Director, Accounting & Tax (Controller)
PharmaEssentia, Burlington, MA, United States
Location : Burlington, MA (hybrid/ 2-3 days per week in office)
Position Overview
We are seeking a technical, operational, and strategic Director of Accounting and Tax/Controller to join our rapidly growing organization. This role carries full ownership of U.S. accounting and tax infrastructure and operations within a commercial-stage rare disease pharmaceutical company. You will own the integrity of the close process, financial reporting accuracy, SOX compliance, technical accounting, and tax. You will have the opportunity to transform the accounting and tax team into a scalable, high‑performing organization capable of supporting rapid growth and operational excellence. Key Responsibilities
Own the monthly, quarterly, and annual close process, ensuring disciplined execution and continuous improvement. Oversee account reconciliations, raising the standards for quality, accuracy, and documentation. Sign off on IFRS‑compliant financial statements. Maintain and enhance the accounting policies and procedures. Accountable for SOX compliance efforts and strengthen internal controls across the entire organization. Serve as primary liaison to internal/external auditors and manage the annual audit process. Own end‑to‑end accounting processes from transaction through financial reporting. Oversee payroll accounting and evaluate future transition of payroll fully under Accounting ownership. Review gross‑to‑net reconciliations including discounts, rebates, chargebacks, returns and perform reserve analysis. Oversee inventory and production accounting within a manufacturing environment, including standard costing and reserves. Support transfer pricing and intercompany accounting. Oversee tax, analyzing and advising on tax implications of business decisions and transactions. Lead the preparation and review of monthly, quarterly, and annual management reports, delivering clear, accurate financial insights and presenting business‑impactful analysis and recommendations to executive leadership. Partner closely with FP&A to develop and maintain integrated three‑statement forecasts, with primary ownership of Balance Sheet and Cash Flow projections. Deliver thoughtful, data‑driven analysis of quarterly budget‑versus‑actual variances to support Quarterly Business Reviews and inform strategic decision‑making. Identify opportunities proactively and drive automation and process transformation initiatives within Accounting and Tax to enhance efficiency, strengthen controls, and enable scalable growth. Proactively track changes in accounting standards and business developments; evaluate potential technical accounting and tax implications to lead the team to conduct research, analysis, formal documentation, and present to leadership as needed. Maintain and update accounting policies, procedures, and SOP documentation to ensure alignment with current guidance and business operations; establish and document role cross‑training and backup coverage to support business continuity. Partner cross‑functionally on ad‑hoc projects as needed, including but not limited to business development and M&A initiatives. Lead, mentor, and develop accounting team members while raising technical capability across the department. Qualifications & Experience
Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, or related field required. Master’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Tax, Business Management, strongly preferred. CPA required. 10+ years of progressive accounting experience with increasing scope and leadership responsibility. 3+ years in public accounting firms (Big 4 strongly preferred). 3+ years of leadership experience managing teams through end‑to‑end period‑end close process, financial reporting, overseeing external auditing, and managing auditor relationships. Experience operating within a public company environment, subject to SEC reporting and SOX compliance. Preferred experience within a commercial‑stage pharmaceutical, biotech, or life sciences organization, or in lieu of, prior experience with Gross to Net, and government pricing. Proven track record leading and developing high‑performance accounting and tax teams in a complex, regulated, and fast‑paced environment. Demonstrated comprehensive knowledge across U.S. GAAP (IFRS preferred), financial reporting & period‑end close, internal controls, tax, and transfer pricing, manufacturing finance, and accounting systems and automation. Strong understanding of best practices and scalable financial processes. Effective executive‑level written and oral communication skills required. Ability to work well under pressure and to work within short deadlines. Excellent organizational and multitasking skills, strong work ethic, and emphasis on attention to details. Self‑directed, highly accountable, and comfortable operating with ambiguity in a growth environment. Culture Fit Requirements
Seeks excellence in everyday Drives to make a difference, personally and professionally Embodies natural urge to learn and grow High intellect and strong analytical skills Non‑bureaucratic, flexible, and able to thrive in a fast‑moving environment Positive energy and attitude towards people and problem‑solving The expected salary range for this position based on greater Boston, MA location is $185,000-$225,000. Actual salary pay will be based on multiple factors, including geographic location, experience, qualifications, and other job‑related factors permitted by law. Benefits
Comprehensive medical coverage Dental and vision coverage Generous paid time‑off 401(k) retirement plan with competitive company match Medical & Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account Up to $150 monthly cell phone reimbursement Employee Assistance Program Free parking EEO Statement
At PharmaEssentia USA, we are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy (including childbirth and related medical conditions), national origin, age, physical and mental disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information (including characteristics and testing), military and veteran status, and any other characteristic protected by applicable law. PharmaEssentia USA believes that diversity and inclusion among our team are critical to our success as a global company, and we seek to recruit, develop and retain the most talented people from a diverse candidate pool. PharmaEssentia does not accept unsolicited agency resumes. Staffing agencies should not send resumes to our HR team or to any PharmaEssentia employees. PharmaEssentia is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes from staffing agencies. It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability. At PharmaEssentia, our goal is to treat as many people with cancer as possible. That means challenging the status quo with better science that leads to better lives. By joining our team, you will not only expand your own possibilities, but you will contribute to expanding options for people with cancer.
