Assistant Controller

Position Summary:

The Associate Director / Director of Accounting, Assistant Corporate Controller will report to the VP, Corporate Controller.  This is a newly created role that will lead and manage the monthly and quarterly financial close process and reporting. The Associate Director / Director will play a key role in the company’s external audit process and will contribute to maintaining an effective control environment.  This individual will be a key member of the finance team helping to collect, assess and utilize data to support internal reporting and business decision making.

The ideal candidate should be a highly organized and proactive individual with strong attention to detail, a sound understanding of accounting, financial reporting and internal controls, prioritization skills and a focus on client service. The Associate Director / Director will work across functions and teams at Ocular as a trusted partner to facilitate efficient communication to support the Company’s financial processes. The individual should enjoy working in a fast-paced and rapidly growing environment.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities include the following:

• Lead a high-performing accounting team to ensure accurate and timely monthly and quarterly financial close processes.
• Oversee complex and high-risk accounting areas within the close cycle to ensure accuracy and compliance with accounting standards.
• Support the implementation of significant transactions by evaluating the impact of new or proposed accounting standards and regulatory guidance issued by organizations such as the Financial Accounting Standards Board, American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, Public Company Accounting Oversight Board, Emerging Issues Task Force, and the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, and communicate implications to senior management.
• Review monthly close deliverables including journal entries, reconciliations, and supporting schedules to ensure completeness and accuracy.
• Serve as primary liaison with external auditors during quarterly reviews and the annual audit process.
• Collaborate with cross-functional business and technical teams to support accounting initiatives and operational alignment.
• Partner with the Financial Planning & Analysis team to analyze financial performance and ensure consistency between reporting and forecasting.
• Prepare and review financial statement footnotes for quarterly and annual filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, and support the preparation of earnings releases.
• Identify and implement process improvements to enhance financial reporting processes and optimize the company’s financial systems.
• Support the maintenance of an effective internal control environment in accordance with Section 404 of the Sarbanes–Oxley Act.

Qualification Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting; CPA certification preferred
• 7+ years of prior related accounting experience
• Previous experience in public accounting as well as small- to mid-sized public biotech and or pharmaceutical company preferred

• Strong knowledge and ability to interpret and apply U.S. GAAP and SEC reporting requirements and relevant accounting and financial concepts for publicly traded companies
• Relevant accounting experience: general month close operation accruals and reconciliations
• In-depth knowledge of SOX and demonstrated ability to implement and maintain financial controls and accounting policies and procedures
• Ability to apply judgment with strong analytical and problem-solving skills; ability to combine attention to detail with an understanding of broader strategic context
• Strong project management skills and experience; ability to prioritize multiple initiatives concurrently with a high degree of accuracy and attention to detail
• Collaborative and consultative team player who can thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment