Financial Controller

At AviadoBio, we are relentlessly chasing cures by translating groundbreaking science and precision delivery into potentially life-changing medicines for people living with frontotemporal dementia (FTD) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

We are seeking an experienced Financial Controller to lead our accounting operations and ensure the integrity of our financial systems. This role will oversee all accounting functions, maintain compliance with regulations, and implement robust financial controls while supporting the accounting team.

Lead financial operations by establishing robust financial systems and controls to ensure accurate legal entity reporting, regulatory compliance, and informed decision-making that enables sustainable business growth.

FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT & REPORTING

• Direct month-end and year-end close processes in NetSuite to ensure timely and accurate financial reporting that meets regulatory and stakeholder requirements.
• Oversee preparation of statutory financial statements to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and accounting standards.
• Manage cash flow forecasting and treasury operations to optimize working capital and ensure adequate liquidity for operational needs.
• Establish and maintain internal controls and financial policies to safeguard company assets and ensure compliance with accounting standards.

UK R&D TAX CREDITS & COMPLIANCE

• Lead preparation and submission of UK R&D tax credit claims to maximize available tax relief and support the company's innovation funding strategy.
• Develop detailed technical and financial documentation for R&D tax credit claims to ensure successful HMRC submissions and audits.
• Monitor legislative changes and HMRC guidance on R&D tax credits to maintain compliance and optimize claim strategies.
• Coordinate with scientific and clinical teams to identify qualifying R&D activities and expenditure to ensure comprehensive and accurate claims.
• Manage relationships with external R&D tax advisors and HMRC to facilitate smooth claim processing and resolve any queries or audits.

STRATEGIC FINANCE & SYSTEMS

• Optimize NetSuite ERP configuration and workflows to enhance financial reporting capabilities and operational efficiency.
• Develop and implement accounting KPIs and operational metrics to monitor the efficiency and accuracy of financial operations and control effectiveness
• Ensure data integrity, security, and governance across all financial systems
• Champion automation initiatives to reduce manual processes and improve efficiency

AUDIT & REGULATORY COMPLIANCE

• Coordinate external audits and ensure timely delivery of audit requirements to maintain clean audit opinions and stakeholder confidence.
• Ensure compliance with IFRS, Companies Act, and relevant tax regulations to maintain good standing with regulatory authorities.
• Oversee VAT compliance and reporting obligations to ensure accurate and timely submissions to HMRC.
•  Develop and manage the audit timeline, ensuring all deliverables and schedules are prepared in advance
• Coordinate the preparation of the full audit file including supporting documentation, account reconciliations, and analytical schedules
• Lead the preparation and filing of corporation tax returns to ensure accurate and timely submissions to HMRC in compliance with UK tax legislation.
• Manage tax provisioning and deferred tax calculations to ensure accurate tax liabilities are reflected in financial statements.
• Monitor changes in UK corporate tax legislation and assess impact on the company's tax position to maintain compliance and optimize tax efficiency.
• Coordinate with external tax advisors on technical tax matters, tax planning opportunities, and HMRC correspondence to leverage specialist expertise.
• Maintain comprehensive tax documentation and supporting schedules to facilitate tax audits and defend tax positions if challenged.
• Ensure alignment between tax reporting and financial reporting positions to maintain consistency and avoid discrepancies during audits.

Required Knowledge and Experience

Essential:

• Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, or equivalent) with significant post-qualification experience in senior finance roles.
• Extensive hands-on experience of NetSuite ERP system, including configuration, reporting, and optimization.
• Proven track record preparing and successfully submitting UK R&D tax credit claims with demonstrable knowledge of HMRC requirements and qualifying criteria.
• Strong technical accounting knowledge including UK GAAP, IFRS, financial reporting standards and corporate tax compliance.
• Experience in life sciences, biotechnology, or pharmaceutical industry preferred, with understanding of clinical development stage company dynamics.
• Demonstrated experience building financial infrastructure and controls in high-growth or start-up environments.
• Strong business partnering skills with ability to communicate complex technical accounting and compliance matters clearly to non-financial stakeholders
• Experience managing external audits and maintaining productive relationships with auditors and regulatory authorities.
• Meticulous attention to detail with commitment to accuracy in all financial reporting and compliance matters.
• Ability to work effectively in fast-paced, evolving environment with competing priorities and deadlines.
• Proven ability to implement process improvements and drive operational efficiency through technology and best practices.

Desirable:

• Experience with financial planning and reporting for clinical trials and R&D-intensive operations.
• Knowledge of US GAAP and international financial reporting standards.
• Experience supporting fundraising activities and investor relations.
• Familiarity with grant accounting and government funding compliance.
• Excellent communication, leadership and stakeholder management abilities
• Advance proficiency in Excel, ERP/accounting software

This position is available as either a fixed-term contract or a freelance consulting agreement.