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 deadlinesOversee preparation of monthly consolidated financial statements and related supporting schedules for internal and external usersCoordinate with global teams (US, UK, EU, APAC) to ensure local financials align with corporate requirementsCoordinate and manage onshore and offshore account team members and managersTechnical 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 organizationPrepare technical accounting memos and support the Controller with accounting researchForeign Exchange & Risk Management
Monitor foreign currency exposures and assist in executing FX hedging strategies where appropriateAnalyze and report on hedge performance and related treasury KPIsMonitor 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 requirementsOversee monthly consolidating account reconciliations, balance sheet reviews, and variance analysisPartner with internal audit and external auditors, ensuring timely and accurate responsesProcess 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 timelinesCollaborate with other finance leaders (Tax, Treasury, FP&A) to align processes and reportingTeam Leadership and Development
Supervise and develop senior accountants, staff accountants, and external resourcesProvide coaching, mentoring, and formal training to strengthen the accounting team's capabilities and collaborationSupport succession planning and identify growth opportunities within the teamTreasury Systems & Technology
Establish and maintain treasury policies and procedures, including bank account governance and investment guidelinesOperate and monitor treasury-related SOX controlsEnsure compliance with all regulatory and internal reporting requirementsQualifications
Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance; CPA required7+ years of progressive accounting experience, including at least 2 years in a supervisory roleStrong knowledge of US GAAP, SOX compliance, and technical accounting mattersExperience with ERP systems (e.g., NetSuite), financial reporting tools, and consolidation systemsExcellent leadership, problem-solving, and project management skillsAbility to multi-task and work effectively in a fast-paced, global environmentCertara 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.
