Lila: Senior Director, Controller

About Lila Sciences

Lila Sciences is the world’s first scientific superintelligence platform and autonomous lab for life, chemistry, and materials science. We are pioneering a new age of boundless discovery by building the capabilities to apply AI to every aspect of the scientific method. We are introducing scientific superintelligence to solve humankind's greatest challenges, enabling scientists to bring forth solutions in human health, climate, and sustainability at a pace and scale never experienced before. Learn more about this mission at www.lila.ai 

At Lila, we are uniquely cross-functional and collaborative. We are actively reimagining the way teams work together and communicate. Therefore, we seek individuals with an inclusive mindset and a diversity of thought. Our teams thrive in unstructured and creative environments. All voices are heard because we know that experience comes in many forms, skills are transferable, and passion goes a long way. 

If this sounds like an environment you’d love to work in, even if you only have some of the experience listed below, please apply. 

Your Impact at Lila 

Lila Sciences is seeking a Senior Director, Corporate Controller to lead all aspects of accounting, financial operations, reporting, compliance, and help build the financial foundation of a company reinventing scientific research. This is a pivotal role for a detail-oriented, strategic thinker who thrives in a fast-paced, start-up environment and is passionate about building scalable systems and processes from the ground up. 

You’ll partner closely with our CFO and functional leaders across the company to operationalize financial discipline and support decision-making with high-quality financial data. You'll also build and manage our accounting team, lead process and system improvements, and ensure we meet the highest standards of compliance and reporting. 

What You’ll Be Building 

• Oversee all accounting operations including general ledger, purchasing, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, and tax compliance 
• Lead month-end, quarter-end and year-end close processes 
• Prepare and maintain accurate financial reports, including balance sheets, income statements, cash flow projections, and investor-ready reports 
• Develop, implement, and monitor internal controls and accounting policies to ensure compliance with GAAP and company policies 
• Manage the company’s cash management processes, including banking, risk management and insurance 
• Work closely with external auditors, valuation advisors, tax advisors, and other consultants to support audits and tax compliance filings 
• Support equity and partnership financing, including preparation of disclosure schedules, document review, data room development and management, and financial support of due diligence processes, as needed 
• Assist in the implementation and optimization of accounting systems and software 

What You’ll Need to Succeed 

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field; CPA preferred • 8+ years of experience in accounting, with at least 2 years in a Controller or Assistant Controller role 
• • Experience managing a team and leading monthly/quarterly close processes in a high-growth environment 
• • Comfort working across systems—NetSuite (or similar ERP), payroll, equity management, and procurement platforms 
• • Excitement for building and improving processes from the ground up 
• Strong communication skills and the ability to translate accounting concepts to technical and non-finance audiences 
• Proven experience managing audits, budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting 
• Flexibility to adapt to changing conditions and priorities 
• Proficiency with NetSuite, or similar accounting software 

Equal Opportunity

Lila Sciences is committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity, or Veteran status.

A Note to Agencies

Lila Sciences does not accept unsolicited resumes from agencies. Submissions without prior written agreement will become the property of Lila Sciences, and no fees will be paid.

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