Corporate Controller

Vizgen: Vizgen•Waltham, MA

About The Position

About Vizgen: Vizgen is a rapidly growing company commercializing the next generation of spatially resolved genomic profiling tools that enable researchers to gain new insight into the biological systems that underlie human health and disease. The company's groundbreaking MERSCOPE product utilizes MERFISH spatial transcriptomics technology to image RNA molecules with high accuracy and unrivaled detection efficiency at subcellular resolution. MERFISH provides transformative insight into a wide range of tissue-scale basic research and translational medicine in oncology, immunology, neuroscience, infectious disease, developmental biology, and regenerative medicine. For more information, go to www.vizgen.com Position Summary Reporting to the CFO, the Director, Corporate Controller will serve as a strategic and operational finance leader, partnering closely with the executive leadership team and Board of Directors to drive financial performance, ensure operational rigor, and support scalable growth. This role is responsible for building and leading a best-in-class accounting and finance function, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards, establishing strong financial controls, and enabling data-driven decision-making in a fast-paced, high-growth life sciences organization. Strategic Leadership Responsibilities Partner with the CFO, leadership team, and Board to develop and execute business and financial strategy Drive financing strategy and execution aligned with short- and long-term company objectives Represent the company to current and prospective investors, lenders, and financial partners Serve as the primary financial evaluator of new business opportunities, including investments, partnerships, and M&A Provide insight into financial implications of strategic decisions, including product investments, geographic expansion, and commercialization strategies Core Responsibilities Financial Reporting & Accounting Operations Lead all accounting operations including general ledger, revenue recognition, AP/AR, payroll, and fixed assets Ensure timely and accurate monthly, quarterly, and annual financial close processes Oversee preparation of financial statements in accordance with US GAAP and applicable regulatory requirements Establish, maintain, and continuously improve internal controls (SOX readiness where applicable) Ensure audit readiness and manage external audits, including coordination with auditors and preparation of supporting documentation Own technical accounting areas including revenue recognition, stock-based compensation, leases, and complex transactions Financial Planning, Analysis & Business Partnership Lead budgeting, forecasting, and long-range financial planning processes Analyze financial results, trends, and key drivers (revenue, margin, operating costs) and provide actionable insights Develop and deliver regular reporting packages to executive leadership and Board (including monthly “flash” reporting) Partner cross-functionally (R&D, Commercial, Operations) to understand cost drivers and improve financial performance Cash, Capital & Treasury Management Manage cash flow, liquidity planning, and working capital optimization Develop and maintain relationships with banks, lenders, and financial institutions Support capital raising activities including equity and debt financing Oversee treasury operations including cash management, investments, and risk mitigation Tax, Compliance & Governance Oversee all tax planning and compliance (federal, state, local, international, payroll, and indirect taxes) Ensure compliance with all regulatory, legal, and statutory reporting requirements Partner with external advisors on tax strategy, transfer pricing, and global structuring Maintain corporate governance standards and support Board reporting and audit committee requirements Systems, Process & Infrastructure Lead development and scaling of finance systems and infrastructure (e.g., NetSuite and related tools) Implement scalable processes, policies, and SOPs across accounting, procurement, and contract management Drive automation and process improvements to enhance efficiency and accuracy Define and track KPIs to measure financial and operational performance Team Leadership & Development Build, lead, and develop a high-performing finance and accounting team Establish clear roles, responsibilities, and performance expectations Foster a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and collaboration Partner with HR on organizational planning, hiring, and development of finance talent Legal & Contract Oversight (Finance-Related) Partner with legal counsel on financial and contractual matters Oversee financial aspects of contracts, procurement, and vendor agreements Support review and maintenance of financial-related SOPs and policies

