Director, Accounting

Catalyst Biosciences is seeking an exceptional Director, Accounting to lead and manage its accounting / finance operations. Reporting to the Controller, this is an opportunity to contribute significantly to a rapidly evolving, publicly traded biotechnology company.

As a key member of the Finance leadership team, this person will be responsible for all aspects of the accounting close process, payroll, equity, financial statement production and SEC reporting. You will work closely with the companies outside auditor and the internal audit team to refine and support an effective environment of financial reporting and controls.

The individual in this role will have the chance to apply their superb operational capabilities and bias for action to manage and execute the entire range of activities that support the success of Catalyst’s financial functions, while also leveraging their strategic leadership experience to continue establishing this function within our growing organization. The ideal candidate is a driven individual excited by the opportunity to work in a fast-paced, dynamic, biotech start-up like environment, and to leverage their high degree of problem-solving and troubleshooting skills to make a large impact on Catalyst mission addressing unmet medical needs.

About Catalyst Biosciences, the Protease Medicines company

Catalyst is a research and clinical development biopharmaceutical company focused on addressing unmet medical needs in rare disorders of the complement and coagulation systems. Our protease engineering platform has generated two late-stage clinical programs, including MarzAA, a subcutaneously (SQ) administered next-generation engineered coagulation Factor VIIa (FVIIa) for the treatment of episodic bleeding in subjects with rare bleeding disorders. Our complement pipeline includes a pre-clinical C3-degrader program partnered with Biogen for dry age-related macular degeneration, an improved complement factor I protease for SQ replacement therapy in patients with CFI deficiency and C4b-degraders designed to target disorders of the classical complement pathway as well as other complement programs in development.

Responsibilities

• Lead the accounting operations of the company including maintaining an adequate system of accounting records/policies, technical accounting oversight and a comprehensive set of controls designed to mitigate risk and enhance the accuracy of the company’s reported financial results and ensuring 404(b) compliance.
• Ensure that the company’s accounting procedures and reported results conform to generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP).
• Lead the preparation of SEC filings including 10-K, 10-Q, proxy and 8-Ks.
• Oversee all general ledger process, purchasing to payables process and provide sound financial guidance to company personnel on procurement decisions and contract negotiations.
• Oversee payroll, 401-k, equity, and benefits processes.
• Manage the company’s tax reporting and filing requirements.
• Manage the company’s cash-flow, including bank accounts and investments.
• Interface with financial institutions, external auditors, service providers and advisors
• Manage, mentor, and develop a high performing, professional team.
• Lead the relationship with our independent auditors; manage the annual audit and quarterly review process.
• Review all material agreements and provide input as needed.
• Lead process improvement initiatives for continued enhancement of ERP (NetSuite).

**Title/Level to commensurate with educational and professional experience.

Requirements

• 15+ years of related professional experience with increasing responsibility.
• Accounting degree with current CPA license preferred.
• Big 4 Public Accounting, SEC reporting, and US GAAP experience a plus.
• System experience; NetSuite ERP; Shareworks, ADP, RRD ActiveDisclosure (or Workiva), AuditBoard, and MS Office 365.
• Collaborative business partner adept in building cross-functional relationships to drive business results and process improvement.
• Ability to produce quality results in an efficient manner within tight timeframes and simultaneously manage several projects.
• Experience with assessing, designing, and implementing internal controls over financial reporting.
• An independent problem-solver with strong work ethics and intellectual curiosity will thrive.
• Attention to detail, ability to multi-task, and strong interpersonal skills including verbal and written communication are essential in this collaborative work environment.
• Requires strong leadership and diplomacy skills to guide teams and facilitate collaboration.
• Must have excellent organizational skills, the ability to prioritize projects, and superior attention to detail.