Pathway to CFO - Corporate Controller role reporting to CEO

We are engaged with an innovative biology startup to help them hire an experienced and knowledgeable corporate controller to lead accounting operations and strategic initiatives.

The right person might be near San Francisco, or they might be near Raleigh, NC. This person will be part of a global team and will own finance/accounting for the company. Public Accounting experience and a CPA is required.

Responsibilities include:

• Ensuring effective internal controls, including compliance with GAAP, applicable federal, state, and local regulatory laws, and rules for financial and tax reporting
• Provide leadership in the development and improvement of internal controls, accounting policies, and infrastructure to support business scale and growth
• Provide executive management with advice on the financial implications of business activities
• Responsible for the company’s monthly, quarterly, and year-end close process
• Provide advice on the impact of long-range planning, the introduction of new programs/strategies, and financial regulatory action
• Maintains and enforces a documented system of accounting policies and procedures
• Assists with processes for financial forecasting and budgeting
• Lead process and strategy for securing a third-party accounting firm to conduct auditing
• Plan and manage annual financial statement audits with external auditors
• Oversee payroll processing and related tax filings
• Partner with HR in 401k administration and compliance testing
• Establish strong relationships cross-functionally and be the accounting expert for the company
• Own the accounting functions of the company, including the design of an organizational structure adequate for achieving the department’s goals and objectives

Experience / Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree (accounting, finance, or related field) with a minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible experience in a similar role
• Proficient in enterprise resource planning systems (Acumatica, NetSuite, SAP, or other). May be instrumental in the selection process.
• Strong technical accounting and financial knowledge, including US GAAP reporting requirements
• CPA or CMA designation and public accounting experience
• Experience in life sciences and biotechnology sectors
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, and strong leadership and management skills with the ability to drive accountability across the company

More importantly, we're looking for a creative and agile individual that can manage changing priorities and deadlines.