Controller

Are you ready to join Connecticut Innovation’s vibrant community of innovators? Connecticut Innovations (“CI”) is Connecticut’s strategic venture capital arm, and we are passionate about serving our portfolio of 220 companies across various industries, with strengths in life sciences, technology, and climate tech.

Come join First-in-Class Dermatology Drugs | Veradermics as Controller!

About Veradermics

Veradermics is a late clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company revolutionizing aesthetics and dermatology through innovation and dedication to patient-centered solutions. Our mission is to develop first-in-class treatments that address common dermatologic conditions and improve quality of life.

Fresh off a $75 million Series B financing, we are entering an exciting new chapter. This funding propels the development of our lead candidate, VDPHL01, a non-hormonal oral therapeutic for androgenetic alopecia (AGA) and patterned hair loss (PHL). With Phase 2 and Phase 3 trials now underway, Veradermics is advancing toward transformative solutions for patients and redefining the standard of care in dermatology. Learn more here.

In addition to VDPHL01, our pipeline is expanding to address widespread conditions like common warts and molluscum contagiosum. At Veradermics, we combine scientific rigor with a vision for impactful innovation to make a lasting difference in the lives of patients.

Controller | Job Description

We are seeking a hands-on and strategic Controller to join our growing finance team. Reporting directly to the CFO, this dual-role position involves executing day-to-day accounting operations while driving initiatives to prepare Veradermics for scalability under PCAOB standards and public company compliance requirements.

As the second member of the finance team, you will lead by example—balancing operational execution with strategic leadership to implement processes, systems, and controls that support our growth trajectory. This hybrid position requires 1–2 days per week in our New Haven, Connecticut office.

Oversee the Accounting Function:

• Own and directly manage all aspects of accounting operations, including general ledger management, financial reporting, and vendor coordination.
• Lead and execute monthly, quarterly, and annual close processes, targeting a close timeline of 7 days.
• Balance hands-on execution with strategic leadership to align processes with company growth objectives.
• Manage tax consulting subject matter experts in preparation of annual business tax filings, tax disclosures, and R&D tax credit calculations.

Financial Accuracy and Controls:

• Maintain strict adherence to existing accounting policies while identifying and implementing process improvements to enhance efficiency and accuracy.
• Establish and maintain robust internal controls, including flux analysis, account reconciliations, and journal entry reviews, to safeguard the company’s financial assets to ensure compliance with Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX).
• Partner with the CFO to prepare for future audits and milestone events.

R&D and Equity Accounting:

• Own R&D accrual processes, including the collection, review, and reporting of data from clinical operations and CRO vendors, ensuring precise accrual methodologies.
• Manage corporate accounting tasks, including equity administration, stock compensation accounting, and bonus accruals, ensuring all equity-related processes are accurate and audit-ready.

Vendor and ERP Management:

• Serve as the primary liaison with external accounting vendors, ensuring deliverables meet company standards and deadlines.
• Maintain and optimize the ERP system, ensuring it meets the company’s evolving needs and supports efficient reporting and compliance. Lead implementation of ancillary accounting and reporting systems as required (T&E, Equity, etc)

Strategic Scalability and Cross-Functional Collaboration:

• Implement processes, systems, and controls to support the company’s growth trajectory including SOX-compliance and PCAOB ready financial statement preparation.
• Work closely with clinical operations, legal, and other departments to ensure financial data accuracy and alignment across the organization.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or a related field. CPA preferred but not required.
• Track record of leading and managing an accounting function independently, including responsibility for financial close processes, reporting, and internal controls.
• Minimum of 8 years of progressive accounting experience, with expertise in financial reporting and controls at small companies.
• Experience managing biotech R&D accruals, especially clinical trial accruals with external clinical research organizations.
• Strong understanding of US GAAP and regulatory compliance; public company experience preferred.
• Proven track record of building and improving accounting processes and internal controls.
• Proficiency with ERP systems and financial software; experience optimizing systems preferred.
• Detail-oriented, highly organized, and adept at managing competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong leadership and communication skills, with the ability to work cross-functionally and influence stakeholders.

Location: New Haven, Connecticut - this is a hybrid role that requires 1-2 days per week in our New Haven office at The District (470 James Street, New Haven, CT 06513)

Salary and Benefits: Veradermics provides a comprehensive compensation package that includes a base salary, annual performance bonus eligibility, and access to the employee stock option plan. Robust benefits package, including health coverage, retirement benefit matching, dependent care FSA, and unlimited paid time off.

Equal Opportunity Employer: Veradermics is an equal opportunity employer. All employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, and business needs, without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or age.