Controller

Sutro Biopharma•South San Francisco, CA

28d•Onsite

About The Position

Sutro Biopharma, Inc. is seeking a Controller to lead accounting operations, the financial close, and internal controls for a public, pre-commercial biotechnology company. Reporting to the VP, Finance, this leader will ensure reliable financial information and disciplined financial operations, with responsibility for Clinical/R&D accruals in partnership with operational teams. This is a hands-on leadership role for a technically strong accounting professional who can navigate complex biotech transactions, manage a high-performing team, and improve processes in a lean organization. The Controller will partner across Finance and the business, balancing public-company rigor with practical, efficient execution.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Accounting , Finance, or a related discipline; CPA required
10+ years of progressive accounting experience
at least 3 years leading teams
significant experience within a U.S. publicly traded biotechnology or life sciences company.
Prior hands-on experience in an operational accounting role, including direct responsibility for leading public-company accounting operations, the financial close, preparation of accounting analyses, audit support, and SOX compliance.
Proficiency with ERP and accounting systems
advanced Excel skills
a track record of improving close, accrual, and internal reporting processes and data quality.
Demonstrated success developing teams and influencing cross-functional partners in a lean environment.
Strong analytical and communication skills, sound judgment, integrity, and the confidence to challenge assumptions and uphold accounting standards.

Nice To Haves

Big Four experience preferred

Responsibilities

Own the monthly, quarterly, and annual close, reconciliations, and internal management reporting; ensure accurate and complete accounting records in accordance with U.S. GAAP.
Provide timely, accurate accounting data, reconciliations, and supporting schedules for SEC and other external reporting.
Provide accounting data, reconciliations, schedules, and operational support for complex or non-routine transactions, as needed.
Oversee the accounting components of Clinical/R&D accruals, prepayments, commitments, and program-level expenses, including review of estimates, journal entries, reconciliations, and true-ups.
Partner with Clinical Operations, Technical Operations, and FP&A to establish supportable accruals for contract research organizations, contract manufacturers, and investigator sites using contracts, operational progress, and vendor data.
Provide operational accounting support for collaboration and license arrangements, including gathering and reconciling data related to milestone payments and cost-sharing activities, as applicable.
Lead SOX and internal control activities within accounting, including risk assessment, documentation, testing, and remediation, using a COSO-based framework appropriate to the business.
Support management assessments and external auditor attestation under SOX Section 404. Partner with IT and business process owners on access, segregation of duties, and related controls.
Serve as the primary accounting contact for external auditors; coordinate audit and quarterly-review support for accounting operations and SOX testing. Escalate significant accounting and control matters to the VP, Finance.
Oversee General Ledger, Accounts Payable, disbursements, fixed assets, and expense processes. Maintain effective invoice-processing , payment-approval, and disbursement controls.
Support income tax provision and compliance activities by providing accurate accounting records and schedules to the responsible internal teams and external advisors.
Lead improvements to accounting systems, integrations, and data quality in partnership with IT. Streamline close, accrual, Accounts Payable, and internal reporting workflows through automation, including appropriate AI-enabled tools with effective review and data protection controls.
Lead, mentor, and develop the accounting team and manage accounting service providers. Establish clear accountability, cross-training, and professional development opportunities.
Partner with the VP, Finance, and FP&A to provide reliable actuals, accruals, and insights for budgeting, forecasting, cash planning, and liquidity assessments.
Provide accounting analysis and due diligence support for financings , partnerships, and other corporate transactions. Communicate complex issues clearly and raise risks early with practical recommendations.