Position Summary:Reporting to the Vice President of Finance, the Controller will lead the Company's accounting operations and oversee the integrity of its financial records and internal accounting processes. The Controller will be responsible for delivering timely and accurate financial information, managing the monthly close, maintaining a strong internal control environment, and building a high-performing accounting organization capable of supporting a public biotechnology company.
The Controller will directly manage the Accounting Manager, Senior Accountant, and AP/Payroll professional. While portions of these functions are currently outsourced, the Controller will play a key role in evaluating, transitioning, and scaling the accounting organization as the Company grows. This is an exciting opportunity to join a growing clinical-stage biotechnology company at a transformational stage and help build the infrastructure of a future public company. The role offers meaningful exposure to executive leadership, opportunities for professional growth, and the ability to make a significant impact on the organization's future success.
Key Responsibilities:Accounting Operations- Lead all day-to-day accounting operations, including the general ledger, accounts payable, payroll accounting, fixed assets, lease accounting, cash, prepaid expenses, accruals, and other core accounting functions.
- Own the monthly, quarterly, and annual financial close process, ensuring timely and accurate financial information.
- Review journal entries, account reconciliations, and supporting schedules.
- Ensure compliance with U.S. GAAP and company accounting policies.
- Oversee accounting for equity transactions, intercompany activity (if applicable), and other routine accounting matters.
- Continuously improve close efficiency through automation, standardization, and process improvements.
Financial Reporting Support- Deliver complete, accurate trial balances and supporting schedules for quarterly and annual external reporting.
- Partner with the SEC Reporting Manager on quarterly and annual reporting activities by providing accounting support, schedules, disclosures, and audit documentation.
- Collaborate on implementation of new accounting standards and support required financial disclosures.
- Support preparation of Audit Committee and executive financial reporting materials.
Internal Controls & Public Company Readiness- Develop, implement, and maintain effective accounting processes and internal controls over transaction processing and financial operations.
- Partner with the SEC Reporting Manager on the design, implementation, documentation, and ongoing maintenance of the Company's Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) compliance program and internal controls over financial reporting.
- Serve as the process owner for key accounting business cycles, ensuring controls are operating effectively and supporting SOX testing and remediation efforts.
- Collaborate with the SEC Reporting Manager, external auditors, and process owners to identify control enhancements, address deficiencies, and implement remediation plans as needed.
- Drive continuous process improvements that strengthen the control environment while improving operational efficiency.
- Help establish scalable accounting policies, procedures, and controls appropriate for a newly public biotechnology company.
Audit & Compliance- Serve as the primary operational contact for the Company's external auditors.
- Coordinate annual financial statement audits and quarterly review procedures.
- Prepare and review audit schedules and supporting documentation.
- Coordinate with external tax advisors to support income tax, sales tax, and other statutory filings.
- Ensure compliance with company accounting policies and applicable financial regulations.
Treasury & Accounting Systems- Oversee cash accounting, banking activities, and treasury operations.
- Maintain oversight of payroll processing and accounts payable.
- Lead implementation and optimization of accounting systems and financial technologies.
- Ensure accounting systems support accurate reporting and strong internal controls.
Leadership- Build, mentor, and develop a high-performing accounting team.
- Manage outsourced accounting resources while developing an internal organization appropriate for the Company's growth.
- Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, continuous improvement, and operational excellence.
- Partner closely with Finance, Legal, Human Resources, Clinical Operations, Research, Procurement, and other business functions.
Qualifications:Required- Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance.
- Active CPA license.
- 10+ years of progressive accounting experience with increasing leadership responsibility.
- Big 4 Public accounting experience combined with biotechnology, pharmaceutical, or life sciences industry experience.
- Strong knowledge of U.S. GAAP and operational accounting.
- Experience managing the monthly close process.
- Experience supporting annual audits and working with external auditors.
- Experience developing accounting processes, controls, and scalable financial operations.
- ERP experience (NetSuite preferred).
Preferred - Experience supporting an IPO or operating within a newly public company.
- Experience building accounting teams in a high-growth organization.
- Experience transitioning accounting functions from outsourced providers to an internal team.
- Experience with biotechnology accounting, including clinical trial accruals, manufacturing, licensing agreements, collaboration arrangements, and equity compensation accounting.
Leadership Competencies- Strong operational accounting expertise.
- Excellent organizational and project management skills.
- Collaborative leadership and a team-first mindset.
- High integrity and attention to detail.
- Ability to build scalable processes in a fast-paced environment.
- Strong communication skills.
- A hands-on approach balanced with strategic thinking.
Salary Range $188,000 - $240,000 USD
This range reflects the expected base salary for this position, plus bonus, equity, and benefits as applicable. Actual salaries may vary based on factors, such as skill, experience, and qualification for the role.
