Financial Controller

at  Freeline Therapeutics

Why Spur?
Gene therapy is at an inflection point. Amidst the noise of countless emerging modalities, we’ve been hard at work refining our science and advancing our programs with quiet determination and a bold ambition to unlock the true potential of gene therapy to change the trajectory of more patients’ lives. Come join Spur’s dedicated team of scientists, physicians and other professionals who are singularly focused on using cutting-edge science and technology to transform the treatment of serious and debilitating chronic diseases.
What We Are Trying to Accomplish
We are a clinical-stage biotech company developing transformative adeno-associated virus (AAV) vector-mediated gene therapies. Founded in 2015, Spur is focused on developing innovative, one-time treatments that set new standards of care. Our integrated gene therapy platform includes in-house capabilities in research, protein engineering and clinical development, and we optimize every component of our product candidates to develop first- and best-in-class gene therapies. We are currently advancing a highly differentiated gene therapy candidate in a Phase 1/2 clinical trial in people with Gaucher disease. We are working on additional programs in research, with a focus on CNS and cardiovascular diseases, to reach even more patients with our potentially life-changing treatments. Spur is global, with research facilities and offices in Stevenage, UK, and offices in Boston and New York.
How We Will Do It
We are relentless in our pursuit of transformative medicines for patients. We take innovation seriously and know we need to be bold both in our science and in every aspect of our work. We also know we can only achieve these things together, so we act as one Spur and expect that of each colleague in the company. We always do the right thing – the trust of patients and their caregivers is critical to our success. If you have an entrepreneurial mindset, are willing to work hard to transform the lives of patients, and share our values, then Spur could be the place for you.
Role Purpose

PREFERRED SKILLS

• Strong management experience
• Strong process improvement experience
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Effective team player and facilitator
• Good attention to detail
• Strong Excel, Word, PowerPoint skills

Qualifications & Experience Required

• Finance qualification, preferably ACA or ACCA, good knowledge of UK GAAP and IFRS reporting
• Educated to at least degree level
• Experience of working in small/start up entrepreneurial companies in the pharma/biosciences field
• Adequate experience in controller functio

The Controller will direct day-to-day accounting activities, financial operations, reporting processes, and maintain effective controls and accounting standards.
Responsibilities

Covering all UK Entities (3 in total), Irish entity

• Accounting: Overseeing accounts payable, VAT processes, payroll, and the chart of accounts
• Financial reporting: Preparing income statements, balance sheets, and other reports that show financial trends and forecasts; preparing UK statutory financials
• Cash flow: Tracking transactions and reviewing reports to manage cash flow
• Financial systems: Suggesting improvements to accounting systems, such as payroll and invoicing
• Business partnering: assist VP Finance to business partner with key internal stakeholders in research & development

To include:

• Month end close including BS review of all entities
• AP control for UK and US – including management of Group Accounts Payable
• Bank account management and Payment approvals
• NetSuite/ERP management and improvement
• Adherence to group policies and procedures
• Drive and improve finance process and policies
• Payroll – review and submission of UK payroll input to third party payroll provider
• Pension – administration of UK pension scheme
• Summarize budget trends, analysing deficiencies and reporting variances to executives
• Tax preparation duties or liaising with external tax accountants for tax preparationManage external relationship with Auditors and audit process through quarterly deliverables

Qualifications & Experience Required

• Finance qualification, preferably ACA or ACCA, good knowledge of UK GAAP and IFRS reporting
• Educated to at least degree level
• Experience of working in small/start up entrepreneurial companies in the pharma/biosciences field
• Adequate experience in controller function

The ideal candidate for the UK Financial Controller position will have the following personal characteristics:

• Creative, confident, self-motivated individual with a “can do” attitude
• Strong interest in supporting the rapid growth of an organization with technology
• Desire to perform hands-on work to “get the job done”
• Ability to function independently or across multiple teams
• Willing to learn in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment