Director of Finance

Candel Therapeutics•Needham, MA

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

Hybrid role - In office 2 to 3 days This is a highly visible, hands-on leadership role with broad ownership across accounting and finance. As Director of Finance, you will play a critical role in supporting a growing public biotech, owning core financial processes while helping to build scalable systems and a strong team. You will have exposure across SEC reporting, close, SOX, audits, and operational finance, with the opportunity to shape how the function evolves as the company grows. This position is a strong fit for role up your sleeves finance leader who wants broad ownership and real visibility, not a siloed role. You are comfortable moving quickly, shifting priorities when needed, and staying calm and organized during heavy reporting periods. You can run with work autonomously while keeping communication tight, surfacing risks, questions, or gaps early so nothing slips. You bring a sharp eye for detail, a strong sense of urgency around deadlines, and a practical, roll up your sleeves approach. Most importantly, you enjoy partnering with others and contributing wherever the team needs support in a lean, high accountability environment.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting or Finance and CPA (must have).
7 years minimum experience in accounting and finance experience at either public accounting (Big Four) or similar public companies ideally in the biotech industry.
Strong SEC reporting experience and deep understanding of public company requirements.
Hands on SOX ownership or meaningful exposure to internal controls and compliance.
Experience with NetSuite, FloQast, Active Disclosure, or the ability to quickly learn new systems.
NOTE: All applicants must be authorized to work in the US and do not require sponsorship. Unfortunately we are unable to provide sponsorship of any kind at this time.

Nice To Haves

Experience in a lean or growing biotech or life sciences company.
Enjoys building processes and improving how things work.
Interest in continued growth and expanded leadership responsibility as the company evolves.

Responsibilities

Own the monthly, quarterly, and annual close process in accordance with GAAP, including journal entries, reconciliations, and financial analysis.
Lead all SEC reporting activities, including preparation and filing of Forms 10 Q, 10 K, 8 K, and Section 16 filings.
Own payroll processing, including coordination with payroll provider to ensure timely, accurate, and compliant payroll execution.
Own SOX 404A compliance, including documentation, testing, and continuous improvement of internal controls.
Serve as the primary point of contact for external auditors and manage quarterly reviews and annual audits.
Oversee core accounting operations including general ledger, accounts payable, payroll, and expense reimbursements.
Partner cross functionally to gather financial data, support timely reporting, and provide insights to the business
Utilizing finance systems and tools such as NetSuite, FloQast, Active Disclosure, or quickly learn new systems as needed.
Develop and mentor junior finance team members, fostering a high performing, collaborative team environment.
Support budgeting, forecasting, tax compliance, and other finance initiatives as the company scales.
Jump in to support a broad range of responsibilities in a small, busy team, especially during peak reporting periods.