Controller

Overview

The organization is seeking a Controller to report to the VP of Finance and own accounting, financial reporting, month-end closing, and treasury operations. This role also supports the development of systems, controls, and processes for a growing clinical-stage biotechnology company.

This is a remote position with the possibility of being hybrid. Qualified candidates are welcome across the United States, with a preference for candidates located in Chicago, Illinois or New Jersey.

Responsibilities

Accounting & Financial Reporting

• Own the monthly close process in NetSuite, including review of journal entries, account reconciliations, supporting schedules, and timely, accurate financial statements.
• Maintain strong accounting practices and ensure financial reporting is consistent with U.S. GAAP.
• Develop and maintain accounting policies, internal controls, and process documentation appropriate for a growing clinical-stage biotechnology organization.
• Continuously improve accounting processes, reporting standards, and financial infrastructure as the organization evolves.

External Partner & Vendor Management

• Oversee outsourced bookkeeping and accounting service providers, reviewing work product for accuracy, completeness, and quality before it reaches company leadership.
• Serve as a primary Finance contact for external tax advisors, auditors, benefits administrators, payroll providers, and other finance-related partners.
• Establish clear expectations, monitor deliverables, and proactively resolve issues with external partners.

Treasury, AP & Cash Management

• Lead accounts payable and treasury operations, including invoice review and coding, payment approvals, payroll funding coordination, and banking relationships.
• Own cash forecasting and provide leadership with regular visibility into upcoming obligations, significant expenditures, and near-term cash requirements.
• Help strengthen controls and processes surrounding purchasing, payments, and cash management.

Clinical-Stage Biotech Accounting

• Partner with internal stakeholders and external providers to maintain accurate clinical trial and R&D expense accruals.
• Establish scalable accounting practices that support clinical development activities.
• Coordinate with external tax advisors on tax compliance, planning, filings, and R&D tax credit activities.

Audit, Reporting & Growth

• Support the annual audit process, including preparation of schedules, supporting documentation, and responses to auditor requests.
• Support potential capital-raising activities and investor and Board reporting through accurate, organized, decision-useful financial information.
• Establish financial benchmarks and reporting standards that provide leadership with increasingly strong visibility into company performance.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
• 10+ years of progressive accounting and/or controllership experience.
• Previous experience in biotechnology, pharmaceutical, life sciences, or another R&D-intensive industry.
• Strong working knowledge of U.S. GAAP and experience preparing and reviewing financial statements.
• Demonstrated experience owning or significantly contributing to month-end close and financial reporting.
• Experience overseeing outsourced bookkeeping, accounting, or other finance-related service providers.
• Experience coordinating with external tax advisors and auditors.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple priorities independently.

Preferred Qualifications

• CPA strongly preferred.
• Experience supporting a clinical-stage organization, including clinical trial and R&D expense accruals.
• Experience with NetSuite or a comparable ERP/general ledger platform.
• Experience with AP/payment platforms (e.g., BILL.com), payroll systems (e.g., Rippling), and banking/treasury operations.
• Experience supporting R&D tax credit activities.
• Experience supporting financings, investor reporting, Board reporting, or financial due diligence.
• Experience helping build or strengthen accounting processes and internal controls within a growing organization.

Compensation & Benefits

Eligible employees receive a competitive benefits package, including:

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Health and flexible spending account options
• Paid time off, sick leave, and company holidays
• Additional voluntary benefit options

Benefits and eligibility may vary based on employment status, location, and applicable plan terms and company policies.

Equal Opportunity Employment

The organization is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or other characteristics protected by federal, state, or local law.