Controller in Chicago, Illinois at Quetzal Therapeutics LLC

About the Job

About Quetzal Therapeutics LLC

Quetzal Therapeutics is a biopharmaceutical company focused on the development of treatment for rare diseases including hematologic malignancies. The company’s lead product is QTX-2101, a novel paradigm for treating patients with Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia (APL) for which the company initiated a Phase III clinical trial in December 2025. Quetzal is also developing a pre-clinical asset QTX-2102, an advanced, next-generation antifungal and antiparasitic therapy designed to enhance efficacy while minimizing toxicity. Our mission is to push the boundaries of treatment possibilities, delivering hope and life-changing solutions to those who need them most.

About The Role

Reporting to the VP of Finance, the Controller will own Quetzal's accounting, financial reporting, month-end closing, and treasury operations while helping develop the systems, controls, and processes needed for a growing biotechnology company.

You will operate at the intersection of execution and strategy: managing the details of the monthly close, overseeing external accounting and finance partners, strengthening internal controls, supporting clinical and R&D accounting, and providing leadership with reliable financial information for decision-making.

Because Quetzal operates with a lean internal team and a network of specialized external partners, this role is particularly well suited for someone who enjoys building, improving, and owning rather than simply maintaining an established accounting organization.

This is a remote position with the possibility of being hybrid. We welcome qualified candidates across the United States with a preference for candidates located in Chicago, Illinois or New Jersey.

Why Join Us

This is an opportunity to play a visible, hands-on role in shaping our accounting team and strengthening our company’s financial processes. You will partner with leadership and help build a team grounded in compliance, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

What You'll Do

Accounting & Financial Reporting

• Own the monthly close process in NetSuite, including review of journal entries, account reconciliations, supporting schedules, and timely, accurate financial statements.
• Maintain strong accounting practices and ensure financial reporting is consistent with U.S. GAAP.
• Develop and maintain accounting policies, internal controls, and process documentation appropriate for a growing clinical-stage biotechnology organization.
• Continuously improve accounting processes, reporting standards, and financial infrastructure as the company evolves.

External Partner & Vendor Management

• Oversee outsourced bookkeeping and accounting service providers, reviewing work product for accuracy, completeness, and quality before it reaches company leadership.
• Serve as a primary Finance contact for external tax advisors, auditors, benefits administrators, payroll providers, and other finance-related partners.· Establish clear expectations, monitor deliverables, and proactively resolve issues with external partners.

Treasury, AP & Cash Management

• Lead accounts payable and treasury operations, including invoice review and coding, payment approvals, payroll funding coordination, and banking relationships.
• Own cash forecasting and provide leadership with regular visibility into upcoming obligations, significant expenditures, and near-term cash requirements.
• Help strengthen controls and processes surrounding purchasing, payments, and cash management.

Clinical-Stage Biotech Accounting

• Partner with internal stakeholders and external providers to maintain accurate clinical trial and R&D expense accruals.
• Establish scalable accounting practices that support Quetzal's clinical development activities.
• Coordinate with external tax advisors on tax compliance, planning, filings, and R&D tax credit activities.

Audit, Reporting & Growth

• Support the annual audit process, including preparation of schedules, supporting documentation, and responses to auditor requests.
• Support potential capital-raising activities and investor and Board reporting through accurate, organized, decision-useful financial information.
• Establish financial benchmarks and reporting standards that provide leadership with increasingly strong visibility into company performance.

What You'll Bring

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
• 10+ years of progressive accounting and/or controllership experience.
• Previous experience in biotechnology, pharmaceutical, life sciences, or another R&D-intensive industry.
• Strong working knowledge of U.S. GAAP and experience preparing and reviewing financial statements.
• Demonstrated experience owning or significantly contributing to month-end close and financial reporting.
• Experience overseeing outsourced bookkeeping, accounting, or other finance-related service providers.
• Experience coordinating with external tax advisors and auditors.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple priorities independently.

Preferred Qualifications

• CPA strongly preferred.
• Experience supporting a clinical-stage organization, including clinical trial and R&D expense accruals.
• Experience with NetSuite or a comparable ERP/general ledger platform.
• Experience with AP/payment platforms (e.g., BILL.com), payroll systems (e.g., Rippling), and banking/treasury operations.
• Experience supporting R&D tax credit activities.
• Experience supporting financings, investor reporting, Board reporting, or financial due diligence.
• Experience helping build or strengthen accounting processes and internal controls within a growing organization.

Benefits & What We Offer

Quetzal Therapeutics offers eligible employees a competitive benefits package designed to support their health, wellbeing, and work-life balance. Our benefits include:

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Health and flexible spending account options
• Paid time off, sick leave, and company holidays
• Additional voluntary benefit options

Benefits and eligibility may vary based on employment status, location, and applicable plan terms and company policies.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Quetzal Therapeutics is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or other characteristics protected by federal, state, or local law.