Assistant Controller

Assistant Controller 

Palo Alto, CA 

About GondolaBio 

GondolaBio is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing breakthrough therapeutics for genetic diseases. GondolaBio is an independent sister company to BridgeBio, originally carved out in 2024 after securing $300M in private financing from external investors. GondolaBio aims to leverage cutting-edge biological research to discover, create, test, and deliver transformative medicines to treat patients who suffer from genetic diseases. 

Who You Are 

The Assistant Controller will be a hands-on accounting leader responsible for a high-quality, on-time close and scalable accounting processes as we grow. You’ll partner closely with the Controller and cross-functional leaders to ensure accurate financial reporting, strong controls, and audit readiness—without slowing the pace of the business 

Responsibilities 

• Own key elements of the monthly/quarterly/year-end close (journal entries, accruals, allocations, reconciliations, flux analysis) with a high bar for accuracy and speed 
• Drive close process discipline: timelines, checklists, documentation, and continuous improvement (reduce cycle time; increase quality) 
• Oversee core GL operations including account reconciliations, subledger tie-outs, and balance sheet integrity 
• Strengthen internal controls: design/implement policies, controls, and review procedures appropriate for a scaling biotech (SOX-readiness mindset) 
• Support external audit and tax: manage PBCs, coordinate with auditors/advisors, resolve issues quickly, and ensure clean deliverables 
• Biotech-specific accounting (as applicable): R&D and clinical trial accounting (CRO/vendor accruals), prepaids, payroll-related entries, equity administration accounting/ASC 718 support, and related disclosures 
• Systems & process scaling: improve ERP workflows (e.g., NetSuite or similar), integrations, and reporting; build repeatable processes as headcount/program count grows 

Preferred Education & Experience 

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field 
• 10+ years of progressive accounting experience (biotech/pharma strongly preferred) 
• Public accounting experience (Big 4 preferred), plus relevant industry experience 
• Demonstrated ownership of a fast, accurate financial close and strong reconciliation discipline 
• Solid technical accounting foundation (US GAAP); ability to research and document positions 
• Experience supporting audits and working effectively with external advisors 
• High proficiency with ERPs and Excel; ability to improve workflows and controls 

Nice-to-Haves 

• CPA (or active progress toward CPA) 
• Experience in clinical-stage companies (R&D-heavy, multi-program accruals, rapid change) 
• NetSuite experience (or similar ERP implementation/optimization) 
• Experience with equity accounting (ASC 718), 409A-related support, and/or purchase accounting exposure 
• Track record of building scalable processes in a lean environment 

No matter your role at GondolaBio, successful team members are 

• Patient Champions, who put patients first and uphold strict ethical standards 
• Entrepreneurial Operators, who drive toward practical solutions and have an ownership mindset 
• Truth Seekers, who are detailed, rational, and humble problem solvers 
• Individuals Who Inspire Excellence in themselves and those around them 
• High-quality executors, who execute against goals and milestones with quality, precision, and speed 

What We Offer 

• Patient Days, where we are fortunate to hear directly from individuals living with the conditions we are seeking to impact throughout the year and learn how we can improve our efforts 
• A culture inspired by our values: put patients first, think independently, be radically transparent, every minute counts, and let the science speak 
• An unyielding commitment to always putting patients first.  
• A de-centralized model that enables our program teams to focus on advancing science and helping patients. Our affiliate structure is designed to eliminate bureaucracy and put decision-making power in the hands of those closest to the science 
• A place where you own the vision – both for your program and your own career path 
• A collaborative, fast-paced, data-driven environment where we inspire ourselves and each other to always perform at the top of our game 
• Access to learning and development resources to help you get in the best professional shape of your life 
• Robust and market-competitive compensation & benefits package (Base, Performance Bonus, Equity, health, welfare & retirement programs) 
• Flexible PTO 
• Rapid career advancement for strong performers 
• Potential ability to work on multiple GondolaBio Pharma programs across multiple therapeutic areas over time  
• Partnerships with leading institutions 
• Commitment to Diversity, Equity & Inclusion 

The base pay range for this position is $185,000 to $250,000 per year. The actual compensation offered will be determined based on a number of job-related factors, including experience, skills, qualifications, and location. A bonus plan and equity will also be offered.