Controller Jobs

About Forge

Our mission at Forge Biologics, is to enable access to life changing gene therapies and help bring them from idea into reality. We partner with innovators in the gene therapy community: scientists, physicians, biotech/pharma companies, and patient groups. We bring expertise in gene therapy manufacturing and therapeutics development to the table, helping to champion teams that are navigating the long road from the lab bench to the bedside. Our goal is simple but vital to patients living with disease, and we take it seriously. With a patient-first approach, we are forging new models for working together to better accelerate these transformative medicines to reach those who need them the most. 

Forge is based in Columbus, Ohio, in a 200,000 square foot facility known affectionately by team members as, the Hearth. The Hearth, is a custom-designed cGMP facility dedicated to AAV manufacturing and hosts scalable, end-to-end manufacturing services.

About The Role

The Controller will plan and direct the accounting operations to support the company’s growth objectives, goals, and strategies. They will be responsible for leading the accounting function, ensuring adherence to GAAP standards, implementing and updating accounting policies and establishing best practices, internal controls, and overseeing the annual audit.

The Controller will report to the Senior Vice President of Finance & Investor Relations, and will partner closely with the Senior Director of Financial Planning and Analysis. As the Company is high growth and only in its third year of operations, there is opportunity to build process and structure from the ground up.

What You’ll Do

• Oversee accounting team members and functions to ensure efficient performance, GAAP compliance, and integrity of the financial records
• Leads the internal control function and implement a system of controls over accounting transactions to minimize risk
• Analyze manufacturing variances and prepare related management reports on an ongoing basis to drive efficiencies and cost savings
• Manage team members responsible for accounts payable, accounts receivable, cost accounting, period end closing, and payroll
• Prepares financial statements and monthly management reporting package including P&L, Balance Sheet, Cashflow
• Ensure all Capital Appropriation Requests have appropriate accounting treatment
• Research technical accounting issues for compliance
• Maintain a documented system of accounting policies and procedures
• Oversee cost accounting function by participating in quarterly standard costs updates for material, labor, and overhead, production cost roll-ups, quarterly inventory reserve & cycle counts
• Collaborate with FP&A and leadership team to produce reports for internal use, Board of Directors, and investors
• Evaluate accounting practices and identify ways to streamline or automate processes
• Oversee the daily accounting operations and monthly financial close, including revenue (ASC 606), COGS, cost accounting and expenses, account analysis, reconciliations, depreciation, consolidation, etc., and producing accurate and timely financial statements
• Oversee Bills of Material, Work Order routings, and Standard Costs
• Ensure compliance with appropriate GAAP standards and regulatory requirements

What You’ll Bring

• Experience with Sarbanes-Oxley internal accounting control procedures and processes
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to effectively communicate financial information to non-financial stakeholders
• 3+ years of accounting and/or finance experience in a manufacturing environment using standard/actual costing methods
• Highly organized with strong attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple projects and priorities
• Experience in leading accounting functions and teams
• Minimum of 5 years relevant accounting/finance experience; demonstrating progression of responsibilities in corporate accounting
• Experience with cost accounting; using standard cost estimates to track cost absorption, variance analysis, and accurately explain drivers of profitability
• Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting or Finance or a CPA/CFA certification
• Demonstrated ability to work cross functionally, adapt to changing priorities, manage multiple priorities with accuracy and efficiency while meeting deadlines
• Experience working with external auditors and tax advisors
• Experience using and optimizing ERP systems and other cloud-based financial systems

Preferred Skills

• Public accounting experience in a big 4 firm
• Biotech, life sciences, or pharmaceutical experience
• Previous experience with an ERP implementation
• NetSuite experience
• Knowledge and experience of US GAAP application to a manufacturing operations

Work Environment and Physical Demands

This position works in a typical office environment where the physical work demands will vary depending on the specific tasks and duties required of the job. This is largely a sedentary role; persons holding office positions are generally subject to inside environmental conditions having the lighting, temperature, and noise of an open floor-plan office environment. Regularly operate a computer and other office equipment. Regularly communicate with others in person, over the phone, and electronically. Must be able to move and/or carry objects weighing up to 10 lbs.

COVID Safety

In our commitment to the safety of our employees and customers, a COVID vaccination is required.

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change or new ones may be assigned.

Forge Biologics is an equal opportunity employer dedicated to building an inclusive and diverse workforce. Forge Biologics, provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

Life at Forge

We are a team of diverse, driven and passionate people working together to trailblaze a new model for how we make medicines to treat patients with genetic diseases. Our team members use their creativity and talent to invent new solutions, meet new demands, and offer the most effective services in the industry. Forge’s core values lay the foundation for H.O.P.E. It provides us a common purpose that we all understand, work towards and live by. 

HARDWORKING - We work hard and smart, making a persistent and determined effort toward success. Working hard, with focus and desire is the key.

OPEN - We strive to be approachable, actively listen and encourage others to contribute and speak up. We positively offer and receive constructive feedback.

PURPOSE DRIVEN - We are passionate about working towards and delivering on our mission to manufacture gene therapies.

ENGAGED - We are fully absorbed by and enthusiastic about our work and take positive action to further Forge’s vision, mission and goals.

We’ve Got You Covered

We take the health and happiness of our employees seriously and are consistently evaluating new ways to make our benefits truly UnFORGEttable.

• 401(K) company match
• Employee Assistance Program
• Wellness benefits (financial planning services, mental health counseling, employer paid disability)
• 12 weeks of paid parental leave - additional discount programs include childcare support & dependent care
• Professional & Personal development resources - LinkedIn Learning, a dedicate training staff in-house, mentoring opportunities & access to leadership development coaches
• Fully-stocked kitchen with free food/drinks
• Unlimited PTO (plus 14 paid company holidays)
• Health, Dental, and Vision insurance that starts on your first day at Forge, with 90% of premiums covered for team members as well as dependents
• Annual bonus for all full-time employees
• Equity-incentive plan