Chief Financial Officer

Job Description

Job Description

About Discovery Life Sciences:

Discovery Life Sciences is a global market leader in biospecimen solutions and specialty laboratory services, offering an extensive range of products and services to support drug discovery and development. With a network of laboratories and offices across the United States and internationally, we are committed to advancing scientific research and improving health care outcomes. We are dedicated to accelerating the discovery and development of new therapies and diagnostics by providing the highest quality biospecimens, in vitro preclinical products, and cell and gene therapy starting materials, coupled with specialty lab services.

Investor Background

The CFO will partner closely with Water Street Healthcare Partners, the Private Equity firm that owns Discovery. Water Street is a strategic investor focused exclusively on health care. The firm has a strong record of building market-leading companies across key growth sectors in health care. Water Street's team is comprised of industry executives and investment professionals with decades of experience investing in and operating global health care businesses. The firm is headquartered in Chicago, Illinois.

The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) position, working closely with the CEO, is responsible for overseeing financial operations including all financial and accounting initiatives. This is a business-critical role with leadership responsibility for developing and implementing financial plans, including budgets, forecasts, and long-term financial goals. Working closely with Water Street, they will focus on optimizing the company's capital structure.

This individual will lead the strategy and execution of all Discovery finance initiatives. The CFO will play an influential role in driving the overall operational and financial performance of the company. He/She will be directly responsible for (either directly or via staff) all cash management, investments, insurance, budgeting, and financial reporting, and help drive Discovery’s financial strategy and hiring needs. They will coordinate the development of annual operating, capital, and program budgets, as well as reporting for the same. This position will ensure cash flow is compatible with operations by overseeing day-to-day accounting, tax, financial Planning & analysis, recording, reporting, and internal-control activities for Discovery.

Why Join Us:

At Discovery, the CFO will have the opportunity to lead a talented finance and accounting team and make a significant impact on the growth and success of a pioneering company in the biotech and life sciences industry. We offer a collaborative and innovative work environment, competitive compensation, and the chance to work on groundbreaking projects that contribute to improving patient outcomes globally.

Must-Have Qualifications (Education, Skills, Experience):

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, business accounting, finance, or equivalent field required.
• Certified Public Accountant or Certified Financial Analyst strongly preferred.
• Minimum of 15 years' financial leadership experience, preferably in biopharma, diagnostic or life science industries.
• Minimum of 5 years’ experience working in a private equity-backed company is desired.
• Extensive experience in senior financial managerial roles with a proven track record of success.
• International finance experience desired.
• Excellent knowledge of data analysis, risk management, and forecasting methods.
• Experience in preparing and sharing insights with executives around strategic financial initiatives, as well as performance indicators of an accounting function.
• Proven leadership in managing remote teams.
• Experience with MS Office and financial management software (Financial Force) desired.

Key Responsibilities:

• Collaborate with the executive leadership team (ELT) to establish financial goals, strategies, plans, and policies.
• As a member of the ELT, contribute to the strategic direction of the company and implementation of the annual operating plan.
• Advising the CEO and Board of Directors on strategic decisions related to mergers and acquisitions, investments, capital structure and financing.
• Leading and managing the finance and accounting team, fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Financial Planning and Analysis: Developing and implementing financial strategies to achieve the company's goals; Creating and monitoring budgets, forecasts, and financial models; Analyzing financial data to identify trends, opportunities, and risks.
• Cash Flow Management, Financial Reporting and Compliance: Preparing and overseeing the preparation of financial statements, including income statements, balance sheets, and shareholder reports ensuring compliance with relevant accounting standards and regulations. Manage all tax reporting and filings.
• Cash Flow Management: Overseeing cash flow to ensure adequate liquidity and to manage the company’s financial health.
• Risk Management: Assessing and managing financial risks, such as credit risk, interest rate risk, and foreign exchange risk.
• Establishing and maintaining strong relationships with external stakeholders (e.g., lenders).
• Prepare the company for a strategic exit; Participate in management presentations.

Compensation and Benefits:

Discovery Life Sciences is committed to fair and equitable compensation practices, and we strive to provide employees with total compensation packages that are market competitive. The exact base pay offered for this role will depend on various factors, including but not limited to your qualifications, skills, and experience.

The annual salary is only one part of your total compensation package. Other benefits:

• Benefits package options include free medical, dental, vision, and life insurance, which starts on the first day of employment. Discovery covers 85% of the cost for eligible dependents.
• Inclusion in executive unlimited paid time off (UPTO) program.
• 401(k) match program which starts on the first day of employment.
• Collaborative and inclusive work environment that values diversity.
• Employee Referral Program and Colleague Recognition Program.

Location and work hours:

• Onsite at a US office location (Huntsville, AL, Boston, MA, San Francisco, CA, or Newtown, PA)
• Relocation support is available for the selected qualified candidate relocating to one of our U.S. office locations.
• Up to 20% domestic and 10% international travel required for site meetings and customer meetings.

Join Discovery and lead our finance & accounting efforts to enable the discovery and development of new therapeutics that improve patient outcomes.

Discovery Life Sciences is proud to be an equal opportunity employer – Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, marital status, disability, veteran status or any other status protected by law. Reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.