Associate Director, Accounting / (Assistant) Controller

Nilo Therapeutics is an early-stage biotech company developing groundbreaking therapies for autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. Our experienced team brings together diverse interdisciplinary expertise to modulate immune responses via activation of neural circuits. United by our passion for discovering and translating novel biology, we are dedicated to advancing human health through transformative science. We are backed by The Column Group, Lux, and DCVC Bio. Position We are seeking an Associate Director, Accounting / (Assistant) Controller to join our growing and dynamic team. In this role, you will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of accounting operations, ensuring the integrity of financial data, and supporting strategic decision-making through accurate and timely reporting. You will play a critical role in managing day-to-day activities, enhancing financial systems, and maintaining robust internal controls in accordance with GAAP and regulatory requirements. This position is hybrid with the expectation to visit our New York office one time per week to foster team connection and collaboration. At Nilo Therapeutics, we are a dynamic start-up at the forefront of biotech innovation, driven to discover novel biology and develop new drugs. We seek team members who are inspired by our mission and thrive in a collaborative, rigorous, and entrepreneurial environment. Ideal candidates are self-motivated, proactive problem solvers, excited to build and grow the company alongside a world-class team. If you are comfortable with managing multiple projects and possess a resourceful, can-do attitude, we would love to hear from you. Join us and contribute to our mission of advancing innovative therapies at the intersection of neuroscience and immunology. Key Responsibilities: Accounting Operations: Manage day-to-day accounting functions, including accounts receivable, accounts payable, fixed assets, and payroll. Process payroll administration. Manage the monthly, quarterly, and annual close processes, including journal entries and account reconciliations. Ensure timely and accurate close cycles, including consolidation, accruals, and intercompany eliminations (if applicable). Own cap table management from a financial perspective, ensuring that institutional funding rounds and ESOP awards are accurately reflected in the company’s cap table management platform. Financial Reporting & Analysis: Prepare timely and accurate financial statements and supporting documentation. Assist senior management in analyzing financial performance and identifying variances from budgets and forecasts. Develop financial reports for board meetings and investor communications. Budgeting & Forecasting: Assist in, and eventually lead the annual budgeting process, including the preparation of templates and coordinating with various departments. Own and maintain the budget-to-actuals process; drive monthly and quarterly variance analysis with functional leaders. Internal Controls & Compliance: Develop and document accounting policies and procedures to support scaling operations and ensure audit readiness. Ensure compliance with US GAAP, local, state, and federal regulations. Coordinate tax filings and ensure compliance with federal, state, and local tax regulations. Manage 1099 filings and sales/use tax as applicable. Coordinate with external auditors and tax consultants for audits and regulatory filings. Systems & Process Improvement: Oversee treasury functions, including cash flow forecasting, liquidity planning, and banking relationships. Manage short- and long-term cash needs; optimize working capital strategies. Oversee the implementation and maintenance of accounting software and other financial systems. Identify opportunities to streamline processes and enhance financial management practices. Provide training and support to team members on new systems and procedures. Collaboration & Stakeholder Management: Work closely with the CFO, legal team, and other senior leaders to provide financial insights and decision-support to senior leadership. Support long-range financial planning, modeling, and scenario analysis to support strategic financial initiatives. Manage relationships with external partners, including banks, auditors, and insurance brokers. Assist in administering equity plans and maintaining capitalization records. Key Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field (CPA or equivalent certification preferred). 5+ years of progressive experience in accounting or financial management. Experience managing or closely supporting the full suite of Senior Accountant (or Controller) responsibilities in a scaling company (i.e., budgeting, forecasting, and budget vs. actuals analysis, as well as treasury management). Strong understanding of US GAAP and relevant regulatory requirements. Proficiency with accounting and bookkeeping software (e.g., QuickBooks, Bill.com, Carta, etc.) and advanced MS Excel skills. Experience in designing and implementing internal controls and managing audits. Excellent organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills. Strong communication skills with the ability to collaborate effectively across departments. Experience in a pre-IPO or startup environment, preferably in industries such as pharmaceutical, biotech, or life sciences, is a significant plus. Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, team-oriented, and dynamic environment. We offer a competitive compensation package that includes a range of benefits designed to support the well-being and professional growth of our team members, including a 401K with employer contribution, health/dental/vision, and commuter benefits. The base salary range for this role is $150,000 – $225,000. There is also a target bonus attached to this role. Nilo Therapeutics is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment and encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply. #LI-Hybrid