Senior Director, Controller

Lycia Therapeutics

Senior Director, Controller leading accounting and financial reporting for biopharmaceutical firm. Overseeing financial close processes and audit management during significant growth phase.

Posted 7/1/2026full-timeSouth San Francisco • California • 🇺🇸 United StatesSenior💰 $265,000 - $290,000 per yearWebsite

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Own the end-to-end financial close process, including general ledger, accounts payable, payroll, and accruals, delivering accurate and timely monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements in compliance with U.S. GAAP
Serve as the company’s primary technical accounting resource, researching and documenting positions on complex transactions including collaboration agreements, equity instruments, clinical trial accruals, in-process R&D, and lease accounting
Lead preparation and maintenance of financial statements and supporting schedules in Workiva, ensuring disclosures are accurate, complete, and audit-ready
Direct the annual financial statement audit and quarterly review processes; manage auditor relationships, PBC schedules, and audit timelines
Oversee federal, state, and local tax compliance and filings in coordination with external tax advisors; manage tax provisions and ensure timely filing of all required returns
Design, implement, and maintain a robust internal control environment appropriate for a company operating under public company accounting standards
Oversee treasury operations including cash management, banking relationships, and short-term investment oversight
Administer equity accounting in coordination with legal and external stock plan administrators; ensure accuracy of stock-based compensation expense and capitalization table reporting
Manage NetSuite as the system of record, partnering with IT and FP&A on chart of accounts governance, reporting configuration, and process improvements; oversee Point Purchasing for procure-to-pay workflows and approval controls
Identify and implement AI-enabled tools and process automation to drive efficiency across the close, reporting, and controls functions; build a culture of continuous improvement within the accounting team
Build and develop a high-performing accounting team; hire, mentor, and retain talent as the company grows
Partner with the SVP, Finance on board and audit committee financial materials, technical accounting memos, and ad hoc analytical support as needed
Partner with SVP, Finance on cash burn analysis, runway modeling, and program-level cost tracking; provide accounting-level input into the long-range financial plan and investor-facing financial narratives

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance required; CPA required
12+ years of progressive accounting experience, including at least 3 years in a Controller or Assistant Controller capacity; Big 4 public accounting experience strongly preferred
Public company accounting experience required, including demonstrated ownership of financial statement preparation and audit management under public company reporting timelines
Biotech or life sciences industry experience required; familiarity with clinical-stage accounting (CRO accrual methodology, collaboration revenue, grant accounting) strongly preferred
Hands-on proficiency with NetSuite and Workiva required; experience with Point Purchasing or comparable procurement platforms a plus
Deep technical accounting knowledge of U.S. GAAP, with particular facility in ASC 718 (stock-based compensation), ASC 842 (leases), ASC 808/606 (collaboration and revenue), and equity accounting
Demonstrated ability to build and document internal controls in a dynamic, high-growth environment
Strong communicator with the ability to translate complex accounting positions clearly for non-accountants, auditors, and senior leadership.

Benefits

Comp & perks

annual bonus
equity
generous benefits package

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills & Tools

Financial Close ProcessTechnical AccountingInternal ControlsAudit ManagementEquity AccountingTax ComplianceCash ManagementProcess AutomationCollaboration Revenue AccountingClinical Trial Accruals

Soft Skills

Strong CommunicationTeam LeadershipMentoring

Certifications

CPABachelor’s Degree in Accounting or Finance