Director of Finance / Controller

Location: San Diego, CA (Hybrid)

Industry: Medical Technology

Reports to: CFO

About the Role

We are seeking a Director-level Controller to lead our accounting and financial reporting functions as we scale. This role will be a key partner to executive leadership, ensuring financial integrity, operational excellence, and compliance in a highly regulated environment.

The ideal candidate brings deep technical accounting expertise, hands-on leadership, and experience supporting growth-stage companies in medtech, life sciences, or similarly regulated industries. This role ensures compliance with US GAAP, supports R&D-driven financial planning, and builds scalable accounting processes to support growth, clinical development, and potential IPO or M&A activity.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Leadership & Close

• Own the monthly, quarterly, and annual close processes, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and scalability
• Oversee all accounting operations including general ledger, AP/AR, payroll, fixed assets, and close processes
• Establish and continuously improve accounting policies, procedures, and internal controls
• Lead preparation and review of financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP

Technical Accounting & Compliance

• Oversee complex accounting areas including revenue recognition (ASC 606), inventory, manufacturing variances, equity compensation, and lease accounting (ASC 842)
• Prepare and review financial statements, footnotes, and management reports
• Ensure compliance with applicable regulatory and quality requirements such as FDA-related financial controls
• Manage external audits, tax filings, and relationships with auditors and advisors
• Ensure accurate cost accounting and inventory reporting
• Manage international accountants for a company subsidiary and ensure accurate consolidation of financial statements

Operational & Strategic Finance

• Partner with FP&A, commercial, operations, and R&D to support budgeting, forecasting, and cost controls
• Manage payroll processes
• Provide financial insights to support strategic decision-making, product development, and scaling operations
• Monitor cash burn, runway, and working capital needs
• Support fundraising activities, investor reporting, and due diligence

Team & Systems Leadership

• Evaluate, implement, and optimize accounting systems and tools (ERP, reporting, automation)
• Drive process improvements to support international expansion and increased transaction volume

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field
• CPA required
• 10+ years of progressive accounting experience, including leadership roles
• Strong knowledge of U.S. GAAP and technical accounting standards
• Proven experience managing audits and working with external advisors

Preferred

• Startup or high-growth company experience
• Experience in medtech, biotech, life sciences, or a regulated manufacturing environment
• ERP implementation experience (NetSuite or similar)
• Prior experience supporting venture-backed or pre-IPO companies

Key Competencies

• Strategic and operational mindset
• Hands-on, roll-up-your-sleeves leadership style
• Strong communication skills with executives and non-finance stakeholders
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, evolving environment
• High integrity and attention to detail