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We are seeking a technical, operational, and strategic Director of Accounting and Tax/Controller to join our rapidly growing organization. This role carries full ownership of U.S. accounting and tax infrastructure and operations within a commercial-stage rare disease pharmaceutical company. You will own the integrity of the close process, financial reporting accuracy, SOX compliance, technical accounting, and tax. You will have the opportunity to transform the accounting and tax team into a scalable, high‑performing organization capable of supporting rapid growth and operational excellence. Key Responsibilities
Own the monthly, quarterly, and annual close process, ensuring disciplined execution and continuous improvement. Oversee account reconciliations, raising the standards for quality, accuracy, and documentation. Sign off on IFRS‑compliant financial statements. Maintain and enhance the accounting policies and procedures. Accountable for SOX compliance efforts and strengthen internal controls across the entire organization. Serve as primary liaison to internal/external auditors and manage the annual audit process. Own end‑to‑end accounting processes from transaction through financial reporting. Oversee payroll accounting and evaluate future transition of payroll fully under Accounting ownership. Review gross‑to‑net reconciliations including discounts, rebates, chargebacks, returns and perform reserve analysis. Oversee inventory and production accounting within a manufacturing environment, including standard costing and reserves. Support transfer pricing and intercompany accounting. Oversee tax, analyzing and advising on tax implications of business decisions and transactions. Lead the preparation and review of monthly, quarterly, and annual management reports, delivering clear, accurate financial insights and presenting business‑impactful analysis and recommendations to executive leadership. Partner closely with FP&A to develop and maintain integrated three‑statement forecasts, with primary ownership of Balance Sheet and Cash Flow projections. Deliver thoughtful, data‑driven analysis of quarterly budget‑versus‑actual variances to support Quarterly Business Reviews and inform strategic decision‑making. Identify opportunities proactively and drive automation and process transformation initiatives within Accounting and Tax to enhance efficiency, strengthen controls, and enable scalable growth. Proactively track changes in accounting standards and business developments; evaluate potential technical accounting and tax implications to lead the team to conduct research, analysis, formal documentation, and present to leadership as needed. Maintain and update accounting policies, procedures, and SOP documentation to ensure alignment with current guidance and business operations; establish and document role cross‑training and backup coverage to support business continuity. Partner cross‑functionally on ad‑hoc projects as needed, including but not limited to business development and M&A initiatives. Lead, mentor, and develop accounting team members while raising technical capability across the department. Qualifications & Experience
Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, or related field required. Master’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Tax, Business Management, strongly preferred. CPA required. 10+ years of progressive accounting experience with increasing scope and leadership responsibility. 3+ years in public accounting firms (Big 4 strongly preferred). 3+ years of leadership experience managing teams through end‑to‑end period‑end close process, financial reporting, overseeing external auditing, and managing auditor relationships. Experience operating within a public company environment, subject to SEC reporting and SOX compliance. Preferred experience within a commercial‑stage pharmaceutical, biotech, or life sciences organization, or in lieu of, prior experience with Gross to Net, and government pricing. Proven track record leading and developing high‑performance accounting and tax teams in a complex, regulated, and fast‑paced environment. Demonstrated comprehensive knowledge across U.S. GAAP (IFRS preferred), financial reporting & period‑end close, internal controls, tax, and transfer pricing, manufacturing finance, and accounting systems and automation. Strong understanding of best practices and scalable financial processes. Effective executive‑level written and oral communication skills required. Ability to work well under pressure and to work within short deadlines. Excellent organizational and multitasking skills, strong work ethic, and emphasis on attention to details. Self‑directed, highly accountable, and comfortable operating with ambiguity in a growth environment. Culture Fit Requirements
Seeks excellence in everyday Drives to make a difference, personally and professionally Embodies natural urge to learn and grow High intellect and strong analytical skills Non‑bureaucratic, flexible, and able to thrive in a fast‑moving environment Positive energy and attitude towards people and problem‑solving The expected salary range for this position based on greater Boston, MA location is $185,000-$225,000. Actual salary pay will be based on multiple factors, including geographic location, experience, qualifications, and other job‑related factors permitted by law. Benefits
Comprehensive medical coverage Dental and vision coverage Generous paid time‑off 401(k) retirement plan with competitive company match Medical & Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account Up to $150 monthly cell phone reimbursement Employee Assistance Program Free parking EEO Statement
At PharmaEssentia USA, we are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy (including childbirth and related medical conditions), national origin, age, physical and mental disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information (including characteristics and testing), military and veteran status, and any other characteristic protected by applicable law. PharmaEssentia USA believes that diversity and inclusion among our team are critical to our success as a global company, and we seek to recruit, develop and retain the most talented people from a diverse candidate pool. PharmaEssentia does not accept unsolicited agency resumes. Staffing agencies should not send resumes to our HR team or to any PharmaEssentia employees. PharmaEssentia is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes from staffing agencies. It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability. At PharmaEssentia, our goal is to treat as many people with cancer as possible. That means challenging the status quo with better science that leads to better lives. By joining our team, you will not only expand your own possibilities, but you will contribute to expanding options for people with cancer.
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