Senior Director/VP Finance

The VP Finance/Controller will have day-to-day responsibility for the planning, implementation, and management of all accounting-related activities of the company. This will include direct responsibility for accounting, financial reporting, financial systems, internal controls, taxes, audits, payroll, and SOX compliance.  The VP Finance/Controller will be accountable for the completeness and accuracy of all finance and accounting-related functions including financial statements and reported financial results in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. Working closely with the CEO, the ideal candidate will have the experience and hunger to prepare the company for IPO readiness and build out the finance/accounting function. 

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

• Reporting to the CEO and working closely with the senior management team, you will be responsible for building, developing, and leading a successful finance function in a fast-paced pre-IPO start-up.
• A strategic thinker with the ability to partner and build trust across all levels of the organization
• A detail-oriented, approachable leader who possesses unassailable financial integrity
• A goal-oriented team player who thrives on strong performance and results
• Creative and flexible with the ability to manage changing priorities and deadlines
• A strong leader and manager with the ability to drive accountability across the company
• Highly organized, with strong time management and planning skills
• An effective communicator with excellent verbal and written communication skills
• A highly collaborative teammate who thrives in a scientifically diverse, fast-paced, team-oriented, start-up environment
• A driven and conscientious leader with strong business acumen

WHAT YOU’LL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR

• Ensure that effective internal controls are in place 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
• Responsible for the company’s monthly, quarterly, and year-end close process
• Advise on the impact of long-range planning, the introduction of new programs/strategies, and financial regulatory action
• Maintain and enforce a documented system of accounting policies and procedures
• Assist with processes for financial forecasting and budgeting
• Plan and manage annual financial statement audits with external auditors
• Oversee payroll processing and related tax filings
• Prepare the company for IPO
• Establish strong relationships cross-functionally and be the accounting expert for the company
• Manage and mentor an accounting team
• Perform all duties in keeping with the Company’s core values, policies and all applicable regulations.

WHAT YOU’LL BRING TO THE TEAM

• People-first approach. You take pride in the way you collaborate and partner with people across the business
• You embrace and embody our culture, people, and vibe
• Strategic mindset and ability to see the bigger picture
• Thirst for overachieving. You don’t just meet goals, you set standards
• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or related field
• 10 years of progressively responsible experience in a similar role
• Experience in a small publicly traded pre-commercial organization
• Experience in biotech, pharmaceutical or medical device industry
• Experience preparing and leading (in close collaboration with CFO) an initial public offering
• Experience with at least one financing event (working through a venture backed led investment)
• Proficient in enterprise resource planning systems
• Strong technical accounting and financial knowledge, including US GAAP reporting requirements
• Ability to work in our Bay Area location (San Mateo, CA.)
• CPA with public accounting experience strongly preferred

WHAT YOU’LL GET AS PART OF OUR TEAM

• A collaborative and positive culture  
• Limitless growth and learning opportunities
• Commitment to talent and leadership development
  • All Belharrans gain access to the SkillCycle platform and receive the opportunity to work 1:1 with a coach to support their growth and development
• A chance to make a lasting impact on drug discovery and human health
• Competitive compensation and company ownership
• Excellent Medical, Dental and Vision coverage from a broad choice of providers and plans 
  • 100% of premium coverage for employees; up to 95% of premium coverage for eligible dependents
• 401(k) program with a company sponsored contribution
• “Take what you need” vacation and sick time off policy
• 10 annual paid company holidays, plus the last week of December
• A new office and lab space in San Diego with flexibility and autonomy to do your work how and where you need