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field required
10+ years of progressive finance leadership experience, including controllership in high-growth companies (life sciences strongly preferred)
Proven experience scaling finance functions in a startup or growth-stage environment
Demonstrated success supporting or leading equity/debt financings; IPO experience preferred
Strong experience with global/multi-entity operations and international finance
Deep knowledge of US GAAP , financial reporting, and internal controls
M&A experience including diligence, integration, and financial modeling
Expertise in NetSuite (or similar ERP systems) required
Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making capabilities
Excellent communication skills with experience presenting to executive teams and Boards
Advanced proficiency in Excel, financial modeling, and business systems
Strategic thinking and business acumen
Financial rigor and attention to detail
Executive presence and influencing skills
Cross-functional collaboration and partnership
Team leadership and talent development
Sound judgment and high integrity
Adaptability & Agility: Thrives in ambiguity and rapidly changing priorities; able to shift between strategic and hands-on execution seamlessly
Builder Mindset: Proven ability to build processes, systems, and teams from the ground up while scaling for future growth
Hands-On Leadership: Willing to roll up sleeves and operate both strategically and tactically as needed
Resourcefulness: Maximizes impact with limited resources; identifies creative solutions to complex challenges
Bias for Action: Moves quickly while maintaining accuracy and sound judgment; avoids analysis paralysis
Resilience: Maintains focus and composure under pressure in a high-growth, evolving environment
Continuous Improvement Orientation: Constantly seeks opportunities to improve processes, systems, and outcomes
Collaborative Influence: Builds strong relationships across functions; effectively partners with scientific, commercial, and operational teams
Ownership Mentality: Takes full accountability for outcomes and drives initiatives through to completion
Growth Mindset: Embraces feedback, learns quickly, and evolves with the organization

Nice To Haves

CPA strongly preferred; MBA or advanced degree a plus

Responsibilities

Partner with the CFO, leadership team, and Board to develop and execute business and financial strategy
Drive financing strategy and execution aligned with short- and long-term company objectives
Represent the company to current and prospective investors, lenders, and financial partners
Serve as the primary financial evaluator of new business opportunities, including investments, partnerships, and M&A
Provide insight into financial implications of strategic decisions, including product investments, geographic expansion, and commercialization strategies
Lead all accounting operations including general ledger, revenue recognition, AP/AR, payroll, and fixed assets
Ensure timely and accurate monthly, quarterly, and annual financial close processes
Oversee preparation of financial statements in accordance with US GAAP and applicable regulatory requirements
Establish, maintain, and continuously improve internal controls (SOX readiness where applicable)
Ensure audit readiness and manage external audits, including coordination with auditors and preparation of supporting documentation
Own technical accounting areas including revenue recognition, stock-based compensation, leases, and complex transactions
Lead budgeting, forecasting, and long-range financial planning processes
Analyze financial results, trends, and key drivers (revenue, margin, operating costs) and provide actionable insights
Develop and deliver regular reporting packages to executive leadership and Board (including monthly “flash” reporting)
Partner cross-functionally (R&D, Commercial, Operations) to understand cost drivers and improve financial performance
Manage cash flow, liquidity planning, and working capital optimization
Develop and maintain relationships with banks, lenders, and financial institutions
Support capital raising activities including equity and debt financing
Oversee treasury operations including cash management, investments, and risk mitigation
Oversee all tax planning and compliance (federal, state, local, international, payroll, and indirect taxes)
Ensure compliance with all regulatory, legal, and statutory reporting requirements
Partner with external advisors on tax strategy, transfer pricing, and global structuring
Maintain corporate governance standards and support Board reporting and audit committee requirements
Lead development and scaling of finance systems and infrastructure (e.g., NetSuite and related tools)
Implement scalable processes, policies, and SOPs across accounting, procurement, and contract management
Drive automation and process improvements to enhance efficiency and accuracy
Define and track KPIs to measure financial and operational performance
Build, lead, and develop a high-performing finance and accounting team
Establish clear roles, responsibilities, and performance expectations
Foster a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and collaboration
Partner with HR on organizational planning, hiring, and development of finance talent
Partner with legal counsel on financial and contractual matters
Oversee financial aspects of contracts, procurement, and vendor agreements
Support review and maintenance of financial-related SOPs and policies