Controller

Our Mission and Vision

Unlearn exists to transform clinical development by making every trial smarter. We harness data, AI, and digital twins to enable faster, more robust studies that bring life-saving treatments to patients faster. This mission drives everything we do as we partner with biopharmaceutical companies to redesign how clinical trials are planned, run, and analyzed.

We are defining the future of clinical development with unmatched scientific credibility, replacing uncertainty with AI-powered precision so decisions are clearer and trials are stronger. We don't just disrupt the pharmaceutical industry, we create lasting change.

We believe AI will define the future of medicine, and we are committed to building that future responsibly, rigorously, and in close collaboration with our partners in clinical development.

About Our Team

We come from a variety of backgrounds ranging from machine learning to marketing-but regardless of where we come from, Unlearners share some common traits:

Unlearners are ambitious; we aren't intimidated by big, challenging goals.

Unlearners are disciplined experimenters; we break down our big goals into smaller chunks and meet as often as necessary to track our velocity and iterate quickly.

Unlearners are gritty; we never give up, setbacks just make us try harder.

Unlearners are receptive to new ideas; in fact, we hate being stuck with the status quo

Unlearners are storytellers; sharing information with each other and with the world is super important, too important to be boring. And, last but not least,

Unlearners are team-oriented; we put the mission first, the company second, the team third, and individuals last.

Headquartered in San Francisco, Unlearn was founded in 2017 by a team of world-class machine learning scientists. We have raised venture capital from top tier investors such as Altimeter, Insight Partners, Radical Ventures, 8VC, DCVC, and DCVC Bio, and completed our $50 million Series C in January 2024.

If our purpose and culture resonate with you, we invite you to apply.

The Role

We are seeking a hands-on Controller who thrives in a fast-paced, high-growth

environment at the intersection of biotech and software. This is a critical individual

contributor role where you will be responsible for all core accounting operations,

systems, and compliance while partnering with our FP&A leader on financial planning

initiatives. You will own and execute the full accounting function from month-end close

in NetSuite to payroll processing, AP/AR, legal contract reviews, and audit preparation

Reporting directly to the CFO/COO this is a high impact role where you will support

strategic planning, fund raising, financial diligence and scaling the company to the next

stage of growth.

What You'll Own

Core Accounting Operations

Execute monthly close, journal entries, reconciliations, and financial reporting in

NetSuite

Manage full-cycle AP/AR, including vendor payments, customer invoicing, and

cash management

Process bi-weekly payroll and benefits administration

Maintain general ledger integrity, chart of accounts, and supporting

documentationTechnical Accounting & Compliance

Apply technical revenue recognition standards (ASC 606) for SaaS and

professional services contracts

Review customer contracts, licensing agreements, and vendor MSAs for financial

implications

Coordinate annual audits, prepare schedules, and serve as primary auditor

liaison

Ensure compliance with GAAP, tax filings, and regulatory requirements

Fundraising & Financial Support

Support financial due diligence for fundraising rounds (Series D+, potential IPO)

Prepare schedules, data room materials, and responses to investor diligence

requests

Partner with FP&A on budget vs. actual analysis and management reporting

Systems & Process Improvement

Optimize NetSuite workflows, automation, and integrations (Salesforce, billing

platforms, HRIS)

Implement controls, documentation, and SOX-ready processes as the company

scales

Drive operational efficiency improvements across procurement, expense

management, and financial reportingWhat You Bring

Required Experience

8-12 years of progressive accounting experience with at least 3-5 years in

senior roles (Controller, Assistant Controller, or Director of Accounting)

Big 4 audit background strongly preferred- ideally with life sciences or

technology client exposure before transitioning to industry

Experience in pharma/biotech AND software/SaaS- you understand both

clinical development/R&D accounting and recurring revenue models

Exposure to multiple financing rounds and/or IPO readiness- you've

supported due diligence processes and built audit-ready financials

CPA required (active or inactive)Technical Skills

Strong technical accounting knowledge (ASC 606, ASC 842, ASC 718, revenue

recognition, stock-based compensation)

Advanced Excel/Google Sheets and financial modeling capabilities

NetSuite proficiency, you can configure modules, build custom reports, and

optimize workflows without external consultants

Experience with close management tools (FloQast, DataRails) and financial

systems integrations

Familiarity with Salesforce, modern HRIS platforms (Rippling, Workday), and BI

toolsPersonal Attributes

Hands-on execution mindset- comfortable reviewing contracts, processing

payroll, and negotiating with vendors

Detail-obsessed with technical rigor- you ensure accuracy in reconciliations

and proper application of GAAP

Adaptable problem-solver- you thrive in ambiguity and find efficient solutions

to operational challenges

Clear communicator- you can explain complex accounting issues to non-

finance stakeholdersIdeal Candidate

You've likely held Controller, Assistant Controller, or Director of Accounting roles at

public/venture-backed startups or high-growth companies. You may have started in Big

4 audit (life sciences or tech practice) before transitioning to industry. You've been

through at least one major financing event (Series B+ or IPO readiness) and know how

to support rigorous due diligence processes.

You're equally comfortable:

Drafting a technical revenue recognition memo for a multi-year contract

Configuring NetSuite workflows and building custom reports

Closing the books in 3 days with full reconciliation support

Managing vendor relationships and optimizing payment terms

Benefits & Perks

The following benefits and perks are for full time roles only.

Generous equity participation

100% company-covered medical, dental, & vision insurance plans

401k plan with matching

Flexible PTO plus company holidays

Annual company-wide break December 24 through January 1

Commuter benefits

Paid Parental Leave

Unlearn is an equal opportunity employer.

At Unlearn, we are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace, because inclusion and diversity are essential to achieving our mission. If you're excited about this role, and your past experience doesn't align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply nevertheless.