Controller

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Lead monthly, quarterly, and year-end close processes, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and compliance with US GAAP.
• Oversee preparation of financial statements, variance analysis, and reporting packages for senior leadership and Executives.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory and audit requirements.
• Manage revenue recognition for CDMO contracts, including service (milestone) payments, progress billing, and long-term manufacturing/service agreements.
• Partner with BD and Program Management teams to review client contracts, ensuring financial terms are accurately captured and reported.
• Monitor deferred revenue, WIP (work-in-progress), and ensure accurate reporting of client-related costs.
• Oversee cost accounting for GMP and non-GMP operations, including material consumption, batch costing, and variance analysis.
• Work closely with Manufacturing, Supply Chain, and Program Management to track project margins and provide insights into profitability.
• Lead budgeting and forecasting processes, aligning financial plans with business goals.
• Establish and maintain strong internal controls, policies, and procedures across accounting and finance functions.
• Oversee payroll, accounts payable/receivable, fixed assets, and treasury management.
• Lead and mentor the accounting team, fostering a culture of accuracy, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Drive system enhancements (ERP/QAD or equivalent) to streamline reporting, PO tracking, and integration with project management tools.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with BD, PM, HR, SC, IT, and Operations to ensure financial clarity and alignment.
• Collaborate with the parent company’s accounting team to fulfill reporting requirements and provide requested financial information.
• Coordinate with external accounting firms to manage annual financial statement and tax audits, ensuring timely preparation, accuracy, and compliance with all regulatory requirements.
• Work closely with CFO to oversee daily financial operations and ensure accurate reporting, while also partnering on long-term financial planning, budgeting, and strategic initiatives to support the company’s growth and objectives.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or related field; CPA strongly preferred.
• 10+ years of progressive accounting/finance experience, with at least 5 years in biotech, pharma, or CDMO preferred.
• Deep knowledge of US GAAP, revenue recognition, and cost accounting principles.
• Hands-on experience with milestone accounting, project-based financials, and contract review.
• ERP systems experience (QAD, SAP, NetSuite, or equivalent).
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills with the ability to present to executives and external stakeholders.
• Proven ability to thrive in a high-growth, fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency with Excel, especially large data sets (Pivot tables, V-lookups, Index-match) is preferred.
• Knowledge of finance, accounting, budgeting, and cost control procedures.
• Experience in pharmaceutical or biotech industries is a plus.