Vice President Finance (US)

About Prilenia  

Prilenia Therapeutics, a clinical-stage biotech company focused on the urgent mission of developing novel therapeutics to slow the progression of neurodegenerative diseases and neurodevelopmental disorders, is looking for a VP, Financeto join its team in the US.  

We are a flexible, fast-moving team that is quickly advancing a potential therapy poised to have major impact on the lives of patients and their families. Our lead product candidate, pridopidine, holds Orphan Drug Designation in both Huntington’s disease (HD) and Amyotrophic lateral Sclerosis (ALS) in the U.S. and EU, as well as Fast Track designation from the FDA for the treatment of HD. Prileniarecently filed for regulatory approval in Europe for HD and expects to initiate a global phase 3 in ALS in early 2025.  Prilenia also believes pridopidine’s novel mechanism of action as a Sigma-1 receptor agonist gives it potential in numerous other neurological diseases.  

About the role 

We are expanding our Finance team and are looking to add a Vice President, Finance as we prepare for potential commercialization of our lead product candidate, pridopidine. The ideal candidate will be a proactive and collaborative leader, with background in late-stage biotech/pharma(preferablywith commercial experience).  

The Vice President, Finance will report to the Chief Financial Officer and will directly manage the global accounting and finance function.  This position will have responsibility for general accounting, future SEC reporting, technical accounting, tax and tax planning, accounts payable, payroll, purchasing, equity administration, and financial analysis.  This hands-on leadership role requires a candidate who can seamlessly navigate high-level, complex finance responsibilities while also delving into day-to-day details. As we are a virtual and global organization, we value candidates who are comfortable and adept in a remote work environment. 

Reporting directly to the Chief Financial Officer, you will play a key role in steering our financial strategies and ensuring the success of our financial operations. 

• Lead FP&A, budgetary planning and cost management in alignment with the company’s strategic plans.
• Develop and implement strategic financial strategies, overseeing all aspects of planning and operations, including tax evaluations and insurance policies.
• Ensure timely, accurate, and useful financial and management reporting to the company’s leadership, BOD and shareholders while maintaining adherence to financial regulations and reporting requirements.
• Oversee accounting policies and procedures, reporting, financial statements and audits (led by Controller and Finance manager).
• Effectively lead a small and high-performing team of finance and accounting professionals with a focus on professional growth and collaboration.
• Lead IPO readiness activities.
• Support business development and investor relations activities.
• Oversee the design of and management of the company’s financial systems.
• Support company’s vendor negotiations and management e.g. obtain and maintain financial benchmarks, financial oversight.

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in a relevant financial discipline + CPA is required.  
• 15+ years of finance and accounting experience preferred, with growing responsibilities in the life science industry, including commercial-stage pharma/biotech. Preferred: experience in companies planning for and/or undergoing new commercial launch.  
• Excellent knowledge of US GAAP, IFRS, tax, internal controls, and financial reporting, including financial reporting in a SOX-compliant public company.  
• Experience working inglobal companies, FPIs.  
• Demonstrated strength in developing plans, recommendations and preparing for decisions by management andthe Board of Directors; strength in presenting and communicating complex financial content to executives and other key stakeholders.  
• Strong track record as a manager, including experience managing, evaluating and developing top talent, and success building a strong team that supports operations and business growth. 
• Enjoys a challenging, fast-pacedand quickly shifting environment. Preferred: demonstrated success in growing start-ups.  
• Strong interpersonal skills; effective on teams as well as individually. 
• Results driven; adaptable, flexible and creative in developing new improvement ideas and solutions. 

• Full-time mostly remote hybrid position in the East Coast US.
• Flexible schedule with interactions across Israel, North America and Europe time zones. 
• Occasional, infrequent travel required