Our community. Our life sciences. Our Seattle.

Think of Seattle and you may think of iconic global software, retail, and coffee companies that built their mega brands here. Now, that culture of innovation is spreading in new directions as the city has become a hotbed for the life sciences industry. Since 2019, Seattle's life sciences sector has seen rapid growth in both employment and federal research funding. It ranked third among metro areas for employment growth in the sector, with a 25% increase[1] from 2019 to 2022. ?Research and development employment showed a rapid growth rate of 39.3% perhaps pointing to the city’s largest increase in funding from the National Institutes of Health from 2019 to 2022, rising nearly 30% to reach about $1.39 billion[1].

To say that the life sciences business is booming here is an understatement. Jon Gonzalez and LiseMarie Curda are in the thick of the action. Both having grown up and made their starts in the area, their work is more than about building a career; it’s about building the community they know and love.?

Deloitte’s Accounting & Reporting Advisory (ARA) life sciences leadership in Seattle: In their own words

What does the Emerald City mean to you?

Jon: I grew up in Yakima Valley and went to Seattle University. After a stint in the Bay Area, I was thrilled to come back home to work with tech and life science startups. I love that the blooming healthcare and life sciences companies here have formed a vibrant and close-knit community.

LiseMarie: Born and raised in Seattle, I’ve only ever experienced this city as a place of pioneers. And I can feel that same innovative spirit come through in our collaboration with life sciences organizations. There’s not only an ecosystem of entrepreneurship; there’s an ecosystem of camaraderie and support.?

With what challenges are you advising your life sciences clients?

Jon: In the first stages, we can advise life sciences companies as they build or expand their accounting function. Then, as they progress and their research returns positive results, we can provide recommendations as they create a bespoke path to access the public markets. We might advise them on their audit requirement, on everything needed for an IPO, or as they become public.?

LiseMarie: We can provide advice to address a broad range of needs that almost all emerging growth companies encounter—both nationally and internationally. From early-stage tax planning and audit requirements to strategies for market expansion and shoring up the right processes and controls, we’re ready to tackle every kind of challenge.

How is Deloitte uniquely qualified to serve life science companies seeking Accounting and Reporting Advisory services in Seattle and the PNW?

Jon: I can proudly say, Deloitte is recognized in our industry for setting a standard in quality and fueling client service excellence. In the life sciences, we have advised our clients as they navigate traditional IPOs, SPACs, and reverse mergers. In our Accounting and Reporting Advisory roles, we tackle financial reporting, risk assessment, and internal controls. This breadth and depth of experience means we understand the requirements and needs that a company would have in each process—for multinational companies and startups alike. Because Accounting and Reporting Advisory is part of the Deloitte Audit & Assurance business, our auditors’ experience and mindset can add unique value to clients as they grow.

LiseMarie: As professional service providers who are connected to the community, we enjoy building local relationships because we have a strong desire to serve our local life sciences market. But our reach is far beyond. We’re just a phone call away from specialists in our expansive national and global network of firms which means we can provide clients with relevant information anytime, anywhere. Having so many resources at our fingertips also allows us to devote time to forward thinking and provide proactive insights to our clients. And we have the power of Deloitte’s network to offer cross-functional services beyond accounting.

What’s a personal passion that makes you stand out at Deloitte?

Jon: For me, as a Hispanic and LatinX Cohort Leader, my goal is to help others succeed and ensure that all professionals, especially those that are underrepresented, are included and given bright opportunities. I’m known for being the connector in the room and trying to problem solve through collaboration.?

LiseMarie: As a Deloitte Women and Allies Champion and a member of Women in Bio, I enjoy actively supporting the growth of women within my network. I’m very focused on helping the women in my community to continue the great momentum as more women move up into executive roles.

What are you most excited about?

Jon: I’m most excited about elevating the life sciences community. That means listening well to understand a company’s pain points and figuring out how to connect them to insights they need. I look forward to these kinds of conversations that can build trust—which, in turn, builds relationships. Because, after all, that’s the key to strengthening our whole community.

LiseMarie: The Seattle life sciences community has continued to gain momentum even with the economic headwinds and pressures of this past year. What I'm most looking forward to is the exponential growth in this sector. I’m confident that all this energy, focus, and investment by our community will drive big wins in Seattle for a long time to come.

[1] Shubert, Charlotte. “Report highlights growth of life sciences sector in Seattle, buoyed by NIH funding.” GeekWire.com. April 10, 2023.

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