Controller

ADBEVO002 | Onsite | Beverly, MA

Company

Akston is a biotech company built for pets. Using our proprietary Ambifect® Fc-fusion protein platform, we develop immuno-enhancing and targeted protein treatments that aim to reduce treatment frequency while enhancing efficacy. Backed by a vertically integrated structure and state-of-the-art GMP biologics facility, we accelerate development from discovery to commercial manufacturing – ensuring innovation reaches veterinarians and the pets we love faster and more efficiently. Learn more at www.akston.com.

Position Summary

The Controller will oversee the company’s accounting operations with a strong emphasis on biotech/manufacturing financial processes such as cost accounting, inventory valuation, GMP-related spend tracking, and CAPEX management. This role is critical to building the financial backbone needed for ensuring accurate and compliant reporting, strengthening internal controls, preparing for potential reporting as a public company, and supporting strategic decision-making.

The ideal candidate has deep NetSuite experience, thrives in companies undergoing rapid growth and transition, and understands how financial operations intersect with R&D, Manufacturing, Quality, Regulatory, and Supply chain.

Primary Duties

Financial Reporting & Accounting Operations

Lead all day-to-day accounting functions including general ledger, AR/AP, payroll accounting, revenue recognition, fixed assets, cost accounting, and inventory accounting.
Own the monthly, quarterly, and year-end close cycles with a high degree of accuracy and timeliness.
Prepare GAAP-compliant financial statements with clear visibility into R&D, manufacturing, overhead, and COGS allocations.
Author, develop and maintain accounting policies and procedures to support the transition to a public-company environment.

Biotech / Manufacturing Cost & Inventory Accounting

Implement and maintain policies for the financial treatment of intellectual property, including capitalization, expensing, amortization, and ongoing valuation, in accordance with GAAP and company strategy.
Implement and maintain standard costing, absorption costing, and overhead allocation models tailored to biotech manufacturing processes.
Oversee inventory valuation across raw materials, WIP, and finished goods; ensure accuracy in a GMP environment with strict documentation and traceability.
Partner with Manufacturing, Quality, and Supply Chain to maintain accurate BOMs, batch costing, production variances, and lot-level reporting.
Support capital equipment planning, depreciation, and financial oversight of manufacturing expansions.

Internal Controls, Compliance & Audit Support

Strengthen internal controls to meet public company standards, including SOX-aligned processes for biotech operations.
Maintain process integrity around controlled documentation, approval workflows, inventory controls, and procurement in a FDA- and USDA-regulated environment.
Lead annual audits, coordinate with external auditors, and ensure complete and accurate support, particularly in areas unique to biotech (e.g. clinical trial accounting, COGS modeling, R&D capitalization, etc.).

Budgeting, Forecasting & Strategic Support

Partner with the CEO and CFO in budgeting, financial modeling, scenario planning, and long-range strategic financial planning.
Provide insightful analysis of actuals vs. budget across departments including R&D, Manufacturing, Quality, Regulatory, Administration, Clinical, and Business Development.
Improve forecasting methodologies with a focus on commercial manufacturing costs and project-based R&D spend.
Translate financial data into actionable recommendations for leadership

Other Responsibilities & Skills

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related discipline required; CPA strongly preferred.
Deep understanding of GAAP, internal controls, and financial reporting standards.
Strong technical accounting skills, including cost accounting, inventory valuation, fixed assets, and revenue recognition.
Expertise in financial operations supporting biotech, life sciences, pharmaceutical, or manufacturing environments.
Demonstrated ability to design, document, and improve financial processes to meet public company and SOX-aligned standards.
Advanced proficiency with NetSuite ERP and the ability to serve as a system SME across modules (Accounting, Inventory, Manufacturing, Fixed Assets, Procurement).
High level of analytical skill, financial modeling proficiency, and attention to detail.
Strong communication, leadership, and cross-functional collaboration skills with the ability to partner effectively with scientific, operational, and executive teams.
Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, evolving environment and build structure in a scaling organization.

Experience

The successful candidate shall demonstrate:

7+ years of progressive accounting experience, with at least 3 years in a biotech, pharmaceutical, life sciences, or manufacturing setting.
Direct experience overseeing or leading month-end close, financial statement preparation, and audit processes.
Hands-on experience managing cost accounting, including standard costing, overhead allocation, BOM accuracy, batch costing, and manufacturing variances.
Experience supporting regulated manufacturing operations, production finance, and inventory controls across raw materials, WIP, and finished goods.
Prior involvement with external audits, internal controls development, and readiness for public company compliance (SOX, SEC reporting support, or IPO-preparation preferred).
Demonstrated success optimizing ERP systems, particularly NetSuite, including configuration, reporting, and workflow automation.
Collaboration with multiple departments teams to support financial transparency and operational decision-making.
Experience supporting capital planning, facility expansions, or manufacturing scale-up initiatives is a strong plus.
Experience with a company preparing to undergo an IPO or an “emerging growth” category public company is highly desirable.

Compensation

Pay Range $140,000.00 – $200,000.00 plus eligibility for company benefit plans.

Other

This is an on-site, non-remote position. Must live within commuting distance of Beverly, MA.

Contact

For more information, see www.akston.com.

If you thrive in a hands-on, cross-functional role and are passionate about creating a well-run,
welcoming workplace, we encourage you to apply and make a meaningful impact at our growing
biotech company.

To Apply Now Candidates should send CV and cover letter to careers@akstonbio.com.

CAREERS AT AKSTON