Director, SEC Reporting & Technical Accounting

Director, SEC Reporting & Technical Accounting

COMPANY:

Centessa Pharmaceuticals plc (Nasdaq: CNTA) new kind of pharmaceutical company with a deconstructed R&D environment that prioritizes data driven decision making led by subject matter experts. Centessa is advancing a portfolio of high conviction programs with strong biological validation.

Our asset-centric model offers a unique R&D logic that has been applied by single asset companies to improve productivity. This operating model has minimal centralized infrastructure, reduced hierarchy, and exclusive focus on data driven capital allocation. Our teams are uniquely incentivized to expeditiously interrogate key scientific hypotheses. We believe the asset-centric model can lead to improved success rates for programs with greater speed and modest costs.

SUMMARY:

The Director, SEC Reporting & Technical Accounting is a highly visible, hands-on leadership role that is responsible for overseeing and executing the Company’s SEC reporting processes, managing technical accounting matters, ensuring compliance with Sarbanes-Oxley Act (SOX), and assisting with specialized projects. This is a key position for the finance and accounting organization reporting directly to the VP, Corporate Controller.  The ideal candidate will have experience in the biotech or life sciences industry, strong background in financial reporting, accounting practices, and internal controls, and will be able to collaborate effectively across departments to drive compliance and operational excellence.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• SEC Reporting:
  •    Oversee all aspects of SEC reporting, including managing the quarterly and annual reporting process to ensure timely and accurate filings. 
  •    Ensure compliance with all SEC regulations and applicable financial reporting frameworks, including US GAAP, UK GAAP and IFRS.
  •    Coordinate with external auditors to support the audit process and resolve arising matters.
  •    Support the earnings release process by assisting in developing and validating figures and preparing supporting materials for earnings calls in collaboration with Investor Relations.
  •    Prepare Disclosure Committee materials for review by management to ensure complete and accurate disclosures of the Company’s’ financial statements.
  •    Drive system enhancements to further automate and financial reporting process.

  Technical Accounting:
  •    Provide technical accounting consultation to senior management on significant transactions before they are executed, performing ad hoc research to advise management on the possible accounting implications and advising on potential provisions and/or structure changes that can result in more favorable accounting treatment.
  •    Research and recommend accounting treatment, including the preparation and review of position memos, for complex transactions and other business initiatives and ensuring concurrence, where applicable, from external auditors.
  •    Perform and oversee accounting for all equity accounting transactions (e.g. stock-based compensation, EPS calculations, support of periodic stock option exercises and RSU releases). Drive continuous improvement in this area working together with internal stakeholders and external service providers.
  •    Develop and assist with the preparation of financial materials used in presentations to the Board of Directors, Audit Committee and Executive Management.
  •    Support the finance team with special projects and ad-hoc reporting requests.

  SOX Compliance:
  •    Lead and manage the Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) compliance process for 404(b), including the design, implementation, and testing of internal controls over financial reporting (ICFR).
  •    Assess the design and functionality of internal controls over financial reporting, document any deficiencies, and report remediation plans to management.
  •    Coordinate with internal auditors and external auditors to evaluate and improve the effectiveness of internal controls.
  •    Work closely with various departments, including finance, IT, legal, HR, and operations to ensure compliance with SOX requirements.
  •    Oversee management review controls of key areas (i.e., equity, financial statement close process and others).
  •    Ensure timely remediation of any identified control deficiencies and manage the preparation of SOX documentation.
  •    Provide guidance on compliance risks and proactively drive the development of mitigation strategies.

WHAT YOU'VE ACCOMPLISHED:

• Completed a minimum of 8-10 years of progressive experience in SEC reporting, accounting, and SOX compliance.
• Attained a mix of Big 4 public accounting firm experience and hands-on public company experience in the biotech or life sciences industry, with knowledge of industry-specific regulations and financial considerations
• Lead and managed through the first year of adoption of SOX 404(b), that included directing an external service provider to complete testing and instituted remediation plans before the completion of both management’s and the independent auditor’s assessment.
• Attained experience with assisting with complex business development transactions.
• Managed and instituted controls and processes supporting revenue recognition accounting and transitioning from late-stage clinical trials to initial commercial launch (e.g. GTN, Inventory cost accounting, etc.).
• Very strong technical accounting skills. Independently researched accounting literature and interpreted guidance to support own conclusions.
• Developed and assisted with the preparation of financial materials used in presentations to the Board of Directors, Audit Committee and Executive Management.

WHO YOU ARE:

• Highly motivated and adaptable and excited to join a growing Global Biotech
• Education: Master’s or Bachelor's degree in Accounting, or Public Accounting ; CPA highly preferred.
• Experience: 8+ years of experience in finance or accounting, with a strong knowledge of GAAP. Experience in the biotech or life sciences industry, with knowledge of industry-specific regulations and financial considerations.
• Skills: Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, high attention to detail, and the ability to multitask and meet deadlines.
• Industry Knowledge: Understanding of financial, regulatory, and audit key concepts/standards (e.g., Sarbanes-Oxley Act, PCAOB, COSO, GAAP, SEC Reporting)
• Excellent communication skills, both written and oral. Strong interpersonal skills, including discretion, tact, and courtesy.
• Comfortable presenting to senior management, audit committee, and external counsel
• Strong understanding internal control, audit methods, core business procedures, risks, and related exposure.

What your typical goals would look like :

A hands-on Director specializing in SEC and Technical Accounting typically has a range of responsibilities and qualifications. Here's a summary of what such a role might entail:

Responsibilities:

• SEC Reporting: Manage all aspects of SEC reporting, including the preparation and filing of 10-Q, 10-K, 8-K, Proxy Statements, and other required filings.
• Technical Accounting: Provide technical accounting guidance on complex transactions, ensuring compliance with US GAAP, UK GAAP, IFRS and SEC requirements.
• Financial Statements: Coordination of quarterly and annual financial statements incorporated in SEC filings.
• SOX Compliance: Lead the Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) compliance process for 404(b), including the design, implementation, and testing of internal controls over financial reporting (ICFR).
• Collaboration: Work closely with senior management, including the Controller, CFO, and other stakeholders, to ensure accurate financial reporting and compliance.
• Audits: Coordinate with external auditors during quarterly reviews and annual audits.
• Process Improvement: Identify and implement process improvements in financial reporting and accounting.
• Board Presentations: Develop and assist with the preparation of financial materials for presentations to the Board of Directors and Audit Committee.

POSITION: Full-Time, Exempt, Flexibility for Remote Work
EEOC Statement: Centessa Pharmaceuticals believes in a diverse environment and is committed to equal employment opportunity for all its employees and qualified applicants. We do not discriminate in recruitment, hiring, training, promotion, or any other employment practices for reasons of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, sexual orientation, marital or veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status. Centessa Pharmaceuticals will make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with known disabilities, in accordance with applicable law.