We're looking for a Controller who is excited by Octant's mission to develop medicines for serious genetic diseases. This is an opportunity for someone who wants to help build an organization, who takes a hands-on approach and is a player-coach type of leader, who engages deeply across the company (rather than staying heads down in the numbers) and who has the tenacity to thrive in a fast-paced, evolving environment. Reporting to the VP of Finance, you'll lead the accounting function, ensuring a high degree of operational excellence and financial integrity, and will serve as a key business partner to leadership and to the company as a whole. Your responsibilities will include: • Manage day-to-day accounting operations and oversee our outsourced accounting team • Lead the financial close process and prepare monthly, quarterly and annual financial statements • Ensure that our financial statements are consistent with GAAP; prepare technical accounting memos as necessary; stay current on the latest FASB pronouncements • Establish, manage and update our accounting policies and controls. Identify and implement improvements to business processes, systems and tools. • Manage the external audits process and work with the auditors to ensure that they are completed timely and efficiently • Partner with our external tax firm to ensure compliance with all local, state and federal tax requirements and filings. Drive tax related activities like R&D tax credit studies and Sec 382 analysis. • Partner with People Ops, Legal, Purchasing and IT to implement cross-functional processes and to administer our financial systems (including Netsuite, Ramp, Quartzy) • Provide insight and guidance for accounting related matters (e.g., clinical trial accruals, procure to pay controls) to the broader Octant team, including the executive team • Develop accounting processes and reporting infrastructure aligned with public company standards, and implement financial governance and SOX-ready controls that support the organization's long term growth and functional excellence • Lead and mentor a high performing accounting function that can scale with the growth and maturation of the company. THIS ROLE MIGHT BE GREAT FOR YOU IF YOU HAVE: • A Bachelor's Degree and an active CPA license • 10+ years progressive accounting experience, including Big 4 and/or public company experience • Biotech / pharma experience, especially in clinical-stage companies • Deep knowledge of US GAAP, SEC regulations and SOX compliance • Exceptionally strong judgment and integrity • A strong drive and attention to detail. This is a hands-on position • A collaborative attitude and the ability to work well in cross functional teams • Good communication skills and the ability to explain financial concepts to a non-finance audience • The desire and ability to thrive in a fast paced, startup environment • Excellent leadership skills with experience in driving change and implementing new initiatives broadly Octant is located in Emeryville, California and we work onsite. Annual base salary in the range of $240,000 to $280,000 depending on experience level. We also offer health benefits (medical, dental, vision), equity, and 401(k) matching.