Senior Director, Assistant Corporate Controller

City Therapeutics; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 250,000 - 285,000; Full time

Job summary

City Therapeutics in Cambridge, MA is seeking a Senior Director, Assistant Corporate Controller to lead accounting operations, ensure timely U.S. GAAP reporting, and strengthen internal controls across the finance function, including payroll, AP, and equity administration.

The ideal candidate has a CPA with 10+ years of experience in biotechnology or life sciences, public company exposure, NetSuite ERP expertise, and proven ability to scale systems while guiding a growing accounting team.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance required.
• CPA certification and 10+ years of experience in public accounting and biotechnology finance preferred.
• Public company/NAS experience with SEC filings (10-K, 10-Q, DEF 14A) expected.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day accounting operations including payroll, AP, cash, and equity administration.
• Deliver timely U.S. GAAP-compliant financial reporting through close processes.
• Lead technical accounting for leases, stock-based compensation, and BD agreements; ensure SOX compliance.

Skills

Leadership

Executive presence

Attention to detail

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in accounting or finance

CPA certification

Tools

NetSuite

SEC reporting tools

Job description

Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States

Company Overview

City Therapeutics is 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 Senior Director, Assistant Corporate Controller will report to the Vice President Finance and play a key leadership role in overseeing the Company's accounting operations, financial reporting, and internal controls environment. This individual will be responsible for ensuring accurate and timely financial reporting, maintaining compliance with U.S. GAAP and SEC requirements. Candidates should possess public company experience and the ability to transition systems and processes to support City’s growth.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Reporting and SEC Compliance

• Lead all day-to-day accounting operations, including payroll, accounts payable, cash, and equity administration.
• Deliver accurate, timely, and U.S. GAAP-compliant financial reporting by executing the end-to-end monthly, quarterly, and annual close processes.
• Oversee and own clinical and R&D accruals to ensure audit-ready estimates, alongside leases, fixed assets, and stock-based compensation.
• Coordinate the income tax provision and compliance activities with external advisors, and maintain appropriate support for tax, statutory, and other regulatory requirements.
• Develop and mentor members of the accounting team, fostering a culture consistent with City’s core values.
• Lead the continuous optimization and scaling of financial systems (e.g., NetSuite), ensuring robust automated workflows, segregation of duties, and configuration controls.

Technical Accounting and SEC Reporting

• Serve as primary resource for technical accounting guidance, including leases and stock-based compensation.
• Oversee the technical evaluation and operational accounting for complex business development arrangements, licensing agreements, and co-development partnerships.
• Establish and maintain accounting policies, procedures, and documentation, and ensure that technical conclusions are consistently implemented in the close.
• Preparation and review of SEC filings (e.g. 10-K, 10-Q, DEF 14-A), ensuring accuracy, completeness, and compliance with disclosure requirements.
• Own the review and accuracy of XBRL data tagging and selections for all applicable SEC filings.

Annual Audit, Internal Controls & SOX Compliance

• Serve as liaison with external auditors, coordinating audit timelines and managing deliverables.
• Design, document, and maintain internal controls over financial reporting, including process narratives, control matrices, evidence standards, and SOX testing support to ensure compliance with SOX 404. Partner with IT and system owners to establish and maintain strong IT general controls, system interface monitors, and security access reviews across financial platforms.

Qualifications

• Education: A bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance
• Experience: CPA required with 10+ years of experience, including a mix of public accounting experience, ideally with a Big Four or national firm, followed by accounting leadership in biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, or life sciences.
• IPO / Public Company Exposure: Experience navigating and operating within a recently publicly listed life sciences environment.
• Systems: Experience with NetSuite or a comparable ERP, and familiarity with close-management, equity-administration, and SEC-reporting tools.
• Leadership: Prior management experience with demonstrated ability to lead and develop accounting professionals
• Attributes: Exceptional executive presence with the ability to clearly explain complex financial outcomes to non-financial scientific leaders. High attention to detail while managing multiple projects. Ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment.

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 $250,000 to $285,000.

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 onsite at our Kendall Square offices five days per week. This choice reflects our belief that great science and cultures run on connection, fairness, and growth.

• Connection: Face time matters. Building an enduring biotech company is about people, science, and strategy. Working side by side sharpens ideas, accelerates feedback, and fuels innovation for patients.
• Fairness: One model for all. Every voice counts, and fairness depends on shared experience. We hold ourselves to one standard across all levels and functions.
• Growth: Learning moves faster in person. Growth comes from conversation, observation, and mentorship. We believe in developing talent, and that happens best when we are together.
• We also know that life is not always predictable. When individual needs arise, we are flexible and supportive and work together to balance home life with life at City.
• We believe diverse teams drive better science. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and experiences who share our mission to bring transformative RNAi medicines to patients.

City Therapeutics is an Equal Opportunity and Affinitive Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.