Korn Ferry has been exclusively retained to lead the search for a Corporate Controller on behalf of a privately held, late-stage biopharmaceutical company. This is a 100% remote opportunity that may be based anywhere in the United States. The company is approaching a significant inflection point as it transitions from a clinical-stage organization into a fully commercial biopharmaceutical company. In anticipation of commercialization, leadership is continuing to build the financial, operational, and accounting infrastructure required to support product launch and the company’s next stage of growth. This is a foundational accounting leadership opportunity. The Corporate Controller will oversee the integrity of the company’s accounting operations, financial reporting, technical accounting, external audit coordination, and the development of scalable processes and controls. The opportunity is particularly well suited for a hands-on accounting leader who enjoys building and leading teams, remains close to the details, and can apply strong technical judgment as the company continues to grow. Key Areas of ImpactOwn the company’s accounting operations and lead the monthly, quarterly, and annual close processes, ensuring accurate and timely financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP.Oversee the general ledger, chart of accounts, account reconciliations, accounts payable, post-launch accounts receivable through the company’s third-party distribution model, payroll accounting, treasury, and cash-management activities. Prepare financial statements, supporting schedules, management reports, and other financial information for senior leadership, the board, investors, and external stakeholders. Assume immediate leadership of a five-person outsourced accounting team and develop a thoughtful, scalable plan for which accounting activities should remain outsourced and which capabilities should ultimately be brought in-house. Serve as the primary accounting contact for the company’s external audit firm and manage the annual audit process from planning through completion, including supporting schedules, audit requests, technical accounting analyses, and management responses. Establish the accounting infrastructure required to support commercial launch, including revenue recognition, inventory accounting, cost of goods sold, customer and distributor reconciliations, and appropriate period-end cutoff procedures. Manage technical accounting matters relevant to a late-stage and commercial biopharmaceutical organization, including revenue recognition, inventory, stock-based compensation, clinical development costs, lease accounting, and other significant or judgmental transactions. Maintain clear accounting policies and technical accounting memoranda that support the company’s financial statements, external audit, and significant accounting conclusions. Design and maintain an internal control environment appropriate for a private, commercial-stage biopharmaceutical company, balancing financial rigor with the company’s size and operating model. Develop practical SOX-readiness processes and documentation that support future strategic alternatives and investor requirements. Own equity accounting and support administration of the company’s long-term incentive programs, including stock-based compensation under ASC 718, valuation support, cap-table integrity, and related financial-statement disclosures. Oversee federal, state, and other applicable tax-compliance requirements in partnership with external tax advisors. Improve the efficiency, documentation, and predictability of the close and financial-reporting processes while preparing the accounting function for increased transaction volume following commercial launch. Serve as the senior relationship owner for the company’s outsourced accounting resources, establishing clear responsibilities, review standards, accountability, and service expectations. Partner closely with senior leadership and cross-functional stakeholders, translating technical accounting requirements into clear and practical business processes.
Qualifications:
8-12+ years of progressive accounting experience, combining a strong technical accounting foundation with accounting leadership experience in the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, medical-device, or broader life-sciences sector. Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field. Active CPA license is strongly preferred. Public accounting experience is preferred. Strong knowledge of U.S. GAAP and demonstrated experience researching, documenting, and communicating technical accounting conclusions. Direct experience with product revenue recognition, inventory accounting, cost of goods sold, third-party distribution, contract manufacturing, or related commercial-accounting processes is highly valued. Experience leading external audits and preparing or reviewing monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements and supporting schedules. Demonstrated experience building or improving accounting processes, internal controls, reporting infrastructure, and close procedures within a private, growth-stage, or similarly lean organization. Strong communication skills and the executive presence to interact credibly with senior leadership, board members, investors, auditors, advisors, and cross-functional business partners. A high degree of initiative, sound judgment, intellectual curiosity, and comfort operating in an entrepreneurial environment where processes and organizational structures continue to evolve. The company offers a competitive compensation package, including meaningful participation in a distinctive long-term incentive program designed to align employees with the company’s growth and future value creation.
Compensation: $200k – $225k + 25% Bonus + LTI SE # 510822358
