Senior Director, Controller

BigHat Biosciences; San Mateo (CA); On-site; USD 240,000 - 301,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus

Stock options

Benefits

Job summary

BigHat Biosciences is seeking a senior Controller to build and lead the finance infrastructure as the company scales. You will own the full close process, GAAP reporting, equity, tax and compliance, plus design a robust SOX framework for a pre-IPO environment.

You’ll manage external audits, R&D accounting, and ERP systems while driving process improvements and AI-enabled finance tools. A CPA with 10+ years in accounting and 3+ in biotech is preferred.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of accounting experience with 3+ years in a public biotech company.
• Experience as Controller or Assistant Controller in a venture-backed biotech or life sciences company.
• Strong command of US GAAP and technical accounting standards.
• Public company reporting experience; prepared/reviewed Forms 10-Q/10-K.

Responsibilities

• Research complex transactions and GAAP positions; prepare memos thoughtfully.
• Lead general ledger close and US GAAP financial statements.
• Oversee R&D accounting, CRO/vendor accruals and cost tracking.
• Prepare management decks and board materials with clear narratives.
• Design and maintain a SOX/ICFR internal control framework.
• Lead audit readiness and external audits.
• Manage tax compliance with external advisors; oversee R&D tax studies.
• Evaluate AI-enabled finance tools to improve data integrity.
• Own payroll, equity accounting, and ASC 718 disclosures.
• Oversee NetSuite ERP implementation and controls.

Skills

US GAAP

Technical accounting

SOX/ICFR

NetSuite

Public company reporting

Team leadership

Communication

Vendor management

Project management

AI in finance

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s in Finance/Accounting/Business

Active CPA license

Tools

NetSuite

Job description

Description

BigHat Biosciences is seeking a detail-driven, proactive, and analytical Controller to serve as BigHat’s senior accounting leader and architect of its finance infrastructure at a pivotal stage of growth. This role is for someone who enjoys solving complex accounting challenges, focuses on continuous process improvements, thrives in a fast-paced environment, and is a true builder. You will open the full accounting function, from close and financial reporting to technical accounting, equity, tax and compliance. You’ll also be designing and/or improving the systems, controls, and processes required for a future public-company operating environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as BigHat's in-house technical accounting authority; research and prepare position memos on complex transactions, new GAAP pronouncements, and company-specific accounting policy decisions, analyzing and communicating risks and benefits effectively.
• Executes general ledger operations, leading financial close process to ensure accurate and timely US GAAP financial statements.
• Drive R&D accounting across CRO and vendor accruals, prepaids, and program-level cost tracking, bringing structure and visibility to one of the company's largest spend categories.
• Build and deliver financial reporting packages and board-level management decks; translate financial results and key metrics into clear narratives for executive leadership and the Board.
• Design, implement, and maintain a SOX compliance internal control framework scaled for a high-growth company, balancing rigor with operational practicality as the company grows.
• Lead audit readiness; drive clean, timely delivery of annual financial statement audits in accordance with GAAP.
• Manage federal, state, and local tax compliance in coordination with external advisors; lead R&D tax credit studies and other R&D-related tax matters.
• Evaluate and implement AI-enabled tools and finance technology, including procure-to-pay and close management tools, to reduce manual effort, improve auditability, and strengthen data integrity at scale.
• Own payroll administration and equity accounting and plan administration under ASC 718 (including stock-based compensation expense, 409A valuation support, cap table integrity, and related financial statement disclosures).
• Own NetSuite ERP implementation including processes and controls while maintaining segregation of duties.
• Bachelor's or Master's in Finance, Accounting or Business preferred. Active CPA license.
• 10+ years of professional experience in accounting, including 3+ years of experience in a public biotech company.
• Prior Controller or Assistant Controller experience at a venture-backed biotech or life sciences company strongly preferred.
• Strong command of US GAAP and technical accounting standards.
• Hands-on public company reporting experience; have personally prepared or reviewed Forms 10-Q and 10-K at a public company.
• Experience with CRO/CDMO contract accounting and accrual estimation.
• Hands-on experience with NetSuite or a comparable ERP, including comfort operating through a system migration.
• Familiarity with SOX/ICFR build-out in a pre-IPO environment.
• A track record of embedding AI tools to accounting and finance workflows.
• Experience managing and transitioning outsourced accounting or consultant relationships in-house.
• Demonstrated success in building and managing teams to achieve financial and business goals.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to convey complex information to diverse audiences.
• Comfort with uncertainty and demonstrated ability to exercise sound judgment under tight timelines and independently determine appropriate action where precedent may not exist.
• Detail-oriented and results-driven with bias for action and sense of urgency.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with high expectations and ability to effectively manage multiple competing priorities effectively.
• Strong project management skills and experience managing multiple vendors and external partners.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills to influence, collaborate, resolve conflicts, and build consensus with diverse stakeholders.

Total Rewards

The salary estimated for this position is $240,000 - $301,000 + bonus + options + benefits. Compensation will vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. Actual compensation will be confirmed in writing at the time of the offer.