About The RoleReporting to the VP of Finance, the Controller will own Quetzal's accounting, financial reporting, month-end closing, and treasury operations while helping develop the systems, controls, and processes needed for a growing biotechnology company.
You will operate at the intersection of execution and strategy: managing the details of the monthly close, overseeing external accounting and finance partners, strengthening internal controls, supporting clinical and R&D accounting, and providing leadership with reliable financial information for decision-making.
Because Quetzal operates with a lean internal team and a network of specialized external partners, this role is particularly well suited for someone who enjoys building, improving, and owning rather than simply maintaining an established accounting organization.
This is a remote position with the possibility of being hybrid. We welcome qualified candidates across the United States with a preference for candidates located in Chicago, Illinois or New Jersey.
What You'll DoAccounting & Financial Reporting- Own the monthly close process in NetSuite, including review of journal entries, account reconciliations, supporting schedules, and timely, accurate financial statements.
- Maintain strong accounting practices and ensure financial reporting is consistent with U.S. GAAP.
- Develop and maintain accounting policies, internal controls, and process documentation appropriate for a growing clinical-stage biotechnology organization.
- Continuously improve accounting processes, reporting standards, and financial infrastructure as the company evolves.
External Partner & Vendor Management- Oversee outsourced bookkeeping and accounting service providers, reviewing work product for accuracy, completeness, and quality before it reaches company leadership.
- Serve as a primary Finance contact for external tax advisors, auditors, benefits administrators, payroll providers, and other finance-related partners.• Establish clear expectations, monitor deliverables, and proactively resolve issues with external partners.
Treasury, AP & Cash Management- Lead accounts payable and treasury operations, including invoice review and coding, payment approvals, payroll funding coordination, and banking relationships.
- Own cash forecasting and provide leadership with regular visibility into upcoming obligations, significant expenditures, and near-term cash requirements.
- Help strengthen controls and processes surrounding purchasing, payments, and cash management.
Clinical-Stage Biotech Accounting- Partner with internal stakeholders and external providers to maintain accurate clinical trial and R&D expense accruals.
- Establish scalable accounting practices that support Quetzal's clinical development activities.
- Coordinate with external tax advisors on tax compliance, planning, filings, and R&D tax credit activities.
Audit, Reporting & Growth- Support the annual audit process, including preparation of schedules, supporting documentation, and responses to auditor requests.
- Support potential capital-raising activities and investor and Board reporting through accurate, organized, decision-useful financial information.
- Establish financial benchmarks and reporting standards that provide leadership with increasingly strong visibility into company performance.
What You'll BringRequired Qualifications- Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
- 10+ years of progressive accounting and/or controllership experience.
- Previous experience in biotechnology, pharmaceutical, life sciences, or another R&D-intensive industry.
- Strong working knowledge of U.S. GAAP and experience preparing and reviewing financial statements.
- Demonstrated experience owning or significantly contributing to month-end close and financial reporting.
- Experience overseeing outsourced bookkeeping, accounting, or other finance-related service providers.
- Experience coordinating with external tax advisors and auditors.
- Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple priorities independently.
Preferred Qualifications- CPA strongly preferred.
- Experience supporting a clinical-stage organization, including clinical trial and R&D expense accruals.
- Experience with NetSuite or a comparable ERP/general ledger platform.
- Experience with AP/payment platforms (e.g., BILL.com), payroll systems (e.g., Rippling), and banking/treasury operations.
- Experience supporting R&D tax credit activities.
- Experience supporting financings, investor reporting, Board reporting, or financial due diligence.
- Experience helping build or strengthen accounting processes and internal controls within a growing organization.
Benefits & What We OfferQuetzal Therapeutics offers eligible employees a competitive benefits package designed to support their health, wellbeing, and work-life balance. Our benefits include:
- Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
- Health and flexible spending account options
- Paid time off, sick leave, and company holidays
- Additional voluntary benefit options
Benefits and eligibility may vary based on employment status, location, and applicable plan terms and company policies.
