Assistant Controller — IPO-Readiness & Growth Finance

Korn Ferry Group; Durham (NC); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Confidential Opportunity in the Life Sciences sector seeks an experienced Assistant Controller to lead day-to-day accounting, financial reporting, internal controls, budgeting, forecasting, cash management, and overall financial operations in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina. The role reports to the CFO and demands hands-on leadership in a venture-backed environment.

The ideal candidate will have deep technical accounting expertise, public company reporting experience, and a proven ability

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
• Active CPA certification.
• Approximately 10+ years of progressive accounting and finance experience, including controllership or senior accounting leadership responsibilities.
• Strong understanding of U.S. GAAP and technical accounting principles.
• Demonstrated ownership of financial close, reporting, audits, and internal controls.
• Experience with budgeting, forecasting, cash management, and financial analysis.
• Ability to operate independently in a hands-on, fast-paced environment.
• Strong communication, analytical, and organizational skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead monthly, quarterly, and annual financial close processes, ensuring accurate and timely financial statements.
• Oversee general ledger activities, reconciliations, accruals, and supporting financial schedules.
• Prepare and review financial statements, management reporting, and Board-level financial materials.
• Establish and maintain accounting policies in accordance with U.S. GAAP.
• Support readiness for a potential future IPO, including preparation for public company accounting and reporting requirements.
• Assume primary responsibility for SEC reporting, including Forms 10-K and 10-Q, following a public offering.
• Oversee technical accounting matters, including revenue recognition, leases, stock-based compensation, fixed assets, and other complex transactions.
• Develop, implement, and maintain effective internal controls, accounting policies, and financial procedures.
• Lead annual audits and serve as the primary contact for external auditors and financial advisors.
• Oversee applicable federal, state, and local tax compliance.
• Strengthen financial governance and support the development of public company ready controls and reporting processes.
• Ensure compliance with applicable investor, financing, and contractual reporting requirements.
• Lead annual budgeting and rolling forecasting processes.
• Partner with functional leadership to develop operating budgets and monitor financial performance.
• Prepare variance analyses and provide actionable insights into spending, operating performance, and resource allocation.
• Develop financial models to support strategic planning, operational decisions, and growth initiatives.
• Provide financial guidance to executive leadership on key business decisions.
• Oversee cash forecasting, treasury activities, banking relationships, and working capital management.
• Monitor cash utilization, liquidity, and future capital requirements.
• Support financing activities, investor diligence, and potential strategic transactions.
• Oversee accounts payable, purchasing processes, expense management, and payroll coordination.
• Evaluate and enhance accounting systems, reporting tools, and financial workflows to improve efficiency and scalability.
• Implement process improvements, automation, and standardized financial procedures.
• Manage relationships with external accounting, audit, tax, and payroll service providers.
• Build and develop the internal finance function as organizational needs evolve.
• Collaborate with cross-functional leadership across Operations, Human Resources, Legal, and other business functions.

Skills

CPA

U.S. GAAP

Financial closing

SEC reporting

Forecasting

Leadership

Cash management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field

Tools

ERP systems

Job description

Confidential Opportunity in the Life Sciences sector seeks an experienced Assistant Controller to lead day-to-day accounting, financial reporting, internal controls, budgeting, forecasting, cash management, and overall financial operations in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina. The role reports to the CFO and demands hands-on leadership in a venture-backed environment.

The ideal candidate will have deep technical accounting expertise, public company reporting experience, and a proven ability