CONTROLLER

About the role

Reports to: VP, Finance. Sutro Biopharma, Inc. is seeking a Controller to lead accounting operations, the financial close, and internal controls for a public, pre‑commercial biotechnology company. This hands‑on leadership role ensures reliable financial information and disciplined financial operations, with responsibility for Clinical/R&D accruals in partnership with operational teams.

Responsibilities

• Own the monthly, quarterly, and annual close, reconciliations, and internal management reporting; ensure accurate and complete accounting records in accordance with U.S. GAAP.
• Provide timely, accurate accounting data, reconciliations, and supporting schedules for SEC and other external reporting.
• Provide accounting data, reconciliations, schedules, and operational support for complex or non‑routine transactions, as needed.
• Oversee the accounting components of Clinical/R&D accruals, prepayments, commitments, and program‑level expenses, including review of estimates, journal entries, reconciliations, and true‑ups.
• Partner with Clinical Operations, Technical Operations, and FP&A to establish supportable accruals for contract research organizations, contract manufacturers, and investigator sites using contracts, operational progress, and vendor data.
• Provide operational accounting support for collaboration and license arrangements, including gathering and reconciling data related to milestone payments and cost‑sharing activities, as applicable.
• Lead SOX and internal control activities within accounting, including risk assessment, documentation, testing, and remediation, using a COSO‑based framework appropriate to the business.
• Support management assessments and external auditor attestation under SOX Section 404.
• Partner with IT and business process owners on access, segregation of duties, and related controls.
• Serve as the primary accounting contact for external auditors; coordinate audit and quarterly‑review support for accounting operations and SOX testing.
• Escalate significant accounting and control matters to the VP, Finance.
• Oversee General Ledger, Accounts Payable, disbursements, fixed assets, and expense processes.
• Maintain effective invoice‑processing, payment‑approval, and disbursement controls.
• Support income tax provision and compliance activities by providing accurate accounting records and schedules to the responsible internal teams and external advisors.
• Lead improvements to accounting systems, integrations, and data quality in partnership with IT.
• Streamline close, accrual, Accounts Payable, and internal reporting workflows through automation, including appropriate AI‑enabled tools with effective review and data protection controls.
• Lead, mentor, and develop the accounting team and manage accounting service providers.
• Establish clear accountability, cross‑training, and professional development opportunities.
• Partner with the VP, Finance, and FP&A to provide reliable actuals, accruals, and insights for budgeting, forecasting, cash planning, and liquidity assessments.
• Provide accounting analysis and due diligence support for financings, partnerships, and other corporate transactions.
• Communicate complex issues clearly and raise risks early with practical recommendations.