Controller and Senior Finance Manager

CS Genetics Ltd•San Diego, CA

4d•$90,000 - $125,000•Hybrid

About The Position

CS Genetics is developing scalable and transformative tools to answer biology’s most complex questions. Our team is driven by the idea that powerful science doesn’t have to be complicated. We create tools that are easy to use, accessible to more researchers, and built to scale with their ambitions. We’re here to remove barriers, so scientists can focus on what matters most—asking big questions and finding bold answers. Position Overview Reporting directly to the COO, the Controller & Senior Finance Manager will serve as the Company’s internal finance leader in a part-time capacity (60% FTE), supporting financial oversight, planning, and operational compliance for a growing venture-backed life sciences company. The company currently utilizes a Virtual Finance Office (VFO) for transactional accounting / financial reporting support, and a Professional Employer Organization (PEO) for payroll and benefits administration. This role will be a key liaison to the VFO and PEO while ensuring accurate financial reporting, disciplined cash management, and clear financial insights for leadership and the Board. In addition to financial oversight, this role will support key operational areas including A/P, payroll & benefits administration, HR compliance coordination, facilities, and corporate risk management. This role will be based in the greater San Diego or East Bay California Area, and the work location is hybrid with the expectation of working in the office 2-3 days per week (typical week) to support in person collaboration. Occasional travel may be required between the San Diego and Bay Area to support cross-site initiatives.

Requirements

CPA preferred
6–10+ years of accounting and finance experience
Experience in venture-backed biotech or life sciences preferred
Strong US GAAP knowledge
Experience working with outsourced accounting or VFO and PEO firms preferred
Strong financial modeling and Excel skills
Comfortable working in a fast-paced early-stage environment

Responsibilities

Maintain rolling multi-quarter cash runway forecast
Support annual budgeting process
Provide monthly budget vs. actual analysis
Monitor burn rate relative to Board-approved operating plan
Assist leadership with financial modeling for fundraising and operational planning
Collaborate with VFO and C-suite to prepare financial reporting packages for Board meetings and regular investor updates
Provide analysis on spending trends, runway updates, and key financial metrics
Support the C-suite in communicating financial performance and outlook
Oversee monthly close process performed by VFO
Review financial statements, reconciliations, and key journal entries
Ensure compliance with US GAAP
Serve as primary internal liaison for external audit
Monitor VFO deliverables and service levels
Oversee Accounts Payable including monitoring compliance, resolving issues, and overall process improvements with internal staff and the VFO as required.
Monitor vendor spending trends and support leadership in tracking budgeted vs. actual vendor expenses
Monitor company liquidity and banking relationships
Support equity administration and 409A valuation process as required
Assist with financial diligence for future fundraising
Oversee payroll processing and benefits renewals with PEO
Support multi-state employment registrations
Coordinate with external HR consultants or PEO if applicable
Partner with the management team to support financial visibility into program, manufacturing, and supply chain costs
Assist in establishing and maintaining cost accounting practices appropriate for early-stage biotech operations
Support tracking / reporting of Cost of Goods Sold (COGS) associated with manufacturing and development programs
Coordinate with the VFO to ensure proper inventory accounting and valuation in accordance with US GAAP
Monitor inventory balances and support periodic inventory reconciliations and adjustments
Assist leadership in identifying and evaluating cost savings initiatives
Support documentation of inventory and cost accounting policies as the company scales operations
Provide financial and administrative support related to office and laboratory facilities
Track lease commitments and coordinate with leadership on lease administration
Monitor tenant improvement and capital expenditure tracking
Support coordination of facilities vendors and service contracts as needed
Assist with lease accounting treatment (ASC 842) in coordination with the VFO
Manage corporate insurance programs including D&O, EPLI, and general liability
Lead annual insurance renewals
Maintain financial policies and basic internal controls
Support spending authorization framework