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Salary: USD 200,000 - 290,000 / annual
Frontier Medicines is seeking a Director/Senior Director, Corporate Controller to lead the accounting organization during a critical growth phase as the company advances its pipeline, expands development activities and partnerships, and prepares for public company requirements.
Reporting to the Vice President of Finance, you will own the financial close, audit execution, accounting operations, and internal controls. This is a hands-on role focused on building a reliable, scalable operating foundation that supports the company's growth trajectory.
Key Responsibilities:
Lead the accounting operation and close: Own the monthly close process including close calendar, responsibilities, and delivery of accurate, timely financial information under U.S. GAAP. Review journal entries, account reconciliations, flux analyses, and supporting schedules with public-company-level rigor. Lead all day-to-day accounting operations including payroll, accounts payable, cash, and equity administration. Own the clinical and R&D accrual process end-to-end, building and maintaining accrual workbooks for new programs and trials from CRO and CMO contracts. Account for complex areas including collaboration and licensing arrangements, VIE consolidation, and other matters relevant to a clinical-stage biotech company. Establish and maintain accounting policies, procedures, and documentation. Manage outsourced accounting, tax, payroll, valuation, and other service providers.
Deliver audit-ready reporting and strong controls: Serve as primary operational contact for external auditors and coordinate annual audits and quarterly reviews. Prepare financial statements, disclosure schedules, tie-outs, and audit evidence for periodic reporting and registration statements. Partner with the VP Finance on SEC reporting and technical accounting, translating conclusions into repeatable processes and controls. Design, document, and maintain internal controls over financial reporting. Coordinate income tax provision and compliance activities. Support clear, decision-useful reporting for executive leadership and the Audit Committee.
Build the team and systems for scale: Lead, coach, and develop the accounting team with clear ownership and meaningful growth opportunities. Assess the future-state accounting organization and allocate internal talent and external resources thoughtfully. Improve the close and accounting operating model through standardization, automation, and disciplined project management. Own and optimize accounting systems and workflows including ERP, close management, accounts payable, payroll, and equity administration tools. Partner with Clinical, Research, CMC, Legal, People, Procurement, and other teams to improve source data, accruals, contracting workflows, and financial accountability. Oversee daily treasury and cash operations.
Requirements:
Required: Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance. Hands-on ownership of the monthly, quarterly, and annual close in a public company or IPO-track environment with meaningful leadership responsibility (typically 8+ years of progressive accounting experience, though depth of ownership valued over years). Public accounting experience with a Big Four or national firm, followed by accounting leadership in biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, or life sciences. Strong command of U.S. GAAP and internal controls over financial reporting, with practical SOX readiness or compliance experience. Technical depth in clinical and R&D accruals, stock-based compensation, equity and debt transactions, and leases. Record of building teams and improving close processes in a lean organization with hands-on, low-ego leadership style. Clear communication skills and ability to translate accounting issues into practical guidance for business partners and senior leaders.
Preferred: Active CPA. Experience supporting an IPO, registration statement, or newly public company, including work alongside external auditors and counsel. Experience with collaboration and license accounting and revenue recognition in a partnered biotech. Experience with NetSuite or comparable ERP, and familiarity with close-management, equity-administration, and SEC-reporting tools.
