Head of Finance

About us:

We’re a startup biotechnology company dedicated to engineering a universal treatment across solid tumors. We’re committed to the development of novel cell therapies, and we’re using viral vectors, universal targets, and novel cytokine biology to enhance CAR T activity. Our therapeutic approach has the potential to enable us to treat significant numbers of cancer patients. Our company was founded on pioneering work carried out in the laboratories of Dr. Carl June and Dr. Andy Minn (University of Pennsylvania), Dr. Kole Roybal (UCSF), and Dr. Christopher Garcia (Stanford University).

Our purpose is to help create a world where all cancer patients can be cured. We’re humbled by the opportunity to work together on some of the most pressing medical challenges of our time. At our company, you would become one of our early team members—not only playing a role in meeting our ambitious mission but also building our thriving culture.  We are determined to deliver with urgency to discover new solutions and we always stay dedicated to scientific rigor; we have an ownership mindset because each and every one of us is integral to our success.  Collaboration is core for us because we believe that by bringing people together with diverse perspectives, we make a stronger whole.  And, we show we care about our work and each other by sharing feedback - ultimately in service of our vision to empower people to continue forward with their lives – cancer free. 

The Role:

We are looking for an exceptional Head of Finance to join our growing team. Reporting to the SVP of Corporate Development, you will be a key strategic leader, responsible for building and overseeing the finance function. This is a rare opportunity for a values-driven finance professional to lay the foundation for financial success at a high-growth biotechnology startup. 

In this role, you will be pivotal in ensuring financial strategy aligns with our long-term vision, establishing processes, managing financial health, and supporting fundraising. You will thrive here if you are ambitious, entrepreneurial, and passionate about translating cutting-edge science into meaningful outcomes for patients. 

Key Responsibilities:

• Financial Strategy & Planning: Develop and execute the company’s financial roadmap, including annual budgeting, forecasting, and long-range financial planning. 
• Operational Excellence: Build and implement robust financial systems, processes, and controls to support a growing organization. 
• Fundraising and Business Development Support: Partner with leadership to support fundraising activities, investor relations, financial reporting to external stakeholders, and risk-adjusted NPV valuation to support business development. 
• Strategic Decision-Making: Provide actionable insights and analyses to guide company growth, including forecasting, cost management, scenario planning, and NPV analyses. 
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Collaborate with scientific, operational, and leadership teams to align financial goals with company milestones and culture. Prepare recurring financial reports and analysis for senior leadership providing actionable financial insights. 
• Ownership of Outcomes: Lead financial reporting, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and transparency for all internal and external stakeholders. 

Required Experience & Skills:

• Degree in Finance, Accounting, Mathematics or related field  
• Strong capabilities in financial modeling, forecasting, and analytics
• At least 10 years of finance experience, including roles in a biotechnology/pharmaceutical company, as well as high-growth startup environments 
• Ability to build and implement processes from the ground up, with a strong attention to detail and operational excellence 
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with ability to present findings and recommendations to senior leadership and collaborate effectively across an organization  
• Demonstrated understanding of public company capital markets 
• Deep understanding of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) 
• Proficiency in relevant tools and systems (e.g., ERP, FP&A software) 

Preferred Experience & Skills:

• CPA/CFA/MBA is preferred

Our values:  

Our values guide everything we do. While capabilities and skills are vital, understanding how a potential new colleague would embody our values is central to our hiring decisions.

Determined to deliver:  

By working with focus and passion, we can provide patients with the solutions they need.  

Own every outcome:  

We can reach new heights when we stay centered on our shared success.  

Collaboration at the core:  

When we band together, our work is better.  

Feedback is fundamental:  

Constructive and authentic positive feedback may be difficult to master but it is vital to our success.  

Working here:

• We offer a highly competitive compensation package with meaningful ownership through equity
• Excellent coverage for medical, vision, and dental
• 401(k) with generous contribution
• Life insurance
• Flexible PTO policy
• Additional substantial benefits

We are an equal opportunity employer. 

We are committed to inclusion and diversity, and we do not discriminate on the basis of race, gender, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, color, marital status, veteran status, disability status, national origin, or any characteristic protected under applicable law.