Director/Senior Director, Finance & Assistant Controller

The Director/Senior Director of Finance & Assistant Controller is a key finance leadership role responsible for overseeing accounting operations, financial reporting, internal controls, and compliance for a publicly traded commercial-stage biotechnology company. The Assistant Controller is also heavily involved in the areas of revenue accounting, inventory accounting, cost of goods sold (COGS), while ensuring compliance with U.S. GAAP and Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) requirements. In addition to maintaining a strong control environment, the Assistant Controller drives process improvement, automation, and scalability initiatives across the Finance & Accounting organization. The Assistant Controller is expected to identify opportunities to streamline close processes, enhance reporting capabilities, strengthen controls, improve data quality, and support the company's growth through efficient and sustainable financial operations.

The Assistant Controller partners closely with Commercial, Supply Chain, Manufacturing, Clinical, FP&A, Legal, and external auditors to support the Company's growth, commercialization strategy, and operational excellence. This position will report to the Vice President, Finance, Controller, and Chief Accounting Officer.

Primary Responsibilities

Lead monthly, quarterly, and annual close processes, ensuring accurate and timely financial reporting

Review journal entries and related reconciliations for key areas assigned, including but not limited to Payroll, Accounts Payable, Revenue, Inventory, Cash/Investments, Stock-Based Compensation, Clinical Accruals, etc

Ensure compliance with U.S. GAAP, and internal accounting policies

Manage technical accounting assessments and documentation for complex transactions

Maintain and enhance accounting policies, procedures, and controls

Ensure compliant revenue recognition under ASC 606 for commercial product sales, distribution arrangements, and related contracts

Partner with Commercial Operations and Market Access teams to develop and refine Gross-to-Net (GTN) estimation methodologies

Manage inventory accounting and costing processes for commercial products and clinical inventory

Partner with Supply Chain, Manufacturing, Quality, and Operations teams to ensure accurate inventory records and costing assumptions

Oversee quarterly reviews and annual audits

Maintain a strong internal control environment over financial reporting

Assist with the implementation of new financial systems and/or system upgrades

Drive continuous improvement initiatives to strengthen financial processes and scalability

Lead, mentor, and develop the Finance & Accounting organization

Create development paths for accounting staff

Manage relationships with external auditors, consultants, and service providers

Assist with managing the treasury function to ensure all entities have appropriate liquidity to operate

Support product launch planning, pricing initiatives, and commercial expansion activities

Assist with Board and Audit Committee materials related to accounting and financial reporting

Review annual regulatory reports to comply with various federal, state, and local requirements, such as census requests, franchise tax reports, foreign corporation filings, business license renewals, etc.

Assist with financing transactions and other special projects as needed

Strong knowledge of GAAP, internal control processes (SOX 404), federal and state tax laws, ERISA, DOL requirements, and payroll tax rules

Excellent problem solving and analytical skills

Detail-oriented

Excellent oral and written communication skills

Ability to cope in a changing environment

Willingness to learn new tasks

Highly dependable and able to handle confidential information

Able to recognize opportunities for process improvement and provide positive attitude toward problem solving and the resulting implementation of solutions

Self-starter with strong organizational and time management skills with ability to multi-task

Has a positive attitude about work and providing service

Ability to work independently or as part of a team

Demonstrated supervisory, management, and leadership skills

Capability to interact with different personalities from Board members to clerical staff

Proficient in PC and software including Excel, Word, and Outlook

Knowledge of Great Plains and Management Reporter accounting software, Equity Edge, ADP, FAS, Encore, and Active Disclosure a plus

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance required

CPA required

At least 12 years of progressive experience in accounting

Public accounting experience, with Big 4 preferred

SEC financial reporting experience required

Pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry experience required

EEO Statement:

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.

Benefit Statement:

All regular-status, full-time employees of Geron are eligible to participate in the Company’s comprehensive benefit program, pursuant to plan terms and conditions. Plan choices include medical, dental, vision, life insurance, flexible spending accounts, disability insurance, supplemental health insurance, a 401(k) retirement savings plan, and an employee stock purchase plan. Geron also provides regular-status, full-time employees with a generous time off program that includes the eligibility to accrue 160 hours of vacation during each full year of employment, 64 hours of sick leave, 9 standard paid holiday days off, and paid leave for certain life events. Geron recognizes that its employees work in many different states and therefore may be affected by different laws. It is Geron’s intention to comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws that apply to the Company’s employees.

Salary Statement:

Offered compensation is determined based on market data, internal equity, and an applicant’s relevant skills, experience, and educational background.

General Salary Range: $215,000 to $260,000