Director, Assistant Controller

Caribou Biosciences is a leading clinical-stage CRISPR genome-editing biopharmaceutical company dedicated to developing transformative therapies for patients with devastating diseases. Our next-generation genome-editing technology enables superior precision to develop cell therapies that are armored to potentially improve activity against diseases. We believe the future of cell therapy is off-the-shelf, and we are advancing our pipeline of off-the-shelf, or allogeneic, cell therapies from our CAR-T cell therapy platform as readily available treatments for patients with hematologic malignancies and autoimmune diseases.

Members of the Caribou herd open their minds to new ideas and welcome diverse perspectives. We proudly assert that teams do their best work when their members are personally engaged, their ideas are taken seriously, and their contributions are recognized. Members of the herd work from our headquarters in Berkeley, California, or remotely.

We are seeking an experienced and dynamic Assistant Controller to join our finance team. This is a key leadership role in the Finance organization that will report directly to the VP of Finance and Controller. The ideal candidate will be a hands-on Finance leader with strong operational and technical accounting expertise who thrives in a fast-paced environment with minimal supervision. The Assistant Controller will lead various accounting processes and manage a team to scale with the company's growth. The position will be responsible for all aspects of the accounting operations including, but not limited to, monthly and quarterly close activities, clinical and manufacturing accruals, internal controls, external audit management, equity, treasury and tax compliance, and policy development and implementation.

This position will be based in our Berkeley, California headquarters, with flexibility for a hybrid work arrangement for Bay Area-based candidates.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the preparation and review of monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements in compliance with GAAP and SEC regulations
• Oversee all accounting functions, including general ledger, accounts payable and expense reporting, accounts receivable, payroll, and financial reporting
• Review and provide input to the clinical trial and manufacturing accounting accruals
• Develop documentation of standards and procedures for the accounting and finance teams' processes
• Proactively researches and resolves accounting or documentation issues and discrepancies.
• Maintain and monitor the system of internal controls and ensure their efficiency and effectiveness.
• Ensures the effectiveness of internal controls and integrity of accounting records and resulting financial statements
• Able to work efficiently within the Company's finance systems and drive system improvements/enhancements to support the company's accounting needs
• Ensuring all accounting practices are in compliance with legal guidelines and established accounting principles
• Create and post journal entries to the general ledger, including month-end recurring and accrual entries.
• Supports company's SEC filing on quarterly/annual basis (i.e. such as footnote preparation and support)
• Provide timely and accurate reporting of all federal, state, and local tax filings (income taxes, property taxes, sales and use taxes, franchise taxes, 1099s etc.)
• Perform analytics to explain variances for the balance sheet and income statement actual results as compared to prior periods
• Provides cross-functional support to the Company as needs arise, including special projects, system improvements or ad-hoc financial analyses
• Completes ad-hoc financial reporting and analysis, as well as, special projects as needed, other duties as assigned
• Drive continuous improvement in accounting processes and systems to enhance operational efficiency
• Mentor and develop the accounting team, fostering a culture of collaboration, professional growth, and high performance
• Support the VP of Finance and Controller in ad hoc financial analysis, special projects, and strategic initiatives

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in accounting, Finance, or a related field; CPA certification required
• 10+ years of relevant finance and accounting experience, including previous experience at Assistant Controller or Director level within a public biotech or life sciences company
• Previous experience with clinical trial, research and development, and outsourced manufacturing accounting desired
• Demonstrated ability in leading an accounting function, including recruitment, development and retention of top industry talent
• Proven ability to analyze financial data and prepare financial reports, statements, and projections
• Strong knowledge of U.S. GAAP and Sarbanes-Oxley
• Ability to research and interpret accounting guidance
• Excellent analytical skills, attention to detail, and organization
• Excellent written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills
• Proven track record of managing a high-performing accounting team and driving process improvements
• Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively collaborate with cross-functional teams
• High level of integrity, strong analytical skills, and attention to detail
• Proficiency with financial systems and software, including Netsuite, Coupa, Concur, and ADP payroll;
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and adapt to changing priorities

Caribou compensation and benefits include:

• Comprehensive compensation package, which includes competitive salary, bonus, and equity for all employees
• Salary Range: $210,000 to $225,000 - This represents the present low and high end of the Company's pay range for this position. Actual pay will vary based on various factors, including but not limited to location, skill, experience, and performance.
• Generous paid vacation time, in addition to company-observed holidays and floating holidays
• Excellent medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) retirement savings plan, which includes matching employer contributions
• Employee stock purchase plan (ESPP)
• Tuition reimbursement program

The benefits and stock purchase described above are subject to the terms and conditions of any governing plans, policies, practices, agreements, or other materials or documents as in effect from time to time, including but not limited to terms and conditions regarding eligibility.

Caribou is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, marital status, age, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical conditions, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender (including gender identity and gender expression), sex (which includes pregnancy, childbirth, and breastfeeding), genetic information, taking or requesting statutorily protected leave, or any other basis protected by law. In addition, Caribou prohibits the harassment of any individual on any of the bases listed above or any other characteristics protected under federal, state, or local laws.

Legal authorization to work in the United States is required. In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.

We do not accept unsolicited resumes or candidate submissions from staffing agencies. All agencies must have a valid written agreement with Caribou Biosciences, Inc.for service in place. Any resume or candidate submitted by a staffing agency without such an agreement in place will be considered unsolicited, and Caribou Biosciences, Inc. will not be obligated to pay any referral or placement fee.

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