Controller

StevenDouglas; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

StevenDouglas is seeking a hands-on Corporate Controller to lead the company's accounting function in a fast-growing biotech environment in Houston. You will own the close, GAAP reporting, and financial integrity under US GAAP, partnering with the CFO and board.

This role requires an active CPA, Big Four background, 10+ years of experience, SEC reporting for public markets, NetSuite expertise, and a track record of building scalable controls and teams.

Qualifications

• Active CPA required.
• Big Four public accounting background.
• 10+ years of progressive accounting experience at Controller or Corporate Controller level.
• Experience with a publicly traded company and/or IPOs.
• Biotech or life sciences industry experience.
• SEC reporting expertise across 10-K, 10-Q, and 8-K filings.
• NetSuite proficiency and close-process improvements.
• Proven leadership of accounting teams.
• Excellent communication skills and executive presence.

Responsibilities

• Lead corporate accounting activities as the primary owner of the company's accounting function and financial reporting integrity.
• Own the monthly, quarterly, and annual close process end to end, ensuring deadlines are consistently met and results are accurate and reliable.
• Ensure timely and accurate preparation of GAAP financial statements, including balance sheet, income statement, and cash flow statement.
• Oversee general ledger accounting, accruals, fixed assets, prepaid expenses, payroll, equity accounting, cash management, and intercompany consolidations.
• Manage the annual audit and quarterly review process, serving as the primary point of contact for external auditors.
• Prepare and review technical accounting memos on complex or judgmental transactions, and draft and update accounting policies in accordance with U.S. GAAP.
• Coordinate end to end SEC reporting, including preparation and filing of Form 10-K, Form 10-Q, and Form 8-K, working closely with internal stakeholders, external auditors, and outside counsel.
• Design, implement, and maintain a scalable internal controls environment, including SOX readiness, to support the company's growth and public company obligations.
• Evaluate and improve accounting systems, close processes, and reporting tools, including ongoing optimization of NetSuite and related close management tools.
• Recruit, hire, mentor, and develop members of the accounting team, building organizational depth as the company scales.
• Establish clear roles, responsibilities, and workflows within the team to support efficient month end and year end close cycles.
• Partner with the CFO on budgeting, forecasting, and variance analysis to align actuals with forward looking projections.
• Collaborate cross functionally on matters involving equity compensation, contracts, and corporate governance.
• Support technical accounting and reporting considerations related to strategic finance initiatives, including capital raises, M&A activity, and other corporate transactions.
• Serve as a key liaison to the Audit Committee and Board of Directors, providing clear communication on accounting matters, technical positions, and financial results.
• Stay current on emerging accounting standards and regulatory changes, assessing potential impacts to the business.

Skills

Executive presence

Leadership

Communication

Education

CPA

Big Four background

Tools

NetSuite

Job description

Our client is a growing biotech and life sciences organization operating in a fast paced, highly regulated environment. As the company scales its finance function to meet the demands of the public markets, they are seeking a hands on accounting leader to build out a best in class corporate accounting organization. This is a key member of the finance leadership team, owning the close process, driving SEC reporting, and ensuring the integrity of the company's financial statements under U.S. GAAP.

Candidates should currently be located in the Houston area or be willing to relocate.

Responsibilities

• Lead all corporate accounting activities as the primary owner of the company's accounting function and financial reporting integrity
• Own the monthly, quarterly, and annual close process end to end, ensuring deadlines are consistently met and results are accurate and reliable
• Ensure timely and accurate preparation of GAAP financial statements, including balance sheet, income statement, and cash flow statement
• Oversee general ledger accounting, accruals, fixed assets, prepaid expenses, payroll, equity accounting, cash management, and intercompany consolidations
• Manage the annual audit and quarterly review process, serving as the primary point of contact for external auditors
• Prepare and review technical accounting memos on complex or judgmental transactions, and draft and update accounting policies in accordance with U.S. GAAP
• Coordinate end to end SEC reporting, including preparation and filing of Form 10-K, Form 10-Q, and Form 8-K, working closely with internal stakeholders, external auditors, and outside counsel
• Design, implement, and maintain a scalable internal controls environment, including SOX readiness, to support the company's growth and public company obligations
• Evaluate and improve accounting systems, close processes, and reporting tools, including ongoing optimization of NetSuite and related close management tools
• Recruit, hire, mentor, and develop members of the accounting team, building organizational depth as the company scales
• Establish clear roles, responsibilities, and workflows within the team to support efficient month end and year end close cycles
• Partner with the CFO on budgeting, forecasting, and variance analysis to align actuals with forward looking projections
• Collaborate cross functionally on matters involving equity compensation, contracts, and corporate governance
• Support technical accounting and reporting considerations related to strategic finance initiatives, including capital raises, M&A activity, and other corporate transactions
• Serve as a key liaison to the Audit Committee and Board of Directors, providing clear communication on accounting matters, technical positions, and financial results
• Stay current on emerging accounting standards and regulatory changes, assessing potential impacts to the business

Qualifications

• Active CPA required
• Big Four public accounting background
• 10+ years of progressive accounting experience, including Controller or Corporate Controller level experience
• Experience with a publicly traded company and/or a company that completed a public offering
• Biotech or life sciences industry experience
• SEC reporting expertise across 10-K, 10-Q, and 8-K filings
• NetSuite proficiency and experience improving accounting systems and close processes
• Proven experience leading and developing accounting teams
• Excellent communication skills and strong executive presence