Manager, R&D Finance

Definium Therapeutics, formerly known as Mind Medicine, is a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company developing novel product candidates to treat brain health disorders. Our mission is to be the global leader in the development and delivery of treatments that unlock new opportunities to improve patient outcomes. We are developing a pipeline of innovative product candidates, with and without acute perceptual effects, targeting neurotransmitter pathways that play key roles in brain health.   

Founded in 2019, we are continuously expanding our presence and global footprint. We are constantly searching for high-impact individuals in various clinical, technical and business operations domains to strengthen our team of patient-centric, intelligent individuals.

Reporting to the Director, Finance, the Manager, R&D Finance will support end‑to‑end financial management of the Company’s research and development activities, with a primary focus on clinical trial accounting, accruals, budgeting, and financial controls. This role will be responsible for ensuring the timely and accurate preparation of R&D‑related accounting data, specifically site payments and accruals, and will partner closely with the Clinical Operations and Development teams to provide financial insight, support decision‑making, and maintain strong internal controls.

The Manager, R&D Finance will play a key role in monthly close activities, clinical expense forecasting, audit support, and process improvement initiatives, while collaborating cross‑functionally with Clinical Operations, Legal, Procurement, FP&A, and external vendors.

Responsibilities:

Clinical & R&D Accounting

• Prepare and review month‑end accruals related to clinical trials, CROs, sites, and other R&D vendors
• Maintain recurring journal entries and supporting documentation related to R&D expenses
• Apply accounting judgment related to the timing and recognition of clinical trial costs
• Prepare quarterly clinical vendor confirmations and audit support schedules

Clinical Trial Financial Oversight

• Validate monthly site payments and partner with the Company’s site payment vendor to resolve discrepancies
• Review and analyze Clinical Trial Agreements (CTAs), amendments, and site budgets (including Phase 3 trials) for financial accuracy and alignment with forecasts
• Track clinical milestones, pass‑through costs, and vendor commitments to ensure accurate expense recognition

Budgeting, Forecasting & Analysis

• Perform detailed monthly actual‑versus‑budget variance analysis for R&D and Clinical Operations spend
• Maintain rolling forecasts for clinical trial expenses and support updates based on study progress, amendments, and vendor activity
• Assist with the annual budget and periodic forecast processes, including scenario analysis related to clinical timelines and spend variability

Cross‑Functional Partnership

• Serve as a key finance partner to Clinical Operations and Development teams, translating clinical activity into financial impacts
• Coordinate with Legal and Procurement on contract economics, payment terms, and amendments
• Collaborate with FP&A to align accounting data with forecasts, cash runway analyses, and management reporting

Controls, Audit & Process Improvement

• Assist with the design, execution, and documentation of Sarbanes‑Oxley (SOX) controls related to R&D and clinical accounting
• Serve as a primary finance contact for internal and external audit requests related to clinical and R&D spend
• Identify and implement process improvements to enhance accuracy, efficiency, and scalability of R&D financial processes

Other

• Support special projects, system enhancements, and ad hoc analyses as needed
• Perform other general accounting duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field; CPA preferred
• Minimum of 5 years of progressive accounting or finance experience; public company experience strongly preferred
• Experience supporting R&D and/or clinical trial accounting within the life sciences industry strongly preferred
• Demonstrated ability to apply accounting judgment in areas involving estimates, accruals, and complex contracts
• Experience with NetSuite or other ERP systems; advanced Excel skills required
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem‑solving skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast‑paced environment
• Strong communication skills and ability to work effectively with non‑finance stakeholders

The starting base pay range for this position is $111,365.00 - $135,356.00. Compensation will be determined based on several factors including, but not limited to, skill set, years of experience, and the employee’s geographic location.

Employees in this role may be entitled to additional compensation, including bonus and equity. Benefits information is listed on our Jobs Page. The Company provides competitive benefits to employees including:

• 100% paid health benefits including Medical, Dental and Vision for you and your dependents
• 401(k) program with company match and vesting after the turn of the first month after your start date
• Flexible time off
• Generous parental leave and some fun fringe perks!