Job Title: Head of Finance (Sr. Director)
Location: Waltham, MA Offices
Reporting to: President & CEO
Job Type: Full-time
About ENSEM Therapeutics:
ENSEM is a privately held, Boston-based, pioneering drug discovery and development company that leverages its unique Kinetic Ensemble® platform to advance innovative small molecule precision medicines for oncology. ENSEM integrates computational, AI deep learning, and cutting-edge experimental methodologies to identify non-obvious binding pockets and accelerate structure-based drug design, with a focus on high-value and difficult-to-drug targets. ENSEM has recently entered into an agreement with BeiGene which acquired an exclusive global license to ENSEM’s Investigational New Drug (IND) application-ready oral cyclin-dependent kinase 2 (CDK2) inhibitor and ENSEM anticipates multiple additional best-in-class or first-in-class agents from its growing pipeline to enter the clinic in 2025 and 2026.
Position Overview:
We are seeking a highly experienced and dynamic Head of Finance to join our leadership team. The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in shaping the financial strategy and responsible for all accounting functions for ENSEM Therapeutics as we pursue groundbreaking oncology therapies. The Head of Finance will oversee all financial aspects of the company, providing strategic direction, financial leadership, and hands-on execution in the areas of accounting, financial planning and analysis, financial reporting, treasury, controls and compliance.
Key Responsibilities:
Strategic Financial Leadership: Develop and implement the company's financial strategies in alignment with ENSEM's mission and objectives. Provide financial insights and recommendations to the CEO and management team to guide strategic decision-making, drive financial growth and sustainability. Evaluate and manage financial risks, ensuring the company's financial stability and growth.
Accounting and Financial Reporting: Drive Ensem’s accounting operations, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, and general ledger. Ensure timely and accurate preparation of standalone and consolidated GAAP financial statements, internal management reports, and manage the yearly financial audit. Maintain compliance with accounting standards, tax regulations, and other financial legal requirements.
Financial Planning and Analysis: Lead, implement and conduct the development of financial models & budgeting process, including forecasting, variance analysis, and scenario planning. Monitor financial performance against budgets and forecasts, providing regular updates & actionable recommendations to the executive team. Prepare financial analysis to support business initiatives, investments, and strategic projects.
Cash Flow, Treasury and Equity Management: Manage cash flow, working capital, and liquidity to ensure the company's financial health. Develop and implement effective cash management strategies and investment policies. Establish and maintain banking relationships, negotiating terms and managing credit facilities. Proactively manage the company’s equity structure, including equity strategy and planning, stock option administration via equity management platforms such as CARTA to maintain accurate records, facilitate transactions, generate reports and ensure compliance.
Internal Controls and Compliance: Implement and maintain robust internal controls to safeguard company assets and ensure financial integrity. Ensure compliance with financial policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements. Conduct regular internal audits and assessments to identify and mitigate financial risks. Coordinate and lead the annual external audit process. Interface with external auditors and solve issues if/when identified.
Team Leadership and Development: Build and lead a stage-appropriate & high-performing finance team, providing mentorship, training, and development opportunities. Foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement within the finance department. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to support business objectives and drive organizational success.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in finance, accounting, or related field; MBA or CPA preferred.
- Strong knowledge of accounting principles, financial regulations, and compliance requirements. Proficiency in financial software and ERP systems.
- Minimum of 8-12 years of progressively responsible financial leadership experience in the biopharmaceutical, biotech, or life sciences industry.
- Strong understanding of biopharmaceutical/biotech financial modeling, drug development, and regulatory processes.
- Exceptional analytical, strategic, problem-solving and decision-making skills.
- Proven ability to communicate financial information effectively to diverse stakeholders.
- Demonstrated leadership and team-building skills.
- Experience in planning and executing Series B funding rounds a plus.
Why Join Us:
- Be part of a dynamic and innovative team dedicated to making a difference in the biotech industry, via discovering transformative medicines to help patients by leveraging our cutting-edge Kinetic Ensemble ® Platform.
- Opportunity to shape the financial strategy and future growth of a high-potential startup.
- Collaborative and inclusive work environment that values diversity and creativity, with tremendous professional development opportunities
- Competitive compensation package, including competitive salary and performance-based bonuses, comprehensive healthcare and wellness benefits, equity options, and unlimited paid time off (PTO).
ENSEM Therapeutics, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity employer and does not discriminate against an applicant or employee because of race, creed, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, or veteran status.