VP, Controller

Citytherapeutics; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 270,000 - 325,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual bonus

Equity compensation

Competitive benefits package

Job summary

City Therapeutics is seeking a VP Controller to lead global accounting operations, financial reporting, and internal controls. This executive will build a public-ready accounting function, implement SOX-compliant systems, and coordinate SEC filings under the CFO.

The role reports to the CFO and guides audit interactions. The candidate will oversee GAAP-compliant statements, tax provisions, and cash management while partnering with business teams to ensure accurate accruals and revenue

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance; CPA license preferred.
• 10+ years of progressive accounting experience; 3+ years in controller/VP role.
• Biotech/pharma industry experience highly preferred.
• Experience with US GAAP, SEC, SOX, and XBRL tagging.
• NetSuite or life-science ERP experience.

Responsibilities

• Oversee SEC reporting and financial infrastructure for potential public readiness.
• Lead internal controls design and SOX-compliant processes.
• Manage external auditors and legal communications.
• Build and mentor a corporate accounting team.
• Oversee cash management, tax provisions, and financial planning.
• Partner with clinical and program teams for accruals and revenue recognition.

Skills

Communication skills

Ethics

Pressure management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance

Tools

NetSuite

XBRL tagging

Job description

VP Controller

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 VP Controller will lead all global accounting operations, financial reporting, and internal controls. This critical leadership role serves as the accounting architect for the company’s potential transition from a private entity to a publicly traded organization. You will build a public-ready accounting team, implement SOX-compliant systems, and oversee the preparation of SEC filings. This position reports directly to the Chief Financial Officer.

Key Responsibilities:

SEC Reporting & Financial Infrastructure

• Serve as the finance leader managing the technical accounting, financial data governance, and reporting capabilities required to support potential public company readiness.
• Partner with the company’s current outsourced accounting firm to systematically transition historical data, complex policies, and day-to-day operations in-house.
• Implement and manage SEC reporting platforms (e.g., Workiva) and ensure the accuracy of all digital financial reporting, including detailed XBRL tagging.
• Establish and own the long-term corporate infrastructure, disclosure protocols, and system capabilities required to support potential future SEC reporting processes, including future Forms 10-K and 10-Q. Deliver accurate, GAAP-compliant quarterly, and annual financial statements.
• Act as internal interface for external auditors and legal advisors to manage complex compliance projects and technical audits.
• Present financial results and compliance updates to the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors.

Financial Operations and Internal Controls

• Recruit, build, and mentor a high-performing corporate accounting team to successfully build internal accounting capabilities.
• Take ownership of the company’s internal control design, transforming existing processes into a sustainable, auditable environment aligned with SOX guidelines.
• Upgrade accounting systems and ERP infrastructure to support potential public company requirements.
• Implement stock administration systems to efficiently manage equity tracking, employee stock programs, and restricted stock unit vesting schedules.
• Oversee global corporate cash management, liquidity forecasting, and capital optimization strategies. Ensure that cash is managed consistently with the investment policy to safely manage, invest, and deploy cash.
• Oversee the external tax function, including the preparation and audit of quarterly and annual income tax provisions, the filing of federal and state returns, and the valuation and preservation of complex net operating loss carryforwards and R&D tax credits.
• Oversee accounts payable, accounts receivable, and payroll capabilities.

Financial Management and Business Partnering

• Partner with business colleagues including Clinical Operations, CMC, and Program Management to ensure accurate and timely accruals of expenses.
• Oversee collaboration accounting and revenue recognition for existing and future potential corporate partnerships.
• Manage capital expenditures, asset tracking, and lease accounting.
• Advise executive leadership on the financial and accounting impact of strategic business decisions.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance. Active CPA license is preferred.
• Experience: 10+ years of progressive accounting experience, with at least 3 years in a corporate controller or VP role. Public accounting experience at a Big 4 is a plus.
• Industry: Proven experience in the biotechnology or pharmaceutical industry.
• Public Markets: Direct, hands-on experience taking a company through an IPO process and/or building the accounting function of a recently publicly listed company is a plus.
• Technical Skills: Expertise in US GAAP, SEC regulations, SOX compliance, and XBRL tagging.
• Systems: Advanced experience with life-science-optimized ERP systems (e.g., NetSuite).
• Attributes: Strong ethical baseline, exceptional communication skills, and ability to thrive in high-pressure timelines.

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 $270,000 to $325,000.

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 affirmative 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.