Director, Assistant Controller

Rocket Pharmaceuticals • Cranbury, NJ

3d

About The Position

Rocket Pharma is seeking an experienced, collaborative accounting leader to join its Finance organization as Director, Assistant Controller. Rocket Pharma is a fully integrated, commercial-stage biotechnology company advancing genetic medicines for rare and devastating diseases. The company describes a collaborative, mission-driven culture focused on seeking genetic medicine cures.

Reporting to the Associate Vice President, Corporate Controller and Principal Accounting Officer, the Director, Assistant Controller will manage accounting operations, financial reporting, internal controls, and compliance activities. The role helps ensure the integrity of financial reporting while supporting company growth and operational scalability. It will serve as a business partner across the organization, maintaining a robust control environment, driving process improvements, and supporting strategic initiatives. The ideal candidate has a strong technical accounting foundation, public company reporting experience, and a collaborative leadership style.

Requirements

• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation.
• 12 years of progressive accounting experience, including a combination of public accounting and industry experience.
• Experience with a publicly traded company.
• Strong knowledge of U.S. GAAP, SEC reporting, and Sarbanes-Oxley compliance requirements.
• Experience managing external audits and financial reporting processes.
• Demonstrated ability to lead complex accounting initiatives and drive process improvements.
• Excellent analytical, communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
• Proven ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced, growth-oriented environment.

Nice To Haves

• Biotechnology, pharmaceutical, or life sciences experience.
• Experience with ERP systems, preferably NetSuite.

Responsibilities

• Lead monthly, quarterly, and annual close processes, including review of journal entries, account reconciliations, workpapers, and key accounting operations.
• Support preparation of consolidated financial statements, SEC filings, and external reporting, including Forms 10-Q and 10-K, MD&A, and technical accounting memoranda.
• Own the Company's SOX compliance program, including internal controls, documentation, testing, remediation, and accounting policy development.
• Lead the annual financial statement audit, quarterly reviews, and SOX audits, serving as a primary liaison with external auditors and advisors.
• Oversee equity administration, stock-based compensation accounting, 401(k) plans, accounts payable, treasury activities, transfer agent relationships, and debt covenant compliance.
• Coordinate tax provision, tax compliance, and multi-state tax reporting activities with external tax advisors.
• Drive finance transformation initiatives, including process improvements, automation, ERP optimization, and implementation of financial systems.
• Partner cross-functionally with FP&A, Legal, HR, IT, Operations, Facilities, Clinical Operations, and R&D to provide accounting guidance and support strategic business initiatives.
• Build, develop, and lead a high-performing accounting team, fostering accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Support executive leadership, the Audit Committee, and Board reporting requirements.
• Perform special projects and ad hoc financial analyses as needed.

Benefits

• Equity participation and, for certain positions, equity awards as long-term incentives.
• 401(k) with company match and generous vesting.
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Life insurance.
• Paid vacation and holidays.
• Global shutdown days between Christmas and New Year's.
• Wellness resources and employee support programs.
• Bonuses (short-term incentives) may be included in the total rewards package.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director
• Education Level: No Education Listed