COMPANY DESCRIPTION:  

NGM Biopharmaceuticals, Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company dedicated to discovering and developing the next generation of medicines for the treatment of serious diseases.  Our experienced scientific team has joined forces with an impressive group of industry professionals, Nobel Laureates and other distinguished researchers to build a company where innovation and cutting-edge science has provided the foundation for a robust drug discovery engine. 

NGM’s current pipeline of clinical-stage programs consists of five drug candidates targeting liver and metabolic diseases, retinal diseases and cancer.  The most advanced drug candidate, aldafermin (NGM282), is in Phase 2b clinical studies in non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and is wholly-owned by NGM.  Another drug candidate, NGM621, is in a Phase 2 study in geographic atrophy (GA) secondary to age-related macular degeneration (AMD).  Over the past year we have also begun to unveil NGM’s oncology portfolio. In the fourth quarter of 2020, NGM announced two new oncology clinical candidates designed to broaden and deepen anti-tumor immune responses for patients with advanced solid tumors by reversing key myeloid and stromal resistance mechanisms. NGM707 is a novel dual antagonist antibody that inhibits Immunoglobulin-like transcript 2 (ILT2) and Immunoglobulin-like transcript 4 (ILT4). First-in-human testing for NGM707 is expected to begin in mid-2021. NGM438 is designed to inhibit LAIR1 interactions with stromal-derived collagens, and has the potential to block a stromal checkpoint and restore anti-tumor immune responses. NGM438 will enter the clinic at the end of 2021. Finally, NGM’s third oncology candidate is NGM120, a first-in-class antagonistic antibody that binds glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor receptor alpha-like (GFRAL) and inhibits growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF15) signaling. NGM120 is in an ongoing Phase 1a/1b trial in patients with cancer and cancer anorexia/cachexia syndrome (CACS).

NGM’s has a strategic collaboration with Merck that began in 2015 and provides us with the resources and flexibility to pursue our ambitious R&D goals and further extend our pipeline of novel drug candidates. In exchange, Merck has a one-time option to license certain NGM pipeline programs – not including  aldafermin or any programs returned to us by Merck – following human proof-of-concept trials under the terms of the companies’ ongoing strategic collaboration. Upon exercising any such option, Merck would lead global product development and commercialization for the resulting products, if approved. Prior to Merck initiating a Phase 3 study for a licensed program, NGM may elect to either receive milestone and royalty payments or to co-fund development and participate in a global cost and revenue share arrangement of up to 50%. The agreement also provides NGM with the option to participate in the co-promotion of any co-funded program in the United States. In January 2019, Merck exercised its first option under the collaboration to license MK-3655, previously referred to as NGM313.

NGM Biosciences is looking for an experienced Chief Accounting Officer who will lead the company through a season of growth toward their mission of discovering and developing the next generation of medicines for the treatment of serious diseases.

Reporting to the CFO, the Chief Accounting Officer will be responsible for the leadership, development, and execution of NGM’s accounting function including month-end and quarterly close operations, financial reporting, clinical trials accounting, SEC reporting, internal controls, 404B adoption, tax, stock administration and the development of world-class financial systems.

Of critical importance will be this leader’s ability to establish credible working relationships with the company’s executive leadership team, functional leaders throughout the company, auditors and the Board of Directors.

Responsibilities:

• Lead, mentor and develop the accounting team that currently consists of twelve professionals.
• Lead the financial close process, including preparation of financial statements and management reporting metrics and analysis.
• Continually evaluate opportunities to drive greater efficiencies, effectiveness, and operational rigor in the monthly and quarterly accounting close process.
• Lead the external financial reporting function, including SEC and statutory reporting.
• Design and implement technical accounting standards and SOX controls, including revenue recognition, clinical trial accruals, and CMC manufacturing.
• Maintain the relationship with external auditors, provide pragmatic solutions and alternatives to challenging audit requests and inquiries.
• Act as a point of contact with the Audit Committee; coordinate agendas with the CFO and AC Chair and participate actively in all quarterly committee meetings, leading the discussion around quarterly and annual filings.
• Lead NGM in the adoption of 404B compliance
• Manage insurance policies including annual renewal of D&O and other corporate insurance
• Manage 401K plan and relationship with stock plan administrators
• Advise on potential accounting implications for new products, acquisitions, partnerships, contributing to the overall strategic direction of the organization
• Identify risk areas and implement mitigation strategies, including but not limited to team structure, workflow, cross-functional collaboration and system and process changes
• Demonstrate thought leadership in how to run an accounting organization in a high growth environment where changes are constant
• Manage the tax compliance and planning function for the company

Requirements:

• Minimum of fifteen years of progressive accounting experience within clinical stage biotech companies
• Strong operational and technical accounting acumen with a thorough knowledge of US GAAP
• Demonstrated knowledge and ability in researching and documenting new accounting guidance and the accounting treatment of complex issues
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) is required (active or inactive status)
• Experience preparing financial statements for SEC public reporting
• Strong people management skills: reputation as a positive, highly motivated leader with a track record of recruiting and developing strong talent who have grown into senior roles.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills including experience preparing public filings and preparing materials for earnings releases and board meetings.
• Big four accounting experience