Controller

Position Overview We are seeking a highly strategic and operationally sophisticated Controller to architect and lead the next phase of the company’s financial infrastructure and accounting operations. This individual will serve as a key finance leader during a period of rapid growth, helping establish the rigor, scalability, and operational discipline required for a world-class organization. The ideal candidate is both visionary and execution-oriented: someone who embraces modern finance technologies, including AI-enabled workflows and automation, while maintaining uncompromising standards around accuracy, controls, and financial stewardship. This role requires a builder’s mindset, strong business judgment, and the ability to operate effectively in an evolving, high-growth environment. This leader will partner closely with executive leadership, external advisors, auditors, investors, and cross-functional teams to strengthen financial operations, improve organizational visibility, and help position the company for long-term strategic expansion. Key Responsibilities Strategic Accounting & Financial Leadership Lead all core accounting operations, including general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, treasury, and monthly close activities Oversee the preparation of timely, accurate, and decision-useful monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reporting Establish scalable accounting policies, governance frameworks, and internal control environments appropriate for a rapidly evolving organization Ensure compliance with GAAP and other applicable financial and regulatory standards Partner with external audit firms, tax advisors, banking institutions, and financial service providers to support the company’s evolving operational needs Drive continuous enhancement of financial reporting quality, operational transparency, and organizational accountability Oversee cash management, liquidity planning, and banking relationships Operational Scale & Systems Transformation Build and modernize financial infrastructure capable of supporting substantial organizational growth and increasing operational complexity Champion process automation and intelligent workflow design, leveraging emerging technologies and AI-enabled tools where appropriate to improve efficiency, scalability, and insight generation Evaluate, implement, and optimize financial systems, ERP platforms, and reporting technologies to strengthen operational performance Develop executive and board-level reporting frameworks, dashboards, and KPI visibility tools that support strategic decision-making Strengthen enterprise-wide financial processes to support future readiness, operational resilience, and scalable governance Cross-Functional & External Partnership Partner closely with executive leadership on forecasting, budgeting, strategic planning, and organizational prioritization Collaborate across Finance, Operations, HR, Legal, and scientific leadership to align financial processes with business objectives Support financing activities, investor diligence processes, and strategic transactions as needed Serve as a trusted advisor to functional leaders by providing actionable financial insights and operational guidance Build strong relationships with external stakeholders, including auditors, consultants, legal counsel, and institutional partners Team Development & Organizational Leadership Recruit, mentor, and develop a high-performing accounting and finance organization Foster a culture grounded in operational excellence, accountability, innovation, and continuous improvement Develop scalable organizational structures, workflows, and operating rhythms that evolve alongside company growth Elevate the finance function into a proactive strategic partner across the business Qualifications Required 10+ years of progressive accounting and finance leadership experience, including substantial experience within high-growth or rapidly scaling organizations Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related discipline; CPA Demonstrated success building and evolving financial infrastructure in dynamic, fast-paced environments Deep understanding of GAAP, financial reporting, internal controls, and accounting operations Experience leading audits, managing external accounting relationships, and navigating increasingly sophisticated operational requirements Strong systems orientation with experience implementing scalable processes and financial technologies Exceptional analytical, organizational, and communication skills Proven ability to influence cross-functional stakeholders and operate effectively in ambiguous, rapidly evolving environments Preferred Experience with NetSuite or other enterprise ERP platforms Familiarity with AI-enabled finance tools, workflow automation technologies, and modern financial systems architecture Experience supporting venture-backed, growth-stage, or technology-driven organizations Background within biotechnology, healthcare, diagnostics, life sciences, or adjacent innovation-focused industries preferred What Success Looks Like Financial operations scale seamlessly alongside organizational growth Reporting, controls, and operational processes provide leadership with high-confidence visibility and actionable insight The finance organization becomes increasingly predictive, technology-enabled, and strategically integrated across the business Systems, governance frameworks, and operational rigor mature proactively ahead of company complexity Leadership, investors, and external stakeholders develop strong confidence in the integrity and scalability of the company’s financial infrastructure Location Onsite, San Diego, CA Employment Type Full-Time Compensation The starting salary range for this position ($190,000.00 - $230,000.00) encompasses multiple job levels. Final compensation, including title and level, will be determined based on a candidate's qualifications, experience, and demonstrated skills throughout the hiring process. We are an equal opportunity employer. We thrive on diversity and collaboration. Compensation Range: $190K - $230K #J-18808-Ljbffr