Director/Senior Director, Finance & Assistant Controller

Geron Corporation•United States,

4d•$215,000 - $260,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Director/Senior Director of Finance & Assistant Controller is a key finance leadership role responsible for overseeing accounting operations, financial reporting, internal controls, and compliance for a publicly traded commercial-stage biotechnology company. The Assistant Controller is also heavily involved in the areas of revenue accounting, inventory accounting, cost of goods sold (COGS), while ensuring compliance with U.S. GAAP and Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) requirements. In addition to maintaining a strong control environment, the Assistant Controller drives process improvement, automation, and scalability initiatives across the Finance & Accounting organization. The Assistant Controller is expected to identify opportunities to streamline close processes, enhance reporting capabilities, strengthen controls, improve data quality, and support the company's growth through efficient and sustainable financial operations. The Assistant Controller partners closely with Commercial, Supply Chain, Manufacturing, Clinical, FP&A, Legal, and external auditors to support the Company's growth, commercialization strategy, and operational excellence. This position will report to the Vice President, Finance, Controller, and Chief Accounting Officer.

Requirements

Strong knowledge of GAAP, internal control processes (SOX 404), federal and state tax laws, ERISA, DOL requirements, and payroll tax rules
Excellent problem solving and analytical skills
Detail-oriented
Excellent oral and written communication skills
Ability to cope in a changing environment
Willingness to learn new tasks
Highly dependable and able to handle confidential information
Able to recognize opportunities for process improvement and provide positive attitude toward problem solving and the resulting implementation of solutions
Self-starter with strong organizational and time management skills with ability to multi-task
Has a positive attitude about work and providing service
Ability to work independently or as part of a team
Demonstrated supervisory, management, and leadership skills
Capability to interact with different personalities from Board members to clerical staff
Proficient in PC and software including Excel, Word, and Outlook
Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance required
CPA required
At least 12 years of progressive experience in accounting
Public accounting experience, with Big 4 preferred
SEC financial reporting experience required
Pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry experience required

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of Great Plains and Management Reporter accounting software, Equity Edge, ADP, FAS, Encore, and Active Disclosure a plus

Responsibilities

Lead monthly, quarterly, and annual close processes, ensuring accurate and timely financial reporting
Review journal entries and related reconciliations for key areas assigned, including but not limited to Payroll, Accounts Payable, Revenue, Inventory, Cash/Investments, Stock-Based Compensation, Clinical Accruals, etc
Ensure compliance with U.S. GAAP, and internal accounting policies
Manage technical accounting assessments and documentation for complex transactions
Maintain and enhance accounting policies, procedures, and controls
Ensure compliant revenue recognition under ASC 606 for commercial product sales, distribution arrangements, and related contracts
Partner with Commercial Operations and Market Access teams to develop and refine Gross-to-Net (GTN) estimation methodologies
Manage inventory accounting and costing processes for commercial products and clinical inventory
Partner with Supply Chain, Manufacturing, Quality, and Operations teams to ensure accurate inventory records and costing assumptions
Oversee quarterly reviews and annual audits
Maintain a strong internal control environment over financial reporting
Assist with the implementation of new financial systems and/or system upgrades
Drive continuous improvement initiatives to strengthen financial processes and scalability
Lead, mentor, and develop the Finance & Accounting organization
Create development paths for accounting staff
Manage relationships with external auditors, consultants, and service providers
Assist with managing the treasury function to ensure all entities have appropriate liquidity to operate
Support product launch planning, pricing initiatives, and commercial expansion activities
Assist with Board and Audit Committee materials related to accounting and financial reporting
Review annual regulatory reports to comply with various federal, state, and local requirements, such as census requests, franchise tax reports, foreign corporation filings, business license renewals, etc.
Assist with financing transactions and other special projects as needed