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Sr. Controller/ Controller

Adela

Adela

Accounting & Finance
Remote
USD 180k-220k / year
Posted on Oct 21, 2025

Adela’s vision is to advance precision medicine to conquer cancer. We do this by developing best-in-class technology to accelerate the diagnosis and improve the management of cancer through blood tests for minimal residual disease (MRD) monitoring and multi-cancer early detection (MCED). Adela’s blood-based, tissue-free product ensures universal accessibility to MRD testing for patients with cancer, eliminating any dependency on tumor tissue availability. Adela’s first product was recently clinically validated for predicting and surveilling recurrence in patients with head & neck cancer and published in Annals of Oncology.

We are hiring a Sr. Controller/Controller to join our team. The Sr.Controller/ Controller s a senior leader who both oversees and actively drives the day-to-day accounting function. This remote role is not limited to directing others; it combines strategy and execution through a hands-on approach. The Sr.Controller/ Controller manages month-end and year-end close, prepares and reviews journal entries and reconciliations, drafts financial statements, leads audits, and implements scalable systems—all while ensuring compliance with GAAP/IFRS. As an early stage company , the Controller will develop and build more scalable processes in support of organization growth through commercialization and scale-up.

In addition to execution, the Sr. Controller/ Controller provides oversight and leadership by setting accounting policies, strengthening internal controls, and mentoring the finance team. A strong GAAP technical foundation (CPA or equivalent required) is essential, with the ability to apply best practices in both detailed accounting tasks and higher-level financial reporting.

  • Accounting Operations: Lead all core accounting functions including bookkeeping, accounts receivable/payable, invoicing, payroll, inventory and asset management, procurement. Serve as the organization’s authority on GAAP/IFRS, accounting policies, and financial reporting.
  • Financial Close & Reporting: Manage monthly and quarterly close processes, including journal entries, reconciliations, accruals, and maintenance of operational accounts. Prepare internal financial statements, forecasts, and management reports; conduct quarterly financial reviews with the executive team.
  • Budgeting & Forecasting: Support the preparation of annual budgets, ongoing forecasting, and analysis of actual vs. budget performance. Provide financial insights to inform strategic and operational decisions. Cash Management: Oversee daily cash flow and liquidity management, including forecasting, reconciliations, fund transfers, and banking relationships to ensure operational efficiency and sufficient working capital across U.S. and Canadian entities. Develop and implement cash management policies, and internal controls to optimize working capital, strengthen treasury operations, and provide accurate visibility into Adela’s cash position for executive decision-making.
  • Controls & Governance: Implement and maintain strong internal controls, segregation of duties, and accounting procedures that safeguard company assets and ensure operational efficiency.
  • Systems & Process Improvement: Lead the evaluation, selection, and implementation of financial and ERP systems, ensuring seamless integration across departments. Develop scalable and efficient processes for financial reporting, purchase orders and vendor contracts, to identify opportunities for cost savings, improve accuracy, shorten timelines, and support growth.
  • Audit & Compliance: Oversee annual external audits, collaborating with auditors and the audit committee. Ensure accurate accounting of U.S./Canada transfer pricing and compliance with all federal, state, and provincial tax requirements, including franchise, sales & use, and corporate tax filings. Develop revenue recognition policies in accordance with GAAP and stay abreast evolving compliance requirements in diagnostics.
  • Cross-Functional Partnerships: Work closely with HR on payroll, benefits, and employee-related processes. Partner with R&D and Clinical Operations to support clinical trial budgeting and ensure proper financial oversight of programs. Collaborate with IT to manage technology-related assets, including company equipment, ensuring accurate inventory and cost allocation.
  • Leadership & Team Development: Build and mentor a high-performing and geographically distributed accounting and finance team, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

This role provides an opportunity to have a significant organizational impact at a high-growth, early stage company. Strong cross-functional collaboration is a must.

Education Requirements:
Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field (CPA/CMA preferred).

Work Experience Requirements:

  • A minimum of 10 years of accounting experience with a minimum of 2 years controller-level or equivalent experience and a proven track record in leadership decision making, scaling and change management.
  • Prior experience in diagnostics is highly preferred.
  • Possesses strategic and analytical skills with the ability to translate strategic goals into specific

objectives.

  • Experience leading ERP or financial system implementations and training teams for adoption
  • Deep technical GAAP/IFRS expertise with demonstrated application in corporate environments.
  • Ability to handle multiple high priority projects simultaneously. Demonstrated ability and agility to identify challenges and implement appropriate solutions quickly and effectively.
  • Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to influence and align with all levels of the organization.
  • Excellent oral and written communication and negotiation skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Knowledge of Bill.com, Netsuite, Quickbooks, TriNet a plus
  • Proven ability to integrate accounting systems with operational platforms, such as RCM (Revenue Cycle Management), LIMS (Laboratory Information Management Systems), and CRM tools, a plus.

The annual base salary range for this position is $180,000 to $220,000. This range reflects only the base salary component of compensation. In addition to base pay, the role is eligible for participation in Adela’s discretionary bonus plan. Compensation will be determined based on a number of factors, including experience, qualifications, and internal equity. The total compensation package is designed to be competitive with market data and aligned with industry benchmarks.

Adela is committed to fostering diversity and inclusion in our workplace. We embrace and celebrate the unique qualities and perspectives of all individuals, and we provide equal employment opportunities to candidates without regard to race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion, creed, sex, gender, gender identity/expression, age, veteran status, political affiliation, sexual orientation, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, or disability.
At Adela, everyone belongs.