Vice President, Chief Accounting Officer

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Global Accounting Leadership

• Oversee all accounting operations globally, including general ledger, accounts payable/receivable, payroll, fixed assets, and intercompany transactions.
• Ensure compliance with U.S. GAAP , as well as local statutory and regulatory requirements across all jurisdictions.
• Lead accurate and timely monthly, quarterly, and annual close processes across multiple service and software business units.
• Develop and maintain accounting policies and procedures that address the unique complexities of both project-based service delivery and SaaS/subscription revenue models .
• Continuously improve accounting processes to enhance efficiency, transparency, and scalability.
  
  

Financial Reporting, Audit, and Governance

• Direct the preparation of consolidated financial statements, management reports, and key performance dashboards for the CFO, Board, and investors.
• Lead and oversee all external financial and statutory audits , ensuring successful and timely completion with proactive risk identification and resolution.
• Maintain a robust internal control environment, including compliance with SOX or equivalent frameworks, and drive continuous improvement in financial governance.
• Ensure compliance with creditor and financing agreements , including covenant monitoring, reporting accuracy, and proactive communication with lenders and financial institutions.
• Establish strong relationships with private equity sponsors, investors, and lenders , providing transparency, timely reporting, and confidence in financial results.
• Represent the finance organization in investor reviews, board presentations, and lender discussions, articulating performance, risks, and opportunities with credibility and precision.
  
  

Tax, Treasury, and Risk Management

• Oversee all aspects of global tax operations , including income tax, indirect tax, transfer pricing, and compliance across multiple jurisdictions.
• Direct treasury functions , including global cash management, working capital optimization, intercompany funding, hedging, and banking relationships.
• Ensure appropriate management of foreign currency exposure , liquidity, and funding to support operational and strategic initiatives.
• Implement treasury and tax strategies that optimize the company's financial position while maintaining compliance and risk mitigation.
  
  

Revenue Recognition & Cost Accounting

• Oversee complex revenue recognition processes for both CRO contracts and software/SaaS licensing in compliance with ASC 606 .
• Ensure consistent and accurate project cost allocation, indirect recovery, and margin analysis to support operational performance insights.
• Partner with Legal, Commercial, and Project Management teams to align contract terms with accounting and compliance standards.
  
  

Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A) Support

• Support all M&A activities , including financial due diligence, accounting assessments, valuation review, and post-acquisition integration.
• Ensure acquired entities align with group accounting policies, controls, and reporting standards.
• Collaborate with Corporate Development, Legal, and external advisors to evaluate opportunities and ensure seamless financial transitions.
  
  

Technology, Systems, and Process Optimization

• Lead the modernization and integration of financial systems, including ERP, automation tools, and data analytics platforms.
• Ensure effective integration between financial and operational systems within both CRO and software business units.
• Champion continuous improvement, scalability, and digital transformation across global finance functions.
  
  

Strategic Collaboration and Leadership

• Serve as a trusted advisor to the CFO, executive leadership team, and Board on financial performance, compliance, and risk.
• Partner cross-functionally with Clinical Operations, Software Development, Commercial, and Legal teams to align financial strategies with business goals.
• Lead and develop a high-performing global team across accounting, tax, and treasury disciplines, fostering excellence, collaboration, and accountability.
• Represent the finance function in communications with private equity owners, board members, investors, auditors, and financial partners .
  
  

Education and Certification

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related discipline; Master's degree or MBA preferred.
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or Chartered Accountant (CA) required.
  
  

Experience

• 12-15 years of progressive accounting and finance experience, including at least 5 years in a senior global leadership role.
• Proven experience in both Clinical Research (CRO/life sciences) and software/SaaS industries.
• Demonstrated success managing external audits , internal controls , treasury and tax functions , creditor compliance , and M&A transactions .
• Experience working with private equity-owned or investor-backed organizations , including familiarity with reporting requirements, financial covenant compliance, and value creation initiatives.
• Strong background in multi-entity consolidations , foreign currency accounting , and ERP system optimization (e.g., NetSuite, SAP, Oracle).
  
  

Skills And Competencies

• Deep understanding of U.S. GAAP , IFRS , ASC 606 , and related standards.
• Exceptional communication and presentation skills, with the ability to convey complex financial insights to executive and investor audiences.
• Strong strategic, analytical, and problem-solving capabilities.
• Proven ability to lead transformation, drive efficiency, and scale operations globally.
• High integrity, sound judgment, and a commitment to excellence in financial stewardship.
  
  

Cytel Inc. is an Equal Employment / Affirmative Action Employer. Applicants are considered for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristics protected by law.

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