Controller

COMPANY OVERVIEWAIRNA is a biotechnology company with a mission to transform lives, one RNA edit at a time. AIRNA is pioneering the discovery and development of RNA editing therapeutics to realize the therapeutic potential of base editing for patients with rare and common diseases. RNA editing modality is poised to lead the next generation of RNA therapeutics by bringing the precision of gene editing technology with a potent and safe medicine that can be conveniently re-dosed and manufactured. Our RESTORE+™ platform is based on groundbreaking research by academic co-founders Thorsten Stafforst (University of Tübingen) and Jin Billy Li (Stanford University), who were the first to elucidate a therapeutic approach for precise editing of RNA. AIRNA has received $90 million in Series A financing from world class venture capital firms, including Forbion and Arch Venture Partners, and is headquartered in Cambridge, MA with research operations in Tübingen, Germany.JOB DESCRIPTIONReporting to the Head of Finance and Operations, we are seeking an experienced individual in the biotechnology industry with a strong understanding of the application of accounting and financing principles in a biotech start-up environment to join us at AIRNA as our Controller. The ideal candidate will streamline and manage AIRNA’s core accounting and financial reporting operations and scale the financial infrastructure as we become a clinical-stage biotech organization. RESPONSIBILITIESHands-on leadership of the company’s financial operations, including: general ledger management, payroll, accounts payable, month-end and year-end close, tax filings, balance sheet reconciliations, etc.Oversee tax filings, planning and complianceProvide technical accounting and financial leadership, including input, oversight and guidance on policies and projectsEvaluate transactions contemplated to assess financial and account impactDrive specific projects and initiatives within a fast-growing biotechnology start-up, including, but not limited to, leading system implementations (NetSuite), implementing policies and procedures in anticipation of an IPO, and business process improvementsImplement and maintain robust internal controls to ensure compliance with US GAAP and other regulationsCollaborate with the Head of Finance and Operations with the development and coordination of annual budgets and forecastsManage external relationships, primarily our accounting and tax firmMaintain consolidation for all domestic and foreign entities and manage related matters with outsourced providers for foreign subsidiary and the local finance team in GermanyImplementation of policies and procedures in anticipation of an IPOOwn external quarterly financial reportingQUALIFICATIONSBachelor’s degree in business/finance or similar field, Master’s degree or CPA required6-8 years of relevant experience, including prior biotech experienceIPO experience and experience in a public company settingExperience with consolidation of internationally operating companies strongly preferredProficiency in general ledger functions and the month-end and year-end close processPrior experience with NetSuite is requiredStrong verbal and written communication skills are required, with proven experience collaborating effectively across organizationsProficiency in German and basic knowledge of German accounting standards are a plusStrong proficiency with Microsoft PowerPoint and ExcelExcited to contribute to the ONE AIRNA culture. We are passionate to build the leading RNA editing company.LOCATIONAIRNA has a hybrid work model, and the role will be based in AIRNA’s corporate headquarters in Cambridge, MA ~3 days per week.