Controller

Controller

Emeryville, California, United States; Hybrid (2-3 days on-site)

Profluent is an AI-first protein design company. Founded in 2022, we develop deep generative models to design and validate novel, functional proteins to revolutionize biomedicine. Based in Emeryville, CA, we are backed by leading investors including Altimeter Capital, Bezos Expeditions, Spark Capital, Insight Partners, Air Street Capital, AIX Ventures, and Convergent Ventures, and have raised over $150M to date.

Profluent is seeking a Controller to serve as the company's senior accounting leader and architect of its finance infrastructure at a pivotal stage of growth. This is a true builder role: you will own the full accounting function, from close and financial reporting to technical accounting, equity, treasury, and compliance. You'll also be designing the systems, controls, and processes required for a future public-company operating environment.

The right candidate brings accounting experience from a high-growth company (with exposure to CRO accruals, R&D program cost tracking, and ASC 718), hands-on NetSuite (or similar) implementation or migration experience, and the technical rigor to independently research and document complex GAAP positions. You are comfortable serving as the primary interface with external auditors, capable of building an internal control framework from the ground up, and ready to lead the company's transition off QuickBooks as we scale.

Responsibilities

• Serve as Profluent's in-house technical accounting authority; research and prepare position memos on complex transactions, new GAAP pronouncements, and company-specific accounting policy decisions
• Executes general ledger operations, leading monthly, quarterly, and annual financial close process to ensure accurate and timely US GAAP financial statements
• Drive R&D accounting across CRO and vendor accruals, prepaids, and program-level cost tracking, bringing structure and visibility to one of the company's largest spend categories
• Build and deliver financial reporting packages and board-level management decks; translate financial results and key metrics into clear narratives for executive leadership and the Board
• Own equity accounting and plan administration under ASC 718 (including stock-based compensation expense, 409A valuation support, cap table integrity, and related financial statement disclosures) in partnership with the equity platform (Carta or equivalent)
• Design, implement, and maintain an internal control framework scaled for a high-growth tech company, balancing rigor with operational practicality as the company grows
• Lead audit readiness and serve as the primary point of contact for external auditors; drive clean, timely delivery of annual financial statement audits
• Manage federal, state, and local tax compliance in coordination with external advisors; lead R&D tax credit studies and other R&D-related tax matters, including Section 174 capitalization considerations
• Establish, document, and maintain accounting infrastructure, policies and procedures that meet institutional standards and support rigorous audit and regulatory scrutiny
• Evaluate and implement finance technology, including procure-to-pay and close management tools, to reduce manual effort, improve auditability, and strengthen data integrity at scale
• Own cash management, banking relationships, and treasury operations, including cash forecasting and liquidity monitoring appropriate for a venture-backed company at Profluent's stage

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance, active CPA license
• 10+ years of progressive accounting experience, with at least 3 years in a Controller or senior accounting leadership role, preferably within a Big 4 or similar environment
• Prior experience in a pre-IPO or high-growth venture-backed company environment required (e.g., biotech, tech)
• Demonstrated experience with NetSuite, including implementation, migration, or optimization (experience migrating from QuickBooks or similar legacy system strongly preferred)
• Hands-on experience designing and maintaining internal control frameworks
• Strong command of U.S. GAAP; ability to independently research and document technical accounting positions
• Experience managing external financial audits and serving as primary point of contact for auditors

Preferences

• Experience with equity administration platforms (e.g., Carta) and ASC 718 accounting
• Familiarity with CRO accruals, R&D capitalization policy, R&D tax credits
• Experience with procure-to-pay platforms and ERP integrations (Coupa, Airbase, or similar)
• SOC 2 compliance experience

What We Offer

• High-growth opportunity with meaningful impact on the future of protein design
• Competitive compensation package with equity participation
• 401(k) with a strong employer match
• Comprehensive benefits including health/dental/vision insurance
• Generous PTO policy and commitment to work-life balance
• Professional development opportunities in a cutting-edge field at the intersection of AI and biology

Profluent Bio, Inc is an equal opportunity employer promoting diversity and inclusion in the workspace. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, marital status, age, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical conditions, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender (including gender identity and gender expression), sex (which includes pregnancy, childbirth, and breastfeeding), genetic information, taking or requesting statutorily protected leave, or any other basis protected by law.

Applicants must have ongoing work authorization in the United States that does not require employer sponsorship. Sponsorship will not be provided now or at any time in the future for this position.

Legal authorization to work in the United States is required. In compliance with federal law, all persons hired must verify their identity and work eligibility and complete the required employment verification form upon hire.

Hiring Salary Range $185,000 - $230,000 USD