Controller

Cambrian Biopharma is a diversified R&D platform company built on a new model for drug discovery. We partner with leading academic institutions and biotech entrepreneurs all over the world to build start-up companies, providing capital and expertise to advance a pipeline of drug development programs with a shared theme.

Cambrian is unique among biotech companies due to our focus on a specific field of scientific research: the basic biology of aging, also known as geroscience. Drugs that target the Nine Hallmarks of Aging can be exceptionally powerful medicines that could extend the healthiest years of life. Our approach is to build a pipeline that cultivates multiple assets and takes a risk-based approach to drug development, maximizing the odds that Cambrian will create multiple life-changing therapeutics that receive regulatory approval.

Position Overview

Cambrian Biopharma is seeking an experienced Controller to be responsible for building out and leading many aspects of our critical financial function. This role will provide leadership and oversight for all accounting operations: financial close process and SEC filings, R&D accounting, cash and AR management, general ledger activities, technical accounting, payroll, SOX/internal controls, financial consolidations, and audit and tax oversight and support. Additionally, this role will be tasked with building financial best practices to be implemented across our portfolio of pipeline companies. The Controller will lead the accounting function and will require an experienced hands-on professional to implement processes and procedures to meet our fast-growing operation needs.

Responsibilities

• Manage specific projects and initiatives unique to a fast-growing biotechnology start-up, such as building strong internal controls, creating effective business processes and systems, and coordinating and oversee activities in accordance with established control
• Financial Close – lead all processes, prepare and analyze the financial statements, department reports and supporting calculations
• Primary responsibility for SEC reporting, including preparation of Forms 10-Q, 10-K, 8-K, proxy statement and related disclosures and MD&A, including XBRL compliance
• Oversee accuracy and completeness of all General Ledger activities - post monthly journal entries, perform or review account reconciliations, and variance analysis; maintain chart of accounts
• Oversee the management of leases, contracts, consulting agreements, venture debt financing arrangements and other financial commitments
• Lead technical accounting for revenue, stock compensation, and related areas
• Manage compliance with local, state, and federal government reporting requirements and tax filings
• Audit – lead the quarterly and annual SOX and financial statement audit, preparing schedules as requested by internal and external auditors, coordinating timing of year-end financial statement audit, and responding to auditor inquiries
• Responsible for all external reporting, tax return preparation and special tax analyses conducted by external advisors
• Supervise cash, A/R, A/P, payroll, fixed assets and accruals
• Manage R&D accounting including but not limited to consolidation of accounts, R&D fluctuation analysis by segments (e.g. subsidiaries, programs, phases, etc.), as well as R&D related general ledger account fluctuation analysis
• Oversee the accounting operations of subsidiary corporations, including but not limited to: build control systems, transaction-processing operations, and policies and procedures; work closely with subsidiary team on subsidiary clinical trial management, from contract/site budget preparation to payment of clinical invoices, to quarterly accounting accrual; and manage finance approval of clinical trial site budgets, with a focus on cost effective budgets that accommodate efficient accrual and payment processes
• License milestone accounting and tracking, including working with third-party specialists
• Lead Cambrian budgeting process with deep understanding of budgeting and the relationships between budget formulation, budget execution, and accounting.
• Manage financial communications with collaborators, including budgets, forecasts, and invoicing
• Participate in negotiations/diligence for various contracts, including leases, asset purchases, and collaborations
• Other duties as assigned

Requirements

• BA/BS degree and CPA or equivalent required; advanced degree preferred
• 8-10 years experience required with a minimum of 3+ years in biotech
• Big Four public accounting and SEC reporting experience preferred
• Proven biotech industry experience as Controller, Assistant Controller or similar role
• Experience managing relationships with external auditors
• Financial systems and process improvement experience
• Proven experience working in a team under pressure to meet deadlines
• Experience and familiarity with R&D accounting required
• Strong technical accounting and research skills - ability to research and conclude on complex accounting issues, including revenue recognition, stock-based compensation, contingencies and debt agreements and amendments with a thorough knowledge of U.S. GAAP, SOX, and SEC reporting standards
• Experience managing Gross-to-Net calculations and performing validation and recalculation of inputs and outputs; coordinate with external financial auditors in their GTN audit procedures and process preferred
• Strong leadership, problem-solving and interpersonal skills
• Effective communication skills with the ability to clearly and informatively communicate both verbally and in writing
• Expertise in spreadsheets, pivot tables and data analysis
• Oracle financials and PBCS experience preferred

Cambrian Offers

• Opportunities to shape new and exciting science and build teams that bring novel therapeutics to patients in need
• Exposure to the biotech company life cycle and industry
• A dynamic, mission-driven, and entrepreneurial company culture
• Access to our network of international decision-makers and investors
• Competitive salary + equity
• 12 company holidays and an unlimited PTO policy
• Multiple health, vision, and dental insurance plans to choose from, including no-monthly-premium options supporting individuals and families through Justworks
• Ancillary benefits, including pre-tax commuter benefits, access to a HealthAdvocate, a healthcare Flexible Spending Account (FSA), and a reimbursed One Medical membership

Cambrian Biopharma is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and affirmative action employer. We celebrate diversity and do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training