Controller

About the Company

Our client empowers clinical trial sponsors with real-time, momentary patient insights through mobile technology and a cloud-based analytics platform. As the company continues to grow, they're looking for a Controller (or VP, Finance, for a more senior candidate) to own the accounting function and build the financial infrastructure, processes, and controls that will scale with the business. This role has also grown in scope to include oversight of HR/benefits administration and legal, making it a broader operational leadership role than a traditional Controller position.

About the Role

This role will serve as the primary owner of accounting and financial operations for the organization, overseeing the general ledger, month-end and year-end close, financial reporting, and internal controls. This person will partner closely with the CEO on budgeting, forecasting, and cash management, and will play a key role in building scalable financial processes and systems as the company grows. In addition, this role will oversee HR/benefits administration and legal matters for the company, supported by an incoming Director of Internal Operations (assisting with AP/AR and HR) and existing outside consultants and attorneys on staff/retainer. This is an ideal role for a hands-on finance leader who is comfortable operating independently, managing a broader operational scope beyond pure accounting, and serving as a trusted, senior partner to the CEO in a fully remote organization.

Responsibilities

• Own the monthly, quarterly, and annual close process, ensuring accurate and timely financial statements in accordance with GAAP.
• Manage the general ledger, chart of accounts, and all core accounting functions, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, and payroll coordination.
• Develop and maintain internal controls, accounting policies, and procedures appropriate for a growing, remote organization.
• Partner with the CEO on budgeting, forecasting, cash flow management, and financial planning to support company growth.
• Prepare financial reporting and analysis for leadership, investors, and the board as needed.
• Oversee HR and benefits administration for the company, partnering with the incoming Director of Internal Operations on day-to-day execution.
• Oversee legal matters for the company, partnering with outside consultants and attorneys on staff/retainer as needed.
• Manage relationships with external accountants, auditors, tax preparers, banking partners, and legal counsel.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local tax and regulatory filing requirements.
• Evaluate, implement, and optimize accounting and operational systems and tools to support scalability.
• Support ad hoc financial analysis and special projects as the company evolves.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field; CPA strongly preferred.
• 7+ years of progressive accounting experience, including prior experience as a Controller or senior accounting leader at a small company or startup; candidates with broader operational leadership experience (HR, legal oversight) encouraged to apply, and may be considered at the VP level.
• Strong working knowledge of GAAP, financial reporting, and internal controls.
• Experience building or scaling accounting processes and systems with limited existing infrastructure.
• Comfort overseeing functions outside of core accounting, such as HR/benefits and legal, in partnership with internal staff and outside resources.
• Proficiency with accounting software and financial systems (e.g., QuickBooks, NetSuite, or similar); experience implementing or migrating systems is a plus.
• Strong judgment, discretion, and communication skills, with the ability to build trust across a fully remote organization.
• Life sciences, healthcare technology, or clinical research industry experience is highly desired.

Required Skills

• Strong working knowledge of GAAP, financial reporting, and internal controls.
• Experience building or scaling accounting processes and systems with limited existing infrastructure.
• Comfort overseeing functions outside of core accounting, such as HR/benefits and legal, in partnership with internal staff and outside resources.
• Proficiency with accounting software and financial systems (e.g., QuickBooks, NetSuite, or similar).
• Strong judgment, discretion, and communication skills, with the ability to build trust across a fully remote organization.

Preferred Skills

• CPA strongly preferred.
• Experience implementing or migrating systems.
• Life sciences, healthcare technology, or clinical research industry experience.