Fractional Controller / VP of Finance

Charles River CFO, Inc.; Oregon; Hybrid; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Part time

Job summary

Charles River CFO, Inc. is seeking a Fractional Controller / VP of Finance for its Life Sciences Practice. This remote, part-time leadership role involves owning accounting operations, guiding financial strategy, and supporting growth for client companies.

You will manage close processes, financial reporting, and key controls while collaborating with clients and the Practice Leader. Ideal candidates have extensive controller-level experience, CPA credential, and a client-facing mindset to

Qualifications

• Ten years of finance and accounting experience with controller-level responsibility.
• Experience with US GAAP and internal controls.
• Experience with payroll, tax filings, and regulatory filings.
• Experience in life sciences or with small businesses is a plus.
• Strong client service and ability to manage multiple priorities.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day accounting and finance operations including AP/AR and general ledger.
• Lead monthly, quarterly, and year-end closes with timely financial reporting.
• Supervise staff and contribute hands-on when needed.
• Support forecasting, planning, and growth strategies for clients.
• Coordinate audits and liaise with external auditors.
• Maintain accounting policies and internal controls.
• Ensure Form 1099, Delaware and state filings are handled.
• Manage payroll, expenses, and bill payments.
• Work with cloud-based client accounting platforms to improve processes.
• Track progress and report status to Practice Leader and clients.

Skills

Strategic finance guidance

Client-facing partnership

Accounting operations

Financial reporting

Communication

Problem-solving

Time management

Education

Bachelor's degree in accounting or finance

CPA designation

Tools

QuickBooks

NetSuite

ERP systems

Bill.com

Carta

ADP

Cloud-based tools

Job description

Fractional Controller / VP of FinanceCRCFO | Life Sciences Practice

Location: Greater Boston, Massachusetts

Work setting: Remote

Schedule: Fractional, variable hours up to 30 hours per week

Reports to: Practice Leader

Start date: Immediate

The Opportunity

CRCFO is seeking an experienced Controller / VP of Finance to join our Life Sciences Practice on a fractional basis. This is an opportunity for a finance leader who enjoys partnering with clients, taking ownership of accounting operations, and helping organizations navigate growth and change.

The ideal candidate is equally comfortable providing strategic financial guidance and rolling up their sleeves to complete the work. You'll oversee day-to-day accounting activities, manage financial close and audit processes, and support forecasting, reporting, and other client priorities.

This remote position requires candidates to be located in the Greater Boston area and available to work a variable schedule of up to 30 hours per week.

What You'll Do

• Oversee day-to-day accounting and finance operations, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, and general accounting.
• Lead and manage monthly, quarterly, and year-end close processes, ensuring accurate and timely financial reporting.
• Supervise and support accounting staff while taking hands-on responsibility for deliverables when needed.
• Assist clients with year-end forecasting, financial planning, and growth strategies.
• Coordinate audit and review activities, organize supporting documentation, and work with external auditors.
• Maintain and improve accounting policies, procedures, and internal controls.
• Apply U.S. GAAP to accounting and reporting matters, prepare technical accounting memoranda when needed, and recognize when additional technical guidance is required.
• Support applicable tax and regulatory filings, including Form 1099, Delaware filings, and state filings.
• Manage or support payroll, expense reimbursement, bill payment, and related systems.
• Work across client accounting platforms and cloud-based tools to improve processes and reporting.
• Track time accurately and communicate progress, priorities, and issues to the Practice Leader and clients.
• Provide responsive, professional client service and help resolve complex financial and operational challenges.

Depending on client needs and experience:

• Support SEC reporting, including Forms 10-K, 10-Q, S-1, and S-4.
• Coordinate filing schedules and work with external legal counsel and auditors throughout the reporting process.

What You Bring

• Bachelor's degree in accounting or finance.
• CPA designation required; an active license is not required.
• At least 10 years of finance and accounting experience, including responsibility for Controller-level work.
• Audit experience and an understanding of the differences between PCAOB and AICPA audits.
• Experience owning the work of a small business finance and accounting function.
• Strong understanding of U.S. GAAP, financial reporting, and internal control best practices.
• Working knowledge of Form 1099, Delaware, and state filing requirements.
• Experience with payroll, expense reimbursement, and bill payment systems.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and comfort learning new cloud-based technologies.
• Excellent communication, organization, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• A commitment to client service and the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Willingness to work a variable schedule and take on hands-on work at all levels to meet client needs.

Preferred Experience

• Finance or accounting experience in life sciences.
• Public company and SEC reporting experience.
• Experience with QuickBooks, NetSuite, or other ERP and accounting platforms.
• Familiarity with Bill.com, Carta, and ADP.
• Public accounting experience, including experience with a Big 5 or other large audit firm.