As our Global Controller/Assistant Controller you are passionate about life sciences and making a difference to patients with mental health disorders. You will be a leader in our Finance Chapter. The role is responsible for the financial statements, including monthly close, reconciliations, technical accounting, accounts payable, and payroll/equity accounting within a SOX compliant public company reporting environment. This role is the main point of contact for the external audits and supports the external reporting and internal audit function. The successful candidate will manage a high-performing team and work cross functionally with other Chapters. The Controller/Assistant Controller will also be responsible for driving transformation in financial operations through increased outsourcing, process automation and technology.

atai's Finance Chapter ensures that atai and its subsidiaries are well-capitalized, make sound financial decisions, and operate effectively and efficiently. As part of this, the Chapter manages the financial information, systems, and controls of the organization and supports interactions with a wide range of stakeholders both internally and externally.

Who we are:

atai Life Sciences is a biopharmaceutical company focused on developing novel treatments for mental health disorders so that everyone, everywhere, can live a more fulfilled life. To achieve this, we are developing psychedelic and non-psychedelic compounds and cutting-edge digital therapeutic tools, and we are excited about anything that might mean a true leap forward for our patients.

The specifics of your day-to-day will include:

• Ensure the timely and accurate preparation of monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements (and related footnote disclosures) in accordance with US GAAP.
• Responsible for all aspects of the day-to-day activities of the accounting department, including the accounting close process, accounts payable, payroll and stock-based compensation accounting. Oversight of the accounting department also includes accurate preparation of financial accounting results and the evaluation, implementation and maintenance of financial software and systems.
• Oversee the technical accounting function which serves as the technical subject matter expert to include: developing, maintaining and enforcing accounting policies and procedures in accordance with US GAAP (and IFRS for statutory purposes) and other authoritative literature; leading analysis of the application of technical accounting standards to complex business issues and transactions and providing well-supported documentation of positions and conclusions; and maintaining compliance with SEC reporting guidelines.
• Support valuation work to account for fair valued assets & liabilities and business transactions.
• Oversee the statutory reporting function which is responsible for timely and accurate Annual reports in the Netherlands (IFRS) and UK (UK GAAP).
• Serve as primary contact for and manage quarterly reviews and annual audit.
• Support the design of internal control program and leads the team to implement and perform the appropriate control functions to allow for a strong control environment.
• Support the SEC reporting function, which is responsible for the timely and accurate preparation of external financial reporting.
• Support the FP&A function in budget preparation and budget vs actual analysis.
• Support the Tax & Treasury function with cash flow management and insurance requirements.
• Manage, mentor, and develop a high-performing team to include defining the strategic direction of the accounting organization in line with the Company vision.

Qualifications / experience that we'd like to see:

• BS/BA degree in Accounting, MSA preferred
• Active CPA license with public company reporting experience, including multi-currency, multi-entity consolidations and complex business transactions
• 10+ years of experience in a fast-paced, results-oriented, hands-on environment, preferably at life sciences/biotech start-up to mid-size company
• 5+ years of management experience
• Experience preparing materials for and presenting to Executives / Audit Committee
• Computer skills: Functional experience with an ERP; proficiency in MS Office applications such as; Excel, Word, Access, and PowerPoint
• Demonstrates collaboration and teamwork. Works well with others and understands that collaboration leads to better results.
• Possesses strong communication skills. Communicates clearly, concisely, and professionally. Listens actively to build understanding.
• Exhibits strong interpersonal skills and self-awareness. Builds and cultivates strong and enduring relationships with others. Acts with humility and understands own strengths and weaknesses.
• Shows continuous improvement and a commitment to self-management and development. Operates with a continuous improvement mindset and continuously seeks to expand own knowledge and capabilities.
• Demonstrates a patient focus. Puts the patient first in actions and decisions taken.
• Contributes to strategy and innovation. Contributes to or leads elevating and actionable strategies. Ideates and creates unique opportunities to advance the organization.
• Demonstrates leadership and a commitment to organizational values. Takes ownership and has a strong sense of personal accountability. Consistently achieves or exceeds goals and expectations. Puts significant emphasis on living / upholding company values.
• Demonstrates ability and commitment to building effective teams. Attracts, develops, and retains diverse top talent. Aligns, mobilizes, and engages others to achieve and sustain peak performance.
• Has a track record of driving vision and purpose in teams

Who will be successful in this role:

Those who succeed at atai will be strongly aligned with our values:

• ❤️ Conscious Care: We take every action in service of our ultimate goal: to heal mental health disorders for all while caring for ourselves and our team.
• 🦸 Bold Entrepreneurship: We are “loosely coupled but tightly aligned” as we strive for excellence over perfection, fast and focused to accelerate innovation for patients.
• 🧑‍🤝‍🧑Collaborative Innovation: individuals and teams work together with good humor and no drama, valuing different perspectives and diversity of thought, background, nationality, and style.
• ✋ Radical Responsibility: We take full responsibility for our circumstances. We grow and learn from failures, always looking to improve.