Finance Director

ABOUT US

At Quell we seek to deliver truly innovative, life-changing therapies for our patients. Our vision as a company is to build a major global biopharmaceutical company bringing transformational and valued therapies for a range of autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, as well as preventing rejection in organ transplantation, based on modular engineered Tregs.

OUR COMPANY

Quell was founded in March 2019 in partnership with six prominent immunological experts from King’s College London, University College London, and Hannover Medical School, and is led by Iain McGill, a leading pharmaceutical executive with extensive relevant experience, having spent most of his 25 years in the industry in immunology, including the areas of solid organ and cell transplantation. The Company was founded with initial series A financing, led by Syncona Ltd who committed £34M with a further £1M contributed by UCL Technology Fund.

THE ROLE

The Finance Director is a leadership role responsible for overseeing the financial activities of the organization, ensuring financial stability, strategic growth, and operational efficiency. This role requires a self-starter with strong experience as a finance leader. The ideal candidate will be proactive, detail-oriented, and capable of working in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment.

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES

General

1. Manage accounting team (Account payable and Assistant FC) and partner with FP&A team with month end and internal reporting timelines.
2. Oversee all aspects of financial reporting: Annual financial statements, ensuring compliance with applicable accounting standards (UK GAAP/IFRS).
3. Own and draft technical papers where relevant (revenue recognition, share based payments and Going Concern).

Risk Management & Compliance

1. Work with Director of Risk and financial control to implement financial policies, internal controls, and procedures to mitigate risks.
2. Oversee external audits and any internal audit/compliance reviews, addressing audit findings and recommendations.
3. Ownership of company technical papers, using outside advice where necessary.
4. Monitor and own tax compliance and review tax strategies alongside applicable tax laws, including:
5. Ensure R&D tax credit preparation is in line with current requirements, including a detailed project split.
6. PSA return managed and completed annually.
7. P11D filed annually.

Operational Efficiency & Process Improvement

1. Analyse current financial processes and recommend improvements to streamline operations and enhance accuracy.
2. Ensure effective cash flow and liquidity management, including a review of current treasury policy.

Team Leadership & Development

1. Manage, mentor, and develop a high-performing finance team, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and accountability.
2. Set performance objectives, conduct evaluations, and support professional growth within the finance team.
3. Promote cross-functional collaboration to drive financial literacy across the organisation.

Strategic Advisory

1. Present financial reports and recommendations to the board, executive team, and stakeholders as required.
2. Support potential IPO, mergers or acquisitions, performing due diligence and financial analysis as required.

Cap Table Ownership & Share Scheme Management

1. Own and manage the cap table.
2. Oversee the company share schemes. Experience managing share schemes including set-up of share platforms is helpful.

EXPERIENCE WE ARE LOOKING FOR

1. Qualified Accountant from a recognised body with at least 10 years PQE.
2. Proven ability to lead and develop teams.
3. Excellent spoken and written communication skills.
4. Life sciences industry experience is an advantage but not essential.

TECHNICAL SKILLS REQUIRED

1. Strong technical knowledge of working across UK GAAP and IFRS, including ability to proactively manage technical risks.
2. Strong competency in financial software (e.g. ERP systems, Netsuite an advantage), advanced Excel skills, financial modelling software and Microsoft applications.
3. Track record of system ownership and development alongside integrations with third-party platforms.

BENEFITS

1. Holidays: 25 days per year.
2. Life Assurance: 4 x base salary.
3. Group Personal Pension: Auto enrolled at 4% employer contribution, 4% employee contribution.
4. Private Medical Insurance for your whole family.
5. Annual Bonus.

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