Associate Director, Financial Reporting and Technical Accounting

Cartesian Therapeutics Inc. (Cartesian or the Company) (NASDAQ: RNAC) is a publicly-traded clinical-stage biotechnology company pioneering mRNA cell therapies for the treatment of autoimmune diseases. Descartes-08 Cartesians lead candidate is an autologous mRNA-engineered chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy (mRNA CAR-T) currently entering our Phase III AURORA Trial for the treatment of generalized Myasthenia Gravis (gMG). Listen to our December 3 2024 investor call for a discussion of the positive Phase IIb results in gMG. Descartes-08 is also in Phase II development for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) with a Phase II pediatric basket trial planned in additional autoimmune indications. Descartes-08 has been granted Orphan Drug Designation and Regenerative Medicine Advanced Therapy Designation by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of gMG and Rare Pediatric Disease Designation for the treatment of Juvenile Dermatomyositis. The Companys clinical-stage pipeline also includes Descartes-15 a next-generation autologous anti-BCMA mRNA CAR-T. Cartesians highly integrated approach is a rare find in biotech with discovery cGMP manufacturing and clinical operations all happening under one roof. Cartesian has publicly reported cash runway into mid-2027 with $219 million of cash on hand as of September 30 2024.

This position is open to local and remote candidates but includes an onsite requirement. If local candidates are expected to be onsite 2-3 days per week. If remote employees will generally be expected to be onsite 2 days every other week.

About this Role

Join a team that is dedicated to innovation and improving patient outcomes. We are seeking an experienced Senior Manager - Financial Reporting & Technical Accounting to play a vital role in our financial reporting processes.

Reporting to VP Controller this position is primarily responsible for the preparation and filing of Cartesians periodic SEC reports including Forms 10-Q and 10-K 8-K (earnings and other) Proxy Statement and other forms and Registration Statements as needed. This position will research technical accounting issues as they arise and draft the memos required to support the Companys position to its external auditors while maintaining and rolling forward the existing quarterly and annual memos. This position also has ownership over accounting and administration for equity-based compensation (approximately 65 employees plus BOD currently) in Equity Edge. Cartesian also has an ATM Facility that was recently put into place under an S-3 shelf registration. Outside of these tasks and responsibilities this position will be a change agent assisting the VP Controller in building out an efficient and effective public company finance function. In this highly visible role over the next couple of years you will have the opportunity to make a difference while rapidly building an exciting Phase III start-up into a commercial-ready biotechnology company.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage the SEC reporting process. Ensure that periodic SEC filings are completed timely and accurately utilizing Wdesk. Herd the cats to maintain the filing calendar timelines. Requires clear professional communication with key stakeholders inside and outside of Cartesian.
• Support the VP Controller with resolution of technical accounting and reporting issues as they arise. Research the relevant guidance develop appropriate accounting positions and support those positions in professionally drafted memos.
• Work closely with external auditors (EY) to navigate quarterly reviews and annual audits. Anticipate PBC requests be proactive and responsive and clear questions and comments.
• Work closely with outsourced internal audit (RSM) to maintain SOX 404(a) compliance.
• Own the accounting for and administration of equity-based compensation in Equity Edge. Respond to ad hoc requests for equity-related information.
• Support the implementation and development of new finance systems and tools.
• Actively participate in the development of junior staff through teaching training and coaching. Must have a willingness to share knowledge and cross-train.
• Other ad hoc duties and responsibilities as they arise.

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelors degree in Accounting Finance or a related field is required.
• 150 credit hours (MBA MS or 5yr undergraduate) is required.

Licensure

• Current CPA license (any state) is required.

Experience

• Minimum of 5-8 years of combination public/industry accounting experience including:
  • Minimum 3-5 years of experience in public accounting in a Big 4 (strong preference) or Next 4 firm where you audited publicly-traded companies;
  • Minimum 2-5 years of SEC reporting experience in a publicly-traded company;
  • Experience in pharmaceutical biotechnology or chemical industries strongly preferred with highest preference given for those with clinical-stage biotechnology company experience.

Special Skills

• Strong technical knowledge of U.S. GAAP with ability to navigate the Accounting Standards Codification for research required;
• Working knowledge of SEC rules and regulations (S-K S-X FD Exchange Act etc.) required;
• Prior use of Wdesk (preferred) ActiveDisclosure or Bridge to facilitate completion of SEC filings required;
• Prior use of Equity Edge (preferred) or Certent/EASi to manage equity-based compensation required;
• Advanced Excel skills required.

Other Competencies

• Ability to utilize NetSuite ERP system in its current configuration while developing and enhancing system capabilities to support commercialization goals.
• Motivated self-starter with an appetite for constant improvement. Must have a desire to automate the mundane in order to focus time and attention on the important priorities that will drive our business forward.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities with attention to detail. Must be comfortable starting with a blank sheet of paper and figuring out solutions real-time.
• Exceptional organizational and communication skills for cross-functional collaboration.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic fast-paced entrepreneurial environment.

Salary Notice

At Cartesian Therapeutics Inc. we are committed to transparency and equity in our compensation practices. The salary range for this position is $150000 to $180000 per year. Please note that the final salary will be determined based on several factors including but not limited to years of experience industry experience education and specific skills relevant to the role. We believe in rewarding our team members fairly and encourage open discussions about compensation throughout the hiring process.

Cartesian is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to fostering an environment in which all employees are treated fairly without regard to race color age religion sex sexual orientation gender identity national origin ancestry disability marital status genetic information military status or any other characteristic protected under applicable law.

Required Experience:

Director