Ask Acumen

Brandon Duncan

Staff Accountant

How long have you been with Acumen?

I have been with Acumen for roughly three and a half years.

What excites you most about the work you do at Acumen?

Most people in my life work in healthcare, but my degree is in accounting. I originally thought I would work in audit or tax, but after applying and interviewing with Acumen, I quickly realized I could use my education to contribute in a tangible way to the wellbeing of others without working at the bedside. In my role, I work with multiple departments to better understand what they do while supporting accurate financial reporting and ensuring overall financial health of the company.

Which of Acumen’s four values (People, Integrity, Innovation, and Perseverance) resonates most with your work and role?

People. Our mission is fundamentally people oriented, and that rings true internally. Every day, my department and I prioritize strong internal service, making sure our research and development teams have what they need when they need it, so patients are cared for both now and in the future. Moreover, accounting delivers accurate, timely, and compliant reporting, driving positive outcomes for all stakeholders.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to join our company and contribute to our mission in Alzheimer’s research?

Be your best, most authentic self. Every meeting, whether in person or remote, is a hodgepodge of incredibly sharp people from all walks of life, and there is no single mold you need to fit.

How do you maintain a healthy work-life balance while being deeply committed to your work and mission of the company?

Beyond innovating in the biotech industry, Acumen offers unlimited time off and a high degree of flexibility, as long as you get your work done and do it well. That structure helps me maintain balance by letting me be fully present and focused during work hours, while trusting that I can step away or take time off when needed. It allows me to be present with my fiancée and family, and also allows me to travel to recharge my batteries.