annually. This salary range is an estimate of what we reasonably expect to pay for this posted position, and the actual salary may vary based on various factors, including without limitation individual education, experience, tenure, skills and abilities, as well as internal equity and alignment with market data.  This position is also eligible for bonus, benefits, and participation in Company’s stock plan.