About the Assistant Controller Role

Join Robert Half's esteemed client in Waltham, Massachusetts, as an Assistant Controller on a long-term contract basis. This pivotal position offers a unique opportunity to lead critical accounting functions within a dynamic organization focused on clinical trials and innovative financial operations. Reporting directly to the Controller, you will manage accounts payable, oversee clinical trial accruals, and drive financial accuracy and compliance. With a competitive rate of $76 per hour, this role is ideal for seasoned accounting professionals seeking to make a significant impact in a fast-paced environment. Robert Half specializes in connecting top talent with exceptional opportunities, and this position exemplifies our commitment to placing candidates in roles that advance their careers while supporting groundbreaking work in the biotech and pharmaceutical sectors.

Why This Role Stands Out

As Assistant Controller, you'll gain hands-on experience with advanced financial software like NetSuite, Coupa, Concur, and Carta, enhancing your technical expertise. This is more than a job—it's a chance to lead a high-performing accounting team, implement robust internal controls, and contribute to strategic financial initiatives. Located in the heart of Waltham, MA—a hub for life sciences innovation—this role positions you at the intersection of finance and cutting-edge research.

Key Responsibilities

The Assistant Controller will take ownership of core accounting processes, ensuring operational excellence and regulatory compliance. Your leadership will be instrumental in month-end closes, parent company reporting, and equity management.

• Oversee all accounts payable operations, from invoice processing to vendor payments, guaranteeing 100% accuracy and timeliness.
• Lead complex clinical trial accrual processes, applying industry best practices to track expenses and maintain precise financial records.
• Supervise the senior accountant, providing guidance on daily tasks and fostering professional development.
• Design and enforce internal controls that meet stringent audit standards and mitigate financial risks.
• Partner with the Controller on strategic projects, including budgeting, forecasting, and process improvements.
• Leverage NetSuite for ERP management, Coupa for procurement automation, and Concur for expense tracking to streamline workflows.
• Execute thorough month-end close procedures, reviewing financial statements for accuracy and completeness.
• Prepare detailed reports for the parent company, aligning with public company SEC requirements and GAAP standards.
• Handle equity accounting using Carta, managing stock options, RSUs, and cap table maintenance.
• Mentor the accounting team, promoting a culture of accountability, continuous learning, and high performance.

Required Qualifications

To excel as Assistant Controller, candidates must demonstrate proven expertise in financial leadership and technical accounting. Robert Half seeks individuals with:

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or equivalent; CPA preferred.
• 5-7+ years of progressive experience in corporate accounting, ideally in biotech/pharma with clinical trial exposure.
• Deep proficiency in NetSuite, Coupa, Concur, and Carta; experience with other ERP systems a plus.
• Strong command of GAAP, SOX compliance, and public company reporting.
• Demonstrated leadership in supervising accounting staff and implementing controls.
• Exceptional analytical skills for accruals, reconciliations, and variance analysis.
• Excellent communication abilities for cross-functional collaboration and stakeholder reporting.
• Proven track record in month-end closes and audit preparation.
• Adaptability to fast-paced environments with tight deadlines.

Experience in life sciences or clinical research organizations is highly desirable, along with a passion for financial innovation and team development.

Why Join Us?

Robert Half offers unparalleled support for your career growth. This long-term contract provides stability at $76/hour, with potential for full-time conversion based on performance. Benefit from our client's state-of-the-art Waltham, MA facilities, surrounded by top-tier biotech firms. Enjoy professional development through mentorship, access to Robert Half's training resources, and networking opportunities in the Greater Boston area. Our client fosters a collaborative culture emphasizing work-life balance, innovation, and recognition. As part of Robert Half's network, you'll have exclusive access to future opportunities in finance and accounting. Waltham's vibrant community, proximity to Boston, and robust life sciences ecosystem make this an ideal location for ambitious professionals. Apply today to elevate your career with Robert Half—where exceptional talent meets extraordinary opportunities. (Word count: 812)