Controller

About The Job

Quetzal Therapeutics is a biopharmaceutical company focused on the development of treatment for rare diseases including hematologic malignancies. The company's lead product is QTX-2101, a novel paradigm for treating patients with Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia (APL) for which the company initiated a Phase III clinical trial in December 2025. Quetzal is also developing a pre-clinical asset QTX-2102, an advanced, next-generation antifungal and antiparasitic therapy designed to enhance efficacy while minimizing toxicity. Our mission is to push the boundaries of treatment possibilities, delivering hope and life-changing solutions to those who need them most.

About The Role

Reporting to the VP of Finance, the Controller will own Quetzal's accounting, financial reporting, month-end closing, and treasury operations while helping develop the systems, controls, and processes needed for a growing biotechnology company. You will operate at the intersection of execution and strategy: managing the details of the monthly close, overseeing external accounting and finance partners, strengthening internal controls, supporting clinical and R&D accounting, and providing leadership with reliable financial information for decision-making. Because Quetzal operates with a lean internal team and a network of specialized external partners, this role is particularly well suited for someone who enjoys building, improving, and owning rather than simply maintaining an established accounting organization.

This is a remote position with the possibility of being hybrid. We welcome qualified candidates across the United States with a preference for candidates located in Chicago, Illinois or New Jersey.

Why Join Us

This is an opportunity to play a visible, hands-on role in shaping our accounting team and strengthening our company's financial processes. You will partner with leadership and help build a team grounded in compliance, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

What You'll Do

Accounting & Financial Reporting

• Own the monthly close process in NetSuite, including review of journal entries, account reconciliations, supporting schedules, and timely, accurate financial statements.
• Maintain strong accounting practices and ensure financial reporting is consistent with U.S. GAAP.
• Develop and maintain accounting policies, internal controls, and process documentation appropriate for a growing clinical-stage biotechnology organization.
• Continuously improve accounting processes, reporting standards, and financial infrastructure as the company evolves.

External Partner & Vendor Management

• Oversee outsourced bookkeeping and accounting service providers, reviewing work product for accuracy, completeness, and quality before it reaches company leadership.
• Serve as a primary Finance contact for external tax advisors, auditors, benefits administrators, payroll providers, and other finance-related partners.
• Establish clear expectations, monitor deliverables, and proactively resolve issues with external partners.

Treasury, AP & Cash Management

• Lead accounts payable and treasury operations, including invoice review and coding, payment approvals, payroll funding coordination, and banking relationships.
• Own cash forecasting and provide leadership with regular visibility into upcoming obligations, significant expenditures, and near-term cash requirements.
• Help strengthen controls and processes surrounding purchasing, payments, and cash management.

Clinical-Stage Biotech Accounting

• Partner with internal stakeholders and external providers to maintain accurate clinical trial and R&D expense accruals.
• Establish scalable accounting practices that support Quetzal's clinical development activities.
• Coordinate with external tax advisors on tax compliance, planning, filings, and R&D tax credit activities.

Audit, Reporting & Growth

• Support the annual audit process, including preparation of schedules, supporting documentation, and responses to auditor requests.
• Support potential capital-raising activities and investor and Board reporting through accurate, organized, decision-useful financial information.
• Establish financial benchmarks and reporting standards that provide leadership with increasingly strong visibility into company performance.

What You'll Bring

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
• 10+ years of progressive accounting and/or controllership experience.
• Previous experience in biotechnology, pharmaceutical, life sciences, or another R&D-intensive industry.
• Strong working knowledge of U.S. GAAP and experience preparing and reviewing financial statements.
• Demonstrated experience owning or significantly contributing to month-end close and financial reporting.
• Experience overseeing outsourced bookkeeping, accounting, or other finance-related service providers.
• Experience coordinating with external tax advisors and auditors.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple priorities independently.

Preferred Qualifications

• CPA strongly preferred.
• Experience supporting a clinical-stage organization, including clinical trial and R&D expense accruals.
• Experience with NetSuite or a comparable ERP/general ledger platform.
• Experience with AP/payment platforms (e.g., BILL.com), payroll systems (e.g., Rippling), and banking/treasury operations.
• Experience supporting R&D tax credit activities.
• Experience supporting financings, investor reporting, Board reporting, or financial due diligence.
• Experience helping build or strengthen accounting processes and internal controls within a growing organization.

Benefits & What We Offer

Quetzal Therapeutics offers eligible employees a competitive benefits package designed to support their health, wellbeing, and work-life balance. Our benefits include:

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Health and flexible spending account options
• Paid time off, sick leave, and company holidays
• Additional voluntary benefit options

Benefits and eligibility may vary based on employment status, location, and applicable plan terms and company policies.