Fractional Controller / VP of Finance

Charles River CFO•Boston, MA

23h•Remote

About The Position

CRCFO is seeking an experienced Controller / VP of Finance to join its Life Sciences Practice on a fractional basis. The role combines strategic financial guidance with hands-on responsibility for client accounting operations. The position is remote, requires candidates to be located in the Greater Boston area, and has a variable schedule of up to 30 hours per week. The role reports to the Practice Leader and has an immediate start date. The position oversees day-to-day accounting, financial close, audits and reviews, forecasting, reporting, internal controls, and related client priorities. Depending on client needs and the candidate’s experience, the role may also support SEC reporting and coordinate filing schedules with external legal counsel and auditors.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance.
CPA designation required; an active license is not required.
At least 10 years of finance and accounting experience, including responsibility for Controller-level work.
Audit experience and understanding of the differences between PCAOB and AICPA audits.
Experience owning the work of a small business finance and accounting function.
Strong understanding of U.S. GAAP, financial reporting, and internal control best practices.
Working knowledge of Form 1099, Delaware, and state filing requirements.
Experience with payroll, expense reimbursement, and bill payment systems.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office and comfort learning new cloud-based technologies.
Excellent communication, organization, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
Commitment to client service and ability to manage multiple priorities.
Willingness to work a variable schedule and take on hands-on work at all levels to meet client needs.
Must be located in the Greater Boston area.

Nice To Haves

Finance or accounting experience in life sciences.
Public company and SEC reporting experience.
Experience with QuickBooks, NetSuite, or other ERP and accounting platforms.
Familiarity with Bill.com, Carta, and ADP.
Public accounting experience, including experience with a Big 5 or other large audit firm.

Responsibilities

Oversee day-to-day accounting and finance operations, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, and general accounting.
Lead monthly, quarterly, and year-end close processes and ensure accurate, timely financial reporting.
Supervise and support accounting staff, while taking hands-on responsibility for deliverables when needed.
Assist clients with year-end forecasting, financial planning, and growth strategies.
Coordinate audit and review activities, organize supporting documentation, and work with external auditors.
Maintain and improve accounting policies, procedures, and internal controls.
Apply U.S. GAAP to accounting and reporting matters, prepare technical accounting memoranda when needed, and recognize when additional technical guidance is required.
Support applicable tax and regulatory filings, including Form 1099, Delaware filings, and state filings.
Manage or support payroll, expense reimbursement, bill payment, and related systems.
Work across client accounting platforms and cloud-based tools to improve processes and reporting.
Track time accurately and communicate progress, priorities, and issues to the Practice Leader and clients.
Provide responsive, professional client service and help resolve complex financial and operational challenges.
As needed, support SEC reporting, including Forms 10-K, 10-Q, S-1, and S-4.
As needed, coordinate filing schedules and work with external legal counsel and auditors throughout the reporting process.