Controller

Profluent Bio

Controller overseeing the entire accounting function at Profluent, an AI-first protein design company. Responsible for financial reporting, compliance, and team leadership during growth phase.

Posted 7/23/2026full-timeEmeryville • California • 🇺🇸 United StatesSeniorLead💰 $185,000 - $230,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in technical accounting, including U.S. GAAP compliance and equity accounting under ASC 718, while effectively managing financial reporting and audit processes in a high-growth environment. Proven ability to design and implement internal control frameworks and manage tax compliance and R&D tax credits.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Technical Accounting ExpertiseU.S. GAAP ComplianceEquity Accounting Under ASC 718Financial Audit ManagementInternal Control Framework Design

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Financial ReportingGeneral Ledger OperationsR&D AccountingTax Compliance ManagementCash ManagementInternal Control DesignAudit ReadinessFinancial Statement PreparationCost TrackingAccounting Policy Development

Soft Skills

LeadershipCommunicationAnalytical ThinkingProblem SolvingCollaboration

Tools & Technologies

NetSuiteCartaProcure-to-Pay ToolsClose Management Tools

Certifications & Qualifications

CPA License

Industry Keywords

High-Growth Tech CompanyPre-IPO EnvironmentVenture-Backed CompanyBiotechBig 4 Experience

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Serve as Profluent's in-house technical accounting authority; research and prepare position memos on complex transactions, new GAAP pronouncements, and company-specific accounting policy decisions
Executes general ledger operations, leading monthly, quarterly, and annual financial close process to ensure accurate and timely US GAAP financial statements
Drive R&D accounting across CRO and vendor accruals, prepaids, and program-level cost tracking, bringing structure and visibility to one of the company's largest spend categories
Build and deliver financial reporting packages and board-level management decks; translate financial results and key metrics into clear narratives for executive leadership and the Board
Own equity accounting and plan administration under ASC 718 (including stock-based compensation expense, 409A valuation support, cap table integrity, and related financial statement disclosures) in partnership with the equity platform (Carta or equivalent)
Design, implement, and maintain an internal control framework scaled for a high-growth tech company, balancing rigor with operational practicality as the company grows
Lead audit readiness and serve as the primary point of contact for external auditors; drive clean, timely delivery of annual financial statement audits
Manage federal, state, and local tax compliance in coordination with external advisors; lead R&D tax credit studies and other R&D-related tax matters, including Section 174 capitalization considerations
Establish, document, and maintain accounting infrastructure, policies and procedures that meet institutional standards and support rigorous audit and regulatory scrutiny
Evaluate and implement finance technology, including procure-to-pay and close management tools, to reduce manual effort, improve auditability, and strengthen data integrity at scale
Own cash management, banking relationships, and treasury operations, including cash forecasting and liquidity monitoring appropriate for a venture-backed company at Profluent's stage

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance, active CPA license
10+ years of progressive accounting experience, with at least 3 years in a Controller or senior accounting leadership role, preferably within a Big 4 or similar environment
Prior experience in a pre-IPO or high-growth venture-backed company environment required (e.g., biotech, tech)
Demonstrated experience with NetSuite, including implementation, migration, or optimization (experience migrating from QuickBooks or similar legacy system strongly preferred)
Hands-on experience designing and maintaining internal control frameworks
Strong command of U.S. GAAP; ability to independently research and document technical accounting positions
Experience managing external financial audits and serving as primary point of contact for auditors.

Benefits

Comp & perks

Competitive compensation package with equity participation
Comprehensive benefits including health/dental/vision insurance
Generous PTO policy and commitment to work-life balance
Professional development opportunities in a cutting-edge field at the intersection of AI and biology