(This is a hybrid, direct hire, full-time position located in Chicago IL)

About the Position

We are seeking a highly motivated and versatile Controller to join a biotech client's team. This individual should have demonstrated finance experience in a variety of finance functions within a biopharmaceutical company – preferably with experience supporting a start-up company’s successful transition from a private to public company and supporting the transition from early to late phase clinical programs. This individual should be strategic while also highly capable of performing and overseeing general accounting, vendor management, financial planning and analysis, treasury, risk management and compliance functions. Beyond the requirements listed below, the ideal candidate will thrive in a small team environment and possess the interpersonal skills and entrepreneurial attitude key to succeeding in a dynamic early-stage biotech.

Responsibilities:

As a key member for the finance organization, the role will:

• Manage the budget and forecast processes including the analysis, preparation, and communication of financial results to the leadership team.

• Forecast cash flows, arrange funds, invest funds, ensure that sufficient liquidity and finances are available for smooth operations and day-to-day activity.

• Perform or coordinate with external firms to accomplish all accounting and related regulatory activities, including hands on responsibility for technical accounting, audit, tax, management reporting, treasury operations, company registrations and insurance.

• Collaborate closely across various functions and teams to identify and deliver actionable insights and strategies that help anticipate challenges and opportunities, drive performance, maintain fit-for-purpose processes, reporting and compliance as the business evolves, and advance enterprise initiatives to scale business processes.

• Leads audit process, including interfacing with external auditors, to ensure a timely, transparent and complete audit outcome.

• Assess company's financial records to discover cost saving methods and minimize risk.

• Maintain strong internal controls to safeguard company assets and to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements. Create and strengthen internal policy as needed.

• Stay updated on relevant accounting standards and regulatory changes impacting the biotech industry.

• Maintain effective relationships with credit rating agencies, bankers, and lenders, manages investments and debt, and assists executive team in making the finance-related decision to the organization.

• Strengthen the decision-making abilities of the CEO, CBO/CFO, and other executives by providing important data about the company’s financial assets and cash flow.

• Ensures IPO readiness by working closely with external auditors and legal team to prepare financial documentation and disclosures in compliance with SEC regulations and GAAP standards for the IPO and support due diligence efforts and interface with external stakeholders, including underwriters and legal counsel.

Education, Skills and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, or Finance; CPA certification preferred.

• Extensive experience (10 years) in financial management, accounting, or auditing roles, demonstrating strong technical, analytical and planning skills with a minimum of 3 years in a leadership capacity.

• Strong analytical and financial skills to anticipate, evaluate and address a broad range of financial questions.

• Experience supporting a start-up biopharmaceutical company’s successful IPO process.

• The ideal candidate will be an excellent communicator with the ability to simplify complexity, maintain strong attention to detail, influence decision-making across a matrixed organization, and foster effective relationships with external parties.

• Flexibility and willingness to take on new responsibilities and assist with various ad-hoc projects as needed.

• Hybrid work location preferred.

Pay Range: $250k-275k 30% *salary dependent on experience

Hybrid/Onsite: 2-3 days/week onsite

Our client cannot accept any C2/candidates who requires sponsorship now or at any point in the future (this includes OPT and H1B)