Senior Financial Controller

Senior Financial Controller

The team 
We are seeking a Senior Financial Controller for our Finance & Accounting team, based in our Utrecht office. Our team, consisting of four professionals, is dedicated to managing key accounting responsibilities for our two entities: the Dutch N.V. and the US Inc.  

The Role

In this role, you will lead in preparing and executing detailed monthly accounting transactions, journal entries (including PO and non-PO), ensuring compliance with SOX and US GAAP. You’ll provide crucial support to colleagues in both the Netherlands and the US, working closely within the team to meet stringent timelines and requirements for both the N.V. and Inc. books. This position demands a deep understanding of accounting, the ability to oversee the bigger picture, and a commitment to continuous improvement and optimization in our financial operations. 

Your day-to-day tasks: 

  • Financial Reporting and Compliance: Ensure timely, accurate financial reporting for month-end, quarter-end, and year-end processes, in alignment with Nasdaq Global Market requirements for a large accelerated filer. 
  • Accounting and Transactions: Prepare and execute monthly accounting transactions, including journal entries for R&D, clinical accruals, drug substance/product accruals, and pre-paid expenses, ensuring detailed tracking and reconciliation. 
  • Collaboration and Oversight: Work closely with US accounting, internal project managers (Clinical and CMC), and other stakeholders like supply chain and vendor management to align on transactions and track purchase orders (POs) and contracts. 
  • Review and Approval: Oversee the accuracy of financial documents, including (Pre) Clinical and CMC trackers, and approve the work of others, ensuring compliance with accounting standards. 
  • SOX Controls and Internal Audits: Manage and execute SOX controls, ensuring adherence to internal control guidelines, and maintain documentation for audits. 
  • Continuous Improvement: Lead initiatives for internal control and process improvements, aiming to enhance efficiency and accuracy in financial operations. 
  • Stakeholder Engagement: Engage with both internal teams and external specialists, including auditors and SOX specialists, to support financial operations and compliance. 
 

Your Profile

We seek a detail-oriented and analytical individual with a proactive approach and a strong commitment to accuracy and quality. The ideal candidate is hands-on, results-driven, and excels in planning and organization, with advanced Excel skills. You should possess excellent interpersonal and communication abilities, as recognized by your peers, and have a knack for driving improvements and achieving high output. 

Requirements: 
  • Relevant education on master level in Accounting or (Business) Economics 
  • Strong knowledge of US GAAP and IFRS accounting principles related to a wide variety of topics; 
  • Experienced to work with SOX 404b compliance in a US listed public company 
  • You are proficient in all areas of financial accounting  
  • SAP experience is an advantage; 
  • Previous work experience in biotechnology or pharmaceutical industry is advantageous 
  • You’re fluent in Dutch and English 
  • You are able to work in an international environment across time zones 

Why Merus?

We offer a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to work with some of the best and brightest in the biotech industry. As part of Merus, you’ll experience a steep learning curve from your very first day in the job. And you’ll get to interact with a great international team of people who love what they do! To top it all, we offer a competitive salary, flexible working hours, an excellent pension scheme, a company bonus and 30 days’ annual leave (based on a full-time position). Most importantly, you’ll have the chance to help us close in on cancer – everything you do matters at Merus. 

Apply now

    Our Hiring Process

    Stage 1:

    Internal Review

    This means that we’ve received your application and are in the process of reviewing it.

    Stage 2:

    Initial Call

    We’ll set up a 15-minute phone call with our Internal Recruiter to discuss the details of this job opportunity and your own expectations of the role, as well as Merus as a company.

    Stage 3:

    1st Interview Phase

    During the 1st interview phase, we’ll set up an interview with your potential future manager. We’ll be looking to understand more about your experience, how that fits the role, and what makes you tick.

    Stage 4:

    2nd Interview Phase

    If things are still looking good, we’ll set up several short interviews with team members, peers, Management Team members (where relevant) and HR to make sure we are a good cultural fit. We do our best to plan these interviews on the same day, although on rare occasions they’ll take place on multiple days.

    Stage 5:

    Job Offer

    After positive evaluation from both sides, you will receive our job offer. Once you’ve accepted it, we will draw up the necessary paperwork. You will receive your contract within 3-5 working days and your onboarding process will start!

    Stage 6:

    Welcome

    We’re more than happy to welcome you to join Merus in our pursuit to close in on cancer!

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