At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead US entity accounting, reporting, and compliance while shaping financial processes.
- Company: Dynamic life sciences business in central London with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and the chance to shape financial strategy.
- Other info: Exciting opportunity for career growth in a fast-paced environment.
- Why this job: Join a growing team and make a real impact in the life sciences sector.
- Qualifications: Fully qualified accountant with experience in US GAAP and multi-entity structures.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 60000 £ per year.
Harper May is partnering with a UK‑headquartered, clinical‑stage life sciences business based in central London. The business has developed a differentiated therapeutic platform and is now progressing through a critical phase of clinical development, alongside continued investor engagement and the build‑out of its US operating footprint. With a growing US subsidiary already established and further scale‑up planned, the finance function is now being strengthened and a US Financial Controller is being appointed to take ownership of the US entity end to end, working closely with the Group CFO and the wider UK finance team.
The Role
Reporting into the Group CFO and based out of the London head office, the US Financial Controller will own the US entity accounting and reporting, working alongside outsourced providers on the ground in the US. The role blends technical US GAAP depth with hands‑on, close‑to‑the‑numbers ownership across a growing multi‑entity, multi‑currency group. It is a genuinely broad remit with real scope to shape process and controls as the US subsidiary continues to scale.
Key Responsibilities
- Own the month‑end close, management accounts and reporting for the US entity
- Prepare US GAAP reporting and support the group consolidation under IFRS or UK GAAP
- Manage the relationship with the outsourced US bookkeeping, tax and payroll providers
- Own US statutory reporting, federal and state tax compliance in partnership with external advisors
- Manage multi‑currency accounting, intercompany balances and FX exposure across the group
- Support R&D tax incentive claims, clinical trial accounting and grant reporting where relevant
- Strengthen financial controls, policies and process across the US entity
- Support budgeting, forecasting and cash management for the US business
- Partner with the Group CFO on funding rounds, investor reporting and ad‑hoc strategic work
What we are looking for
- Fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, CPA or foreign equivalent)
- Strong technical foundation with prior experience of US GAAP reporting
- Experience of multi‑entity, multi‑currency group structures
- Prior exposure to life sciences, biotech, pharmaceuticals or a scale‑up environment is preferred
- Comfortable owning close, statutory reporting and tax compliance end to end
- Confident partnering with senior stakeholders, external advisors and outsourced providers across jurisdictions
- Practical, hands‑on and organised, with a real appetite for building process in a growing group
US Financial Controller employer: Harper May
Harper May offers an exceptional work environment for the Strategic FP&A Manager role, situated in the vibrant city of London. Employees benefit from a culture that prioritises professional growth, with ample opportunities for development and advancement within the financial services sector. The firm values analytical prowess and communication skills, fostering a collaborative atmosphere where insights drive strategic decisions, making it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land US Financial Controller
✨Tap into Campus Networks
If you're still in uni, don’t forget to engage with your campus's career services and attend finance-related events. Banks often do presentations and recruitment drives on campus, so put yourself out there and make use of these opportunities to show off your passion for the field.
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Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like Harper May. Use their websites and apply through them, but also consider following up with a polite email to express your enthusiasm. Being proactive can make a huge difference in getting noticed in the competitive financial services sector.
We think you need these skills to ace US Financial Controller
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers!:In the banking and financial services world, quantifiable achievements are key. Make sure your CV highlights your grades in relevant subjects, any financial certifications you hold, and specific projects where you've delivered measurable results. Employers love to see how your skills translate into real-world success.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:When applying for a full-time position, your cover letter should make a direct connection between your experience and the job description. Don't just state your enthusiasm for finance—dive into how your background in banking or financial analysis sets you apart. Let your passion shine through while being specific about what you can bring to Harper May.
Include Relevant Financial Software Experience:If you've worked with financial modelling tools or software like Excel, SAP, or specific analytical tools during your studies or internships, bring that up! Highlighting your proficiency can really make your application pop and show you're ready to hit the ground running in a full-time role.
Research and Reflect:Before hitting that 'apply' button on Harper May's website, do a little digging. Look up their recent projects, values, and culture. Reflecting their ethos in your application can make a huge difference and show you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Harper May
✨Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills
Make sure you're well-versed in financial concepts and analytical techniques relevant to banking and financial services. Get comfortable with tools like Excel for modelling or financial forecasting, as technical questions in this area are common during interviews with Harper May.
✨Prepare for Case Studies
Expect to tackle case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-world banking scenarios. Familiarise yourself with the types of problems you might face—think risk assessments or investment evaluations—and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.
✨Show Your Passion for Finance
Since this is a full-time position, employers at Harper May will be keen to see your genuine interest in finance. Be prepared to discuss recent industry trends or news articles that excite you, showcasing your enthusiasm and engagement with the field.
✨Network with Industry Professionals
Before your interview, reach out to current or former Harper May employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They'll offer unique insights into the company's culture and the interview process, which can give us a delightful edge in showcasing a good fit for the team.
