Assistant Controller / Controller

The Assistant Controller/Controller (consultant role) will oversee the maintenance of the Company's financial and accounting departments. This is a hands-on role for a technically strong accounting professional who can navigate complex biotech transactions, manage a team, and improve processes in a lean organization. The Assistant Controller/Controller (Consultant role) will partner across Finance and the business, balancing public-company rigor with practical, efficient execution.

Responsibilities

• Own the monthly, quarterly, and annual close, reconciliations, and internal management reporting; ensure accurate and complete accounting records in accordance with U.S. GAAP.
• Oversee the accounting components of Clinical/R&D accruals, prepayments, commitments, and program-level expenses, including review of estimates, journal entries, reconciliations, and true-ups.
• Own and review SEC filings (Forms 10-K, 10-Q, and 8-K, and proxy statements), ensuring compliance with applicable SEC disclosure requirements; proficiency in Active Disclosure or a similar reporting platform is preferred.
• Lead the Company's equity compensation program and stock-based compensation accounting, including option, RSU, and ESPP activity, ASC 718 accounting, and common share/equity pool reconciliations.
• Partner with Clinical Operations, Technical Operations, and FP&A to establish supportable accruals for contract research organizations, contract manufacturers, and investigator sites using contracts, operational progress, and vendor data.
• Lead SOX and internal control activities within accounting, including risk assessment, documentation, testing, and remediation.
• Support management assessments and external auditor attestation under SOX Section 404.
• Partner with IT and business process owners on access, segregation of duties, and related controls.
• Serve as the primary accounting contact for external and internal auditors; coordinate audit and quarterly-review support for accounting operations and SOX testing.
• Oversee payroll and employee benefits accounting, including review of payroll-related journal entries, accrued compensation, bonuses, stock-based compensation, and employee benefit costs
• Manage the Company's corporate insurance programs, including policy renewals, coverage reviews, premium negotiations, coordination with brokers and insurance carriers, and ensuring appropriate coverage for the Company's evolving business needs.
• Oversee General Ledger, Accounts Payable, disbursements, fixed assets, and expense processes.
• Maintain effective invoice processing, payment-approval, and disbursement controls.
• Support income tax provision and compliance activities by providing accurate accounting records and schedules to the responsible internal teams and external advisors.
• Lead, mentor, and develop the accounting team and manage accounting service providers.
• Establish clear accountability, cross-training, and professional development opportunities.
• Partner with Finance team to provide reliable actuals, accruals, and insights for budgeting, forecasting, cash planning, and liquidity assessments.
• Provide accounting analysis and due diligence support for financing, partnerships, and other corporate transactions. Communicate complex issues clearly and raise risks early with practical recommendations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related discipline; CPA required; Big Four experience preferred.
• 10+ years of progressive accounting experience, including at least 3 years leading teams and significant experience within a U.S. publicly traded biotechnology or life sciences company.
• Prior hands-on experience in an operational accounting role, including direct responsibility for leading public-company accounting operations, the financial close, preparation of accounting analyses, SEC reporting, audit support, and SOX compliance.
• Proficiency with ERP and accounting and payroll systems; advanced Excel skills and a track record of improving close, accrual, and internal reporting processes and data quality. Proficient in NetSuite, , Coupa, Concur, ADP, E-Trade and Active Disclosure (or other similar platforms).
• Demonstrated success developing teams and influencing cross-functional partners in a lean environment. Strong analytical and communication skills, sound judgment, integrity, and the confidence to challenge assumptions and uphold accounting standards.