Assistant Controller

Verastem

$80K — $130K *
Pharmaceuticals & Biotech
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's Degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field required; advanced degree (MBA) desirable.
  • 7+ years of progressive experience in accounting and finance, with significant tenure in public accounting at a managerial level or above.
  • 3-5 years of experience in a life sciences public company is strongly preferred.
  • Certified Public Accountant (CPA) credential is preferred.
  • Proven track record of process improvements and scalable accounting solutions in high-growth environments.

Responsibilities

  • Oversee day-to-day accounting operations and ensure timely month-end and quarter-end closes.
  • Lead preparation and review of complex journal entries and reconciliations, ensuring compliance with U.S. GAAP.
  • Act as a finance business partner to R&D and G&A leaders, providing accounting insights and guidance.
  • Enhance and maintain the company's internal controls framework in compliance with Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX).
  • Manage external tax consultants and auditors, ensuring audit readiness and accurate tax provisions.
  • Identify and implement process improvements to enhance efficiency and scalability in financial operations.
  • Mentor and guide junior team members, fostering a collaborative culture.

Benefits

  • Opportunity to work in a dynamic, commercial-stage biopharmaceutical company.
  • Chance to significantly impact the company's mission of delivering innovative therapies to patients.
  • Collaborative work environment with a focus on continuous improvement and mentorship.
  • Engagement with global leaders in the industry.
  • Participation in special projects that align with the company's evolving needs.
Full Job Description
Company Profile:

At Verastem Oncology, our purpose is to create a world where no cancer patient ever runs out of options. This commitment is central to who we are as a company and the culture we nurture. We are laser focused in our efforts to establish avutometinib + defactinib as the backbone of therapy for RAS-mediated tumors. We look for people who share our perspective; when others see only a problem, we see an opportunity, when others give up, we step up. We partner with global leaders (and their teams!) and these relationships help us to serve the patients who need us most. We appreciate your candidacy for the Verastem Oncology team, and encourage you to learn more at www.verastem.com.

Summary

Verastem is a dynamic, commercial-stage biopharmaceutical company that recently achieved a significant milestone with U.S. FDA approval of AVMAPKI FAKZYNJA CO-PACK. As we expand our operations, we are seeking an accomplished finance candidate to serve as Assistant Controller and play a pivotal role in scaling and working collaboratively with our finance team and across the Company, supporting our mission to deliver innovative therapies to patients.

Key Responsibilities
  • Financial Leadership:
    Oversee and elevate day-to-day accounting operations, including payroll, lease accounting, investment management, and research & development accruals. Ensure timely and accurate month-end and quarter-end close processes.
  • Complex Accounting: Lead the preparation and review of complex journal entries and reconciliations, leveraging deep technical expertise to resolve accounting issues and ensure compliance with U.S. GAAP.
  • Business Partnership: Act as a proactive finance business partner to R&D and G&A leaders, providing insights and guidance on accounting matters and supporting strategic decision-making.
  • Internal Controls & SOX Compliance: Spearhead the ongoing enhancement and maintenance of the company's internal controls framework in accordance with Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX). Collaborate with professional service providers to ensure robust risk management and compliance.
  • Tax & Audit Oversight: Manage relationships with external tax consultants and auditors, overseeing the preparation and review of quarterly and annual tax provisions and returns, and ensuring audit readiness.
  • Process Improvement: Identify and implement process improvements to drive efficiency, scalability, and risk mitigation within the close process and related financial operations.
  • Leadership & Mentorship: Provide guidance and mentorship to junior team members, fostering a culture of excellence, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
  • Cross-Functional Initiatives: Lead or support special projects and initiatives as needed to support the evolving needs of the business.


Requirements:

Bachelor's Degree in Accounting, Finance or related field is required; [advanced degree desirable, MBA]
  • 7+ years of progressive experience in accounting and finance, with significant tenure in public accounting (manager level or above at an international firm) and public company environments.
  • A minimum of 3-5 years Life science public company experience is strongly preferred.
  • Experience in international accounting firm through at least manager is preferred; comparable industry experience will also be considered.
  • Certified Public Accountant (CPA) is preferred.
  • Experience with U.S. GAAP and internal controls in compliance with Sarbanes Oxley (SOX).
  • Proven track record of driving process improvements and implementing scalable accounting solutions in a fast-paced, high-growth environment.
  • Advanced proficiency in Excel and financial systems; experience with ERP implementation or operational finance optimization is required.
  • Exceptional leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and collaborate across all levels of the organization.
  • Strong organizational skills and a demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver results under tight deadlines.

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