Summary:

Orphagen Pharmaceuticals is a San Diego based drug discovery pioneer in the screening, discovery and development of ligands that modulate orphan or unexplored members of the nuclear receptor family. We have proprietary leads for novel drug targets with potential applications in precision oncology and autoimmune disease.

Orphagen is seeking outstanding and highly motivated candidates to join our growing team at the Controller level. The Controller is a senior-level position with responsibility for management of the overall financial operations and accounting activities within the organization, including developing and maintains accounting principles, practices, and procedures. The Controller will supervise and mentor support staff involved with the accounting process (AP, etc.) to ensure that work is properly allocated and completed in a timely and accurate manner, address deadlines and a multitude of accounting activities including monthly general ledger maintenance, periodic financial statements, year-end audit preparation (grant related), and the support of budget and forecast activities.  This will initially be a part-time position located at our corporate headquarters in San Diego, CA. The level of the position and compensation package will be competitive and tailored to the specific level of the candidate.

Responsibilities:

• Manage the month-end close process; responsible for accounting and reporting, including all GL and supporting activities.
• Review/approve/post entries into the GL and AP, AR modules.
• Responsible for monthly cash flow analysis and support excess cash investment activities; maintain adequate operating cash levels, including weekly cash reports.
• Responsible for a wide variety of accounting, financial, benefit and operational analyses as requested, including narrative support for:
• External partnership agreements and related reporting
• Presentations at Board of Director meetings
• Work closely with stakeholders to implement a budget process – be a business partner to the CEO and R&D organization.
• Responsible for establishment, operation and updating of internal controls, including narrative standard operating procedure documentation and communication thereof with employees.
• Responsible for system implementations appropriate for the Company’s stage of growth.
• Prepare informal monthly actual-to-budget analysis, including monthly projections.
• Prepare all annual insurance renewals.
• Manage audits, tax provision and tax returns with external CPA firms.
• Manage Board approved Stock Option Grants and maintain online Equity Management System.
• Responsible for annual 409A valuation process and reporting.
• Prepare & file Business Property Tax and Use Tax filings.
• Oversee ongoing AP payment process, including bank transfers and external wire transfers.
• Handle vendor correspondence and inquires, primary interface with service providers.
• Supervise the activities of the Accounting Support Staff, including hiring as need arises.
• Oversee PEO services, including monthly payroll processing and annual benefit planning.
• Support the CEO, VP Discovery and  senior management team on special projects, as needed.
• Develops strategies to achieve organizational goals.
• Perform other duties as required.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance
• CPA certification preferred
• Minimum 12 years of experience as an accountant, pharmaceutical / biotech experience required
• Minimum 5 years of experience managing accounting staff

Required Competencies:

• Experience working with senior level managers, exercising professionalism & discretion.
• Outstanding communication, organizational and interpersonal skills; strong customer service.
• Strong detail orientation with the ability to multi-task and meet deadlines.
• Proactively manage tasks and workloads; flexible, able to adapt/adjust with short notice.
• Capable of making good judgments, anticipate needs, and the ability to work independently.
• Maintain positive, professional relationships with personnel at all levels of the organization.
• Knowledge of Federal Grant Reporting and Administration.
• Expert knowledge and proficiency with QuickBooks, Microsoft Outlook, Word and Excel and Shareworks (or similar Equity Management systems).

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to sit.
• The employee is required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel and reach with hands and arms. Transition from standing and sitting often.
• Specific vision for this job includes close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.
• This position requires the ability to occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.

Disclaimer:

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified.