Director of Finance And Accounting

My early-stage biotech client is seeking to add a highly strategic and hands-on Director of Finance and Accounting to build, lead, and scale the finance and accounting function. This role will be foundational in establishing accounting policies, internal controls, and operational processes across a multi-entity structure, while also leading complex technical accounting matters. The ideal candidate holds their CPA, with prior Big 4 experience, bringing deep technical expertise and the ability to operate effectively in a high-growth, pre-IPO environment. This position reports directly to the CEO, requiring strong business partnership, executive communication, and ownership mindset. Prior experience in early biotech or life sciences REQUIRED!! The position is FULLY ONSITE no exceptions. Compensation is outlined below.

Core Responsibilities:

Accounting Operations & Financial Infrastructure

• Build and implement accounting policies and internal controls across 7 subsidiaries.
• Own the monthly, quarterly, and annual close process.
• Prepare financial statements aligned to public company standards.
• Manage budgets and forecasts.
• Oversee spending controls, AP, and NetSuite journal entries.
• Manage outsourced accounting providers.

Technical Accounting & Complex Structures

• Lead revenue recognition and licensing accounting.
• Manage equity, QSBS, and intercompany accounting.
• Support partnerships and phantom equity programs.

Audit & Compliance

• Lead external audit and ensure audit readiness.
• Implement scalable pre-IPO controls.

Investor Engagement

• Manage shareholder interactions and NJ tax credit program.
• Oversee Carta and cap table management.

Strategic Finance

• Support commercial launch modeling and COGS.
• Partner with commercial team on compliance and CMS readiness.

Corporate Development

• Support M&A;, capital raises, and pre-IPO planning.

Qualifications/Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting
• CPA required
• Prior Big 4 or large national public accounting experience
• 10 years of progressive Finance and Accounting leadership including early-stage biotech/life sciences experience
• Strong technical accounting expertise
• Experience scaling accounting functions
• NetSuite a PLUS not required
• Strong executive presence and polished communication
• Pre-IPO experience
• QSBS & equity structures
• M&A; exposure

Compensation: Salary $200-$220k EQUITY!

To all staffing agencies: This position is for a Wiss client!!!!! Wiss does not utilize 3rd party firms for any internal or client positions. Please be advised, Wiss is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes. All unsolicited resumes will become the property of Wiss.