Assistant Controller

Certara

  • Saint Louis, MO
  • Permanent
  • Full-time
  • 2 months ago
Overview:Certara accelerates medicines using proprietary biosimulation software, technology, and services to transform traditional drug discovery and development. Its clients include more than 2,000 biopharmaceutical companies, academic institutions and regulatory agencies across 62 countries.The Assistant Controller plays a critical leadership role in Certara’s global accounting operations, ensuring accurate financial reporting, strong internal controls, and compliance with US GAAP and SOX requirements. This role supports the Corporate Controller in overseeing the monthly close, consolidations, technical accounting, and external reporting processes, while driving operational improvements and supporting the company’s strategic goals.Responsibilities:Business Partnership and Advisory
  • Provide accounting expertise and support M&A activity, legal entity restructuring, and tax planning
  • Partner with legal, accounting, and FP&A teams on cash flow planning, dividend distributions, and capital allocation decisions
  • Support internal and external audit requirements
  • Provide insightful analysis on accounting and finance activities and financial positions
  • Design and prepare finance and accounting reports and presentations for senior management
  • Deliver insights on cash runway, financial flexibility, and working capital trends
  • Contribute to board presentations on finance and accounting KPIs and risk management strategies
Financial Close and Reporting
  • Lead the month-end, quarter-end, and year-end close processes, ensuring accuracy, completeness, and adherence to deadlines
  • Oversee preparation of monthly consolidated financial statements and related supporting schedules for internal and external users
  • Coordinate with global teams (US, UK, EU, APAC) to ensure local financials align with corporate requirements
  • Coordinate and manage onshore and offshore account team members and managers
Technical Accounting and Policy
  • Provide guidance on complex accounting issues, including revenue recognition (ASC 606), business combinations (ASC 805), stock-based compensation (ASC 718), and leases (ASC 842)
  • Develop, implement, and maintain accounting policies and ensure consistent application across the organization
  • Prepare technical accounting memos and support the Controller with accounting research
Foreign Exchange & Risk Management
  • Monitor foreign currency exposures and assist in executing FX hedging strategies where appropriate
  • Analyze and report on hedge performance and related treasury KPIs
  • Monitor and mitigate financial, operational, and reporting risks (e.g., FX, interest rate, liquidity)
Internal Controls and Compliance
  • Ensure compliance with SOX, internal control standards, and external audit requirements
  • Oversee monthly consolidating account reconciliations, balance sheet reviews, and variance analysis
  • Partner with internal audit and external auditors, ensuring timely and accurate responses
Process Improvement and Systems
  • Drive efficiencies in close, reporting, and consolidation processes, leveraging automation and system enhancements (e.g., NetSuite bundles and connectors)
  • Support the implementation of new accounting system features and tools to improve accuracy and reduce close timelines
  • Collaborate with other finance leaders (Tax, Treasury, FP&A) to align processes and reporting
Team Leadership and Development
  • Supervise and develop senior accountants, staff accountants, and external resources
  • Provide coaching, mentoring, and formal training to strengthen the accounting team’s capabilities and collaboration
  • Support succession planning and identify growth opportunities within the team
Treasury Systems & Technology
  • Establish and maintain treasury policies and procedures, including bank account governance and investment guidelines
  • Operate and monitor treasury-related SOX controls
  • Ensure compliance with all regulatory and internal reporting requirements
Qualifications:
  • Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance; CPA required
  • 7+ years of progressive accounting experience, including at least 2 years in a supervisory role
  • Strong knowledge of US GAAP, SOX compliance, and technical accounting matters
  • Experience with ERP systems (e.g., NetSuite), financial reporting tools, and consolidation systems
  • Excellent leadership, problem-solving, and project management skills
  • Ability to multi-task and work effectively in a fast-paced, global environment
Certara bases all employment-related decision on merit, taking into consideration qualifications, skills, achievement, and performance. We treat all applicants and employees without regard to personal characteristics such as race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, nationality, marital status, pregnancy, physical or mental condition, genetic information, military service, or other characteristic protected by law.

Certara