Director / VP of Finance, Controller

(Level will be aligned with candidate experience)

Affinia Therapeutics is a cutting-edge biotech company developing next generation gene therapies. We are backed by a strong syndicate of life science investors and strategic partner Eli Lilly and have ambitious plans to dramatically impact the lives of patients around the world.

You will be working alongside the executive leadership team which has a successful track record of success of drug approvals and company build. We have a series of transformational next generation AAV capsids that we are leveraging to develop differentiated first in class and best in class gene therapies for cardiovascular and neurological diseases. Our initial focus is on helping patients with BAG3-associated dilated cardiomyopathy, a devastating genetic heart disease affecting tens of thousands of patients worldwide.

Position Summary

Reporting to the Chief Business and Financial Officer, you will help lead the finance function and serve as a full-time controller, charged with enabling us to navigate the business through a dynamic period, as we advance our pipeline into the clinic with our next-generation gene therapies. As an active member of management, you are someone who will provide strategic thought to an inclusive executive team and lay the foundational ground-work to scale, andalso roll up your sleeves to execute daily responsibilities.

Primary Responsibilities

• Lead all financial and accounting activities to include reporting – Monthly, Quarterly, and Annual requirements
• Partner closely with third parties to manage annual audits, filings, taxes, and corporate accounting activities
• Lead preparation of financial updates, analysis, and board content for leadership team, Board of Directors, and investors
• Prepare and present financial updates, audit findings, and internal control reports to the Board’s Audit Committee
• Act as the primary administrator for Affinia’s equity management platform (Carta), managing the cap table and all aspects of the company’s equity and option program
• Oversee and manage the annual budget, and implement appropriate management reporting
• Lead all aspects of accounting including accounts payable, accounts receivable, general ledger, tax, and payroll as well as overall cash forecasting and management
• Manage month end close, including but not limited to preparing and reviewing journal entries and balance sheet reconciliations
• Prepare technical accounting memorandums as needed as well as continue to improve on and strengthen the internal control environment
• Partner with all cross functional leadership in Discovery, Translational, Tech Ops and Clinical teams to forecast and account for discovery and development projects and major collaborations
• Develop and implement a Sarbanes-Oxley compliance program; enhance and maintain the internal controls environment
• Foster an environment of continuous improvement to identify, develop, and implement process changes and systems to increase efficiency, ensure accurate monthly reporting, and build scalable accounting processes while retaining our nimble biotech culture
• Manage and serve as a functional role model to an excellent accounting manager employee

Minimum Qualifications

• Masters degree in Finance/ Accounting relevant discipline a plus
• 10+ years of relevant experience within Life Sciences, Biotechnology industries
• CPA certification (active or inactive); knowledge of accounting principles including (GAAP and GAAS) general and cost accounting, tax reporting, and budgeting
• Experience leading the accounting function in both private and public biotech company context; “Big Four” or national accounting firm audit experience preferred
• IPO experience; proven hands-on experience preparing and filing an S-1, 10-K’s and 10-Q’s
• Experience implementing/maintaining accounting systems, internal control compliance and developing reporting and analytics capabilities
• Maintains high ethical and confidentiality standards, and cultivates within team
• Ability to work in a team environment and participate as an active member of management. Must have a participative management style, strong team development, coaching skills, and the ability to lead and motivate and influence senior and executive-level managers
• Effective oral and written business communication skills
• Analytical, statistical, personal organization, and problem-solving skills; able to organize, prioritize, and execute a variable workload and multiple priorities
• Self-directed and highly motivated with the decisiveness and flexibility necessary to operate successfully in a changing, rapid growth, complex, hands-on environment

The anticipated base salary range for this role is $200,000 - 300,000 annually, depending on experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities. This range reflects what we reasonably and in good faith expect to offer for this position at the time of posting. In addition to base salary, this role may be eligible for equity grants, performance bonuses, and comprehensive benefits, including health, dental, and vision coverage, 401(k), and paid time off.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Affinia is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, national origin, genetics, disability, age, sexual orientation or veteran status.