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 managementProcess bi-weekly payroll and benefits administration
Maintain general ledger integrity, chart of accounts, and supporting
documentation
Technical Accounting & Compliance
Apply technical revenue recognition standards (ASC 606) for SaaS and
professional services contractsReview customer contracts, licensing agreements, and vendor MSAs for financial
implicationsCoordinate annual audits, prepare schedules, and serve as primary auditor
liaisonEnsure 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
requestsPartner with FP&A on budget vs. actual analysis and management reporting
Systems & Process ImprovementOptimize NetSuite workflows, automation, and integrations (Salesforce, billing
platforms, HRIS)Implement controls, documentation, and SOX-ready processes as the company
scalesDrive operational efficiency improvements across procurement, expense
management, and financial reporting
What 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 industryExperience in pharma/biotech AND software/SaaS— you understand both
clinical development/R&D accounting and recurring revenue modelsExposure to multiple financing rounds and/or IPO readiness— you've
supported due diligence processes and built audit-ready financialsCPA 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 consultantsExperience with close management tools (FloQast, DataRails) and financial
systems integrationsFamiliarity with Salesforce, modern HRIS platforms (Rippling, Workday), and BI
tools
Personal Attributes
Hands-on execution mindset— comfortable reviewing contracts, processing
payroll, and negotiating with vendorsDetail-obsessed with technical rigor— you ensure accuracy in reconciliations
and proper application of GAAPAdaptable problem-solver— you thrive in ambiguity and find efficient solutions
to operational challengesClear communicator— you can explain complex accounting issues to non-
finance stakeholders
Ideal 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.