Director, Controller

The role: 

The Director, Controller is an experienced leader that will build and run the financial infrastructure of our fast-moving clinical-stage biotechnology company. Reporting to the VP of Finance, this individual will own day-to-day accounting operations and related internal controls, including month-end, quarter-end, and year-end close processes, as well as lead necessary system implementations to support the Company’s continued growth. This is a hands-on role that will collaborate with various internal and external partners, including non-finance operating teams. 

 

Key responsibilities: 

• Own the monthly, quarterly, and annual close process to ensure accurate financial statements on a timeline that meets internal and external reporting deadlines. 

• Oversee the majority of GL accounts including Cash, Prepaids, R&D and clinical trial accruals, and G&A accruals.  

• Develop and own the clinical trial accrual process including reviewing clinical contracts, CRO reports, patient costs, site costs, and invoices for timely and proper accrual. Liaise directly with clinical vendors to ensure completeness and accuracy. 

• Manage accounts payable and cash disbursements to ensure timely and accurate payments to our vendors. 

• Supervise and review multi-state payroll process (semi-monthly) to ensure all employees are paid timely and accurately. 

• Coordinate with FP&A to support their budgeting and forecasting needs and their creation of budget vs actuals, including ensuring timely and accurate reporting of actuals.  

• Develop and maintain accounting policies, procedures, and internal controls that can scale through an IPO and beyond. 

• Evaluate, implement, and optimize financial systems, including Netsuite and a new payroll system. 

• Coordinate with legal and HR on tax compliance and regulatory filings. 

• Support relationships with external accounting, tax, and payroll service providers. 

• Assist in the hiring and development of a small, high-performing accounting and finance team as the company scales 

 

Required experience & skills: 

• 8-12 years of progressive finance and accounting experience, with at least 5 years at a publicly traded or pre-IPO biotech or life sciences company 

• Deep technical accounting knowledge (US GAAP), including R&D accruals, clinical trial accounting, and pre-clinical/clinical stage company financials 

• Demonstrated experience building or significantly scaling accounting and finance functions at a clinical-stage company 

• Prior experience supporting or executing a public offering (IPO, follow-on, crossover) preferred 

• Strong knowledge of public company requirements, including SEC reporting, internal controls (SOX), financial planning, and cross-functional alignment 

• Experience managing Big 4 or national firm audits 

• CPA preferred; public accounting background preferred 

• Excellent judgment, high integrity, and the ability to operate with minimal overhead in a fast-moving environment 

• The right candidate thrives in a nimble environment, brings public company rigor to a private-stage company, and can build scalable systems without adding unnecessary overhead. 

• Strong written and verbal communication skills with a collaborative, team-oriented approach 

• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and remain comfortable with change and ambiguity 
• Flexible, proactive, and hands-on mindset with a roll-up-your-sleeves, can-do attitude 

Salary Range: $200,000 - $240,000

This role is eligible for a competitive total rewards package, including an annual bonus, equity, and a comprehensive benefits offering.