Position SummaryReporting to the CFO, the Director, Corporate Controller will serve as a strategic and operational finance leader, partnering closely with the executive leadership team and Board of Directors to drive financial performance, ensure operational rigor, and support scalable growth.
This role is responsible for building and leading a best-in-class accounting and finance function, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards, establishing strong financial controls, and enabling data-driven decision-making in a fast-paced, high-growth life sciences organization.
Strategic Leadership Responsibilities- Partner with the CFO, leadership team, and Board to develop and execute business and financial strategy
- Drive financing strategy and execution aligned with short- and long-term company objectives
- Represent the company to current and prospective investors, lenders, and financial partners
- Serve as the primary financial evaluator of new business opportunities, including investments, partnerships, and M&A
- Provide insight into financial implications of strategic decisions, including product investments, geographic expansion, and commercialization strategies
Core ResponsibilitiesFinancial Reporting & Accounting Operations- Lead all accounting operations including general ledger, revenue recognition, AP/AR, payroll, and fixed assets
- Ensure timely and accurate monthly, quarterly, and annual financial close processes
- Oversee preparation of financial statements in accordance with US GAAP and applicable regulatory requirements
- Establish, maintain, and continuously improve internal controls (SOX readiness where applicable)
- Ensure audit readiness and manage external audits, including coordination with auditors and preparation of supporting documentation
- Own technical accounting areas including revenue recognition, stock-based compensation, leases, and complex transactions
Financial Planning, Analysis & Business Partnership- Lead budgeting, forecasting, and long-range financial planning processes
- Analyze financial results, trends, and key drivers (revenue, margin, operating costs) and provide actionable insights
- Develop and deliver regular reporting packages to executive leadership and Board (including monthly "flash" reporting)
- Partner cross-functionally (R&D, Commercial, Operations) to understand cost drivers and improve financial performance
Cash, Capital & Treasury Management- Manage cash flow, liquidity planning, and working capital optimization
- Develop and maintain relationships with banks, lenders, and financial institutions
- Support capital raising activities including equity and debt financing
- Oversee treasury operations including cash management, investments, and risk mitigation
Tax, Compliance & Governance- Oversee all tax planning and compliance (federal, state, local, international, payroll, and indirect taxes)
- Ensure compliance with all regulatory, legal, and statutory reporting requirements
- Partner with external advisors on tax strategy, transfer pricing, and global structuring
- Maintain corporate governance standards and support Board reporting and audit committee requirements
Systems, Process & Infrastructure- Lead development and scaling of finance systems and infrastructure (e.g., NetSuite and related tools)
- Implement scalable processes, policies, and SOPs across accounting, procurement, and contract management
- Drive automation and process improvements to enhance efficiency and accuracy
- Define and track KPIs to measure financial and operational performance
Team Leadership & Development- Build, lead, and develop a high-performing finance and accounting team
- Establish clear roles, responsibilities, and performance expectations
- Foster a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and collaboration
- Partner with HR on organizational planning, hiring, and development of finance talent
Legal & Contract Oversight (Finance-Related)- Partner with legal counsel on financial and contractual matters
- Oversee financial aspects of contracts, procurement, and vendor agreements
- Support review and maintenance of financial-related SOPs and policies
Qualifications- Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field required
- CPA strongly preferred; MBA or advanced degree a plus
- 10+ years of progressive finance leadership experience, including controllership in high-growth companies (life sciences strongly preferred)
- Proven experience scaling finance functions in a startup or growth-stage environment
- Demonstrated success supporting or leading equity/debt financings; IPO experience preferred
- Strong experience with global/multi-entity operations and international finance
- Deep knowledge of US GAAP, financial reporting, and internal controls
- M&A experience including diligence, integration, and financial modeling
- Expertise in NetSuite (or similar ERP systems) required
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making capabilities
- Excellent communication skills with experience presenting to executive teams and Boards
- Advanced proficiency in Excel, financial modeling, and business systems
Leadership Competencies- Strategic thinking and business acumen
- Financial rigor and attention to detail
- Executive presence and influencing skills
- Cross-functional collaboration and partnership
- Team leadership and talent development
- Sound judgment and high integrity
Attributes for Success in a Fast-Paced Startup Environment- Adaptability & Agility: Thrives in ambiguity and rapidly changing priorities; able to shift between strategic and hands-on execution seamlessly
- Builder Mindset: Proven ability to build processes, systems, and teams from the ground up while scaling for future growth
- Hands-On Leadership: Willing to roll up sleeves and operate both strategically and tactically as needed
- Resourcefulness: Maximizes impact with limited resources; identifies creative solutions to complex challenges
- Bias for Action: Moves quickly while maintaining accuracy and sound judgment; avoids analysis paralysis
- Resilience: Maintains focus and composure under pressure in a high-growth, evolving environment
- Continuous Improvement Orientation: Constantly seeks opportunities to improve processes, systems, and outcomes
- Collaborative Influence: Builds strong relationships across functions; effectively partners with scientific, commercial, and operational teams
- Ownership Mentality: Takes full accountability for outcomes and drives initiatives through to completion
- Growth Mindset: Embraces feedback, learns quickly, and evolves with the organization
