Global Controller - Remote - Boston Based

Overview

The organization is seeking a Global Controller to lead financial accounting, reporting, and controllership functions across global operations. Reporting to the Chief Financial Officer, this senior leadership role manages a team of approximately 20 employees (including direct and indirect reports) and ensures financial reporting and operational activities comply with applicable accounting standards, legal requirements, and corporate policies.

This is a work-from-home position. The accounting function operates remotely, with most relevant interactions occurring on East Coast Time. Some travel is required for in-person meetings and site visits.

Responsibilities

People Leadership

• Lead, mentor, and develop the U.S. accounting team (approximately 20+ direct and indirect reports), fostering a culture of high performance, accountability, and collaboration.
• Collaborate with heads of finance and accounting teams in Canada and Norway to achieve Finance function objectives.
• Set clear goals and expectations, provide regular performance feedback, and support professional development.

Strategy & Finance Leadership

• Partner with the CFO and other senior leaders to drive financial strategy and business performance.
• Collaborate with the CFO on global banking relationships, investment strategies, and capital structure / debt management.
• Identify and mitigate financial risks related to foreign exchange, compliance, taxation, and other areas of global operations.
• Provide financial insights and analytics to support decision-making and business planning.
• Partner with FP&A and business/function leaders to develop and manage departmental budgets, forecasts, and financial plans.
• Provide financial and accounting expertise during mergers, acquisitions, and other strategic transactions.
• Support PE sponsor reporting requirements and contribute to exit-readiness initiatives.

Technical & Operational Accounting

• Develop and implement global accounting policies, procedures, and controls to ensure consistent financial reporting across regions.
• Ensure financial statements are prepared in accordance with applicable accounting standards and are accurate, complete, and timely.
• Lead monthly and annual close processes and manage internal and external reporting requirements, including lender and bank covenant compliance reporting.
• Oversee core accounting operations, including (but not limited to):
  • Revenue / collections
  • Procurement / payables
  • Inventory
  • Fixed assets
  • Cash management and banking
  • Tax compliance
  • Consolidations
  • Payroll
• Ensure compliance with financial regulations, tax laws, and corporate governance standards in all jurisdictions where the organization operates.
• Develop and manage internal controls to safeguard company assets and ensure financial data integrity.
• Ensure effective internal control systems are established and enforced across all global financial operations.
• Oversee global cash management, including liquidity, working capital, and cash flow; maintain commercial banking relationships.
• Streamline accounting processes, enhance reporting systems, and drive automation and adoption of emerging technologies to improve efficiency and scalability.
• Continuously evaluate and improve financial workflows to ensure cost-effective, efficient, and scalable operations.
• Lead implementation of new accounting systems and technologies to enhance reporting capabilities and overall financial management.
• Serve as primary point of contact for external auditors and manage the audit process across multiple jurisdictions.
• Oversee preparation and filing of tax returns and ensure compliance with local, national, and international tax laws.
• Work with tax advisors to optimize global tax strategies, including transfer pricing, tax audits, and reporting requirements.
• M&A responsibilities (buy-side and sell-side): oversee financial due diligence, manage data room preparation, support integration planning, and handle post-acquisition financial reporting and controls.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance.
• Professional certification such as CPA or equivalent is required.
• 15–20 years of experience in accounting and finance, including at least 8 years in a leadership or senior management position in global finance and accounting roles.
• Experience in life science (e.g., biopharma, tools, diagnostics), pharma services (e.g., CRO, CDMO), healthcare services and/or manufacturing industry environments is strongly preferred.
• Strong leadership and people management skills; ability to inspire and lead cross-functional teams.
• Proven track record managing global financial operations, including consolidations, financial reporting, and compliance.
• Expertise in financial reporting, compliance, internal controls, and accounting processes.
• Public company experience highly desirable, including experience designing, implementing, and executing internal controls under a SOX framework.
• In-depth knowledge of relevant accounting standards (IFRS, US GAAP) and financial regulations.
• Advanced knowledge of financial systems and ERP platforms (e.g., SAP, NetSuite, Coupa, ADP, FloQast, PowerBI, etc.).
• Exceptional analytical and problem-solving skills with extraordinary attention to detail and strong organizational skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills; ability to collaborate with accounting team members, senior leadership, auditors, external stakeholders, and Board of Directors.
• Appropriate work-from-home environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with public company reporting, disclosure, internal control, and legal requirements.

Compensation & Benefits

Benefits include:

• 401(k) retirement benefit program
• Medical
• Dental care
• Disability insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Extended health care
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision care

Location

Remote (preferably Massachusetts area). Most interactions occur on East Coast Time. Some travel is required for in-person meetings and site visits.