Job #1936: Director of Finance - North Brunswick, NJ (6/3/2024)

Sonder Research X, a thriving 5-year-old biotech company on the cusp of Series B funding, is seeking a Director of Finance to oversee our financial operations. As a key member of our leadership team, you will be responsible for managing the financial aspects of our US and Irish entities, ensuring financial stability and supporting growth. The Director of Finance will work closely with our Chief Business Officer (CBO), senior management, and current Series A investors, playing a pivotal role in securing future funding and managing deals exceeding $50 million in companies with 50-100 employees.

The ideal candidate for this role will bring a proven track record in biotech finance, particularly in guiding companies through Series B funding and beyond. In this capacity, you will be responsible for overseeing day-to-day accounting and financial closings, hands-on management of our accounting system through QuickBooks, and cap table management. Additionally, you will handle financial modeling and budgeting across our three entities. Based in our North Brunswick facilities, we seek a Finance Director who embodies our team's commitment to operational excellence. This role is designed for leaders prepared to engage fully, from strategic financial planning to the diligent execution of daily tasks, within a full-time, onsite or hybrid capacity.

Biotech-Specific Accounting Issues: Address accounting challenges unique to the biotech industry.

Series Fund Raises:

• Collaborate with CBO on financings.
• Guarantee compliance with fundraising documents.
• Monitor and document all cash flows related to the fundraise.
• Maintain interaction with CBO and legal at every stage throughout the fundraise.
• Balance accounts and cap table at the conclusion of fundraising.

Cap Table Management:

• Maintain master cap table.
• Develop and maintain spreadsheets for fundraising cap table.
• Maintain the options spreadsheet.
• Oversee annual 409A valuation.
• Liaise with Irish accounts, legal teams, and professional service providers regarding all transactions related to the cap table.

Comfort with International Operations: Manage transfer pricing and related complexities.

Research Tax Credits: Identify and apply for research tax credits enhancing financial efficiency.

Oversee Banking Operations:

• Manage multiple accounts in several countries with multiple entities.
• Monitor banks and handle all wire transfers.
• Oversee QuickBooks account.
• Do month-end closeouts and liaise with outside accounting as necessary.

Budget Generation:

• Generate budgets for each company and for combined entities.
• Oversee all transactions at each company.

  Manage Tax Filings: For all three companies (the Irish companies in collaboration with legal and finance in Ireland, the US in collaboration with US accounting).

  Biweekly Reports to Management:

  • Provide updates on cash on hand, burn rate, runway, and other business matters.

  Develop Procedures: For all finance activities and produce SOPs to cover each procedure.

   

  In addition to these core responsibilities, the Finance Director will be expected to apply strategic insights and financial expertise to real-world scenarios, significantly influencing the company's direction and success. This role demands a leader adept at both overseeing detailed financial operations and engaging in the broader strategic discussions that drive our company forward.

• CPA required reflecting the high level of expertise needed for financial oversight and strategic financial planning.

• 6+ years of experience in biotech finance, with a focus on startups and growth-stage companies.
• Proven experience leading companies through Series B funding and managing $50M+ deals.
• Strong understanding of GAAP, financial regulations, and compliance requirements.
• Expertise in financial modeling, budgeting, and forecasting.
• Experience with cap table management and equity-related matters.
• Experience working with international companies, particularly Irish entities (preferred).
• Exceptional interpersonal, leadership, organizational and communication skills; experience in effectively communicating key data, including presentations to senior management, board or other outside stakeholders.
• Ability to work full-time on site.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.

• Compensation: The salary for this position can reach up to $225,000 annually, depending on the candidate's experience and qualifications.
• Health Insurance: We offer up to $1,300 monthly in company-sponsored contributions toward the employee’s Aetna EPO health insurance premiums, effective the first day following the hire date.
• Performance Bonus: The position is eligible for a 15% annual performance bonus.
• Equity: Includes an option grant of 150 shares valued at over $100,000, eligible after 90 days.
• Paid Time Off (PTO): Employees accrue 10 hours of PTO per month, eligible after 90 days.
• Company-Paid Holidays: Employees enjoy 8-9 paid company holidays annually.
• Sick Leave: Up to 40 hours of sick leave accrue annually, eligible after 90 days.
• Retirement Plan: Employees can participate in our 401(k) plan (note: no company match currently available), eligible after 90 days.
• Professional Development: Up to $3,500 annually to support ongoing growth and education, eligible after 90 days.  
• Additional Benefits: Supplemental benefits, along with employer-provided short- and long-term disability and life insurance, begin the first day of the month following the hire date.

Only U.S. Authorized candidates not requiring sponsorship should apply. Sonder does not offer Visa Sponsorship at this time.

Sonder Research X is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, or any characteristic protected by law.