VP, Controller

VP, Controller

Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States

VP Controller

Company Overview

City Therapeutics is a biopharmaceutical company leading the future of RNA interference (RNAi)-based medicine. Co-founded by pioneering industry executives and backed by premier investors, we are rapidly expanding our sustainable product engine, which includes our ongoing Phase 1 clinical trial for CITY-FXI (targeting thromboembolic diseases) and multiple programs advancing toward the clinic.

Position Summary

The VP Controller will lead all global accounting operations, financial reporting, and internal controls. This critical leadership role serves as the accounting architect for the company's potential transition from a private entity to a publicly traded organization. You will build a public-ready accounting team, implement SOX-compliant systems, and oversee the preparation of SEC filings. This position reports directly to the Chief Financial Officer.

Key Responsibilities

SEC Reporting & Financial Infrastructure

• Serve as the finance leader managing the technical accounting, financial data governance, and reporting capabilities required to support potential public company readiness.
• Partner with the company's current outsourced accounting firm to systematically transition historical data, complex policies, and day-to-day operations in-house.
• Implement and manage SEC reporting platforms (e.g., Workiva) and ensure the accuracy of all digital financial reporting, including detailed XBRL tagging.
• Establish and own the long-term corporate infrastructure, disclosure protocols, and system capabilities required to support potential future SEC reporting processes, including future Forms 10-K and 10-Q. Deliver accurate, GAAP-compliant quarterly, and annual financial statements.
• Act as internal interface for external auditors and legal advisors to manage complex compliance projects and technical audits.
• Present financial results and compliance updates to the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors.

Financial Operations and Internal Controls

• Recruit, build, and mentor a high-performing corporate accounting team to successfully build internal accounting capabilities.
• Take ownership of the company's internal control design, transforming existing processes into a sustainable, auditable environment aligned with SOX guidelines.
• Upgrade accounting systems and ERP infrastructure to support potential public company requirements.
• Implement stock administration systems to efficiently manage equity tracking, employee stock programs, and restricted stock unit vesting schedules.
• Oversee global corporate cash management, liquidity forecasting, and capital optimization strategies. Ensure that cash is managed consistently with the investment policy to safely manage, invest, and deploy cash.
• Oversee the external tax function, including the preparation and audit of quarterly and annual income tax provisions, the filing of federal and state returns, and the valuation and preservation of complex net operating loss carry forwards and R&D tax credits.
• Oversee accounts payable, accounts receivable, and payroll capabilities.

Financial Management and Business Partnering

• Partner with business colleagues including Clinical Operations, CMC, and Program Management to ensure accurate and timely accruals of expenses.
• Oversee collaboration accounting and revenue recognition for existing and future potential corporate partnerships.
• Manage capital expenditures, asset tracking, and lease accounting.
• Advise executive leadership on the financial and accounting impact of strategic business decisions.

Qualifications

• Education:
  
  Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance. Active CPA license is preferred.
• Experience:
  
  10+ years of progressive accounting experience, with at least 3 years in a corporate controller or VP role. Public accounting experience at a Big 4 is a plus.
• Industry: Proven experience in the biotechnology or pharmaceutical industry.
• Public Markets:
  Direct, hands-on experience taking a company through an IPO process and/or building the accounting function of a recently publicly listed company is a plus.
• Technical
  
  Skills:
  
  Expertise in US GAAP, SEC regulations, SOX compliance, and XBRL tagging.
• Systems:
  Advanced experience with life-science-optimized ERP systems (e.g., Net Suite).
• Attributes:
  Strong ethical baseline, exceptional communication skills, and ability to thrive in high-pressure timelines.

Compensation

The base salary range provided reflects our current estimate of what we anticipate paying for this position. Your actual base salary will be based on several factors, including job-related skills, experience, internal equity, relevant education or training, and market dynamics. In addition, you will be eligible for an annual bonus, equity compensation, and a competitive benefits package. Pay range is $270,000 to $325,000.

Our Working Model:
In Person, By Design

At City, we believe that science and culture thrive together, and that happens best in person. Our working model is clear: we work…