Controller

As a Controller at Pioneering Medicines, key responsibilities include overseeing the month-end and quarter-end close processes, ensuring compliance with US GAAP, and preparing financial reports for various stakeholders. You will also collaborate with other departments to develop the annual budget, manage cash flow, and offer detailed variance analyses to help budget owners maintain fiscal health.

To qualify for the Controller position at Pioneering Medicines, candidates should have a BS/BA in accounting or finance, with a preference for those holding CPA credentials. A minimum of 5 years of relevant accounting experience, ideally within the life sciences or biotechnology sectors, is also required. Experience with IFRS and large financial reporting is a plus!

The Controller at Pioneering Medicines plays a vital role in supporting financial decision-making by preparing variance analyses of actuals versus budgets, facilitating compliance with various financial regulations, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to develop actionable budgets and forecasts. This ensures well-informed choices are made to drive our innovative projects forward.

For the Controller role at Pioneering Medicines, familiarity with NetSuite and Prendio is advantageous, as these tools streamline financial processes. Strong Excel skills for financial modeling and reporting, along with the ability to adapt to new technologies, are also essential for success in this fast-paced role.

The Controller position at Pioneering Medicines is unique due to its embeddedness in a company that prioritizes developing groundbreaking biopharmaceutical treatments. You'll have the chance to work on intellectually stimulating projects that directly impact patient care while collaborating with experts in the field, providing not just a job, but a career that makes a real difference.

When answering this question, highlight specific methodologies you’ve used to ensure accuracy in month-end closes. Discuss any software tools you’ve utilized and how you collaborated with other departments to streamline the process, showcasing your ability to meet deadlines and maintain compliance.

To respond, elaborate on your analytical skills and detail-oriented mindset. Explain a systematic approach to identify, investigate, and resolve discrepancies, emphasizing your ability to communicate findings and collaborate with peers for solutions.

Discuss your experience in gathering data, forecasting based on historical trends, and engaging with department heads to align the budget with company goals. Emphasize your method for maintaining flexibility in the budget to accommodate changing business needs.

In your response, explain your time management techniques, such as creating to-do lists or using project management tools. Highlight your ability to adapt to shifting priorities while still meeting deadlines effectively.

Share a specific scenario where you navigated a complex transaction, such as a merger or acquisition. Discuss the steps you took to ensure proper accounting treatment and how you coordinated with stakeholders to achieve successful outcomes.

Speak to your familiarity with US GAAP and IFRS, detailing any work you’ve done in ensuring compliance at previous jobs. Offer examples of how you’ve dealt with audits and partnerships requiring regulatory understanding.

Demonstrate your ability to distill complex information into clear, straightforward language. Provide an example of how you’ve successfully communicated financial data to someone outside of finance, emphasizing your adaptability in communication styles.

Elaborate on how variance analysis helps in identifying trends or issues in budget management. Share experiences where your insights led to improvements in financial strategies or solutions to correct budgetary challenges.

Discuss your process for compiling reports tailored to leadership needs, including the types of metrics you track. Explain how you gather inputs from various departments and ensure that your reports provide insight for informed decision-making.

When answering, highlight specific strategies such as setting clear goals, providing continuous feedback, and fostering a supportive environment. Mention how you recognize team members' contributions and encourage their professional growth.