Sr. Financial Controller

In the Finance team we are seeking an experienced

SR. FINANCIAL CONTROLLER

to join our growing team and work from our office in Leiden.

The Sr. Financial Controller will be responsible for the day-to-day financial operations of the Company and its subsidiaries, ensuring accurate accounting, timely financial reporting, statutory compliance, and the integrity of the Company's financial records. The role will serve as the primary owner of the monthly close, group consolidation, statutory reporting, and audit process while supporting the Company's continued growth.

The position will report to the Sr. Finance Director but will require ample collaboration with multiple Finance members and occasional cross-collaboration with other departments. Additionally, the successful candidate will be highly organized and an effective multi-tasker with the ability to prioritize key initiatives, with strong attention to detail and a dedication to quality in everything they do.

Your responsibilities and tasks will include

Financial Accounting & Close

• Own the monthly, quarterly and annual close process across all group entities, ensuring accurate, timely and complete financial reporting.

• Review balance sheet reconciliations and proactively identify accounting or operational issues.

• Maintain the integrity of the general ledger and ensure compliance with U.S. GAAP, with IFRS knowledge considered an advantage.

Group Reporting & Consolidation

• Prepare monthly consolidated financial statements across all group entities. 

• Manage intercompany accounting and eliminations. 

• Prepare board reporting packages and support investor reporting. 

Operational Finance

• Work closely with the Accounts Payable function and provide day-to-day coaching to the AP Administrator.

• Ensure timely and accurate processing of accounting transactions. 

• Review payment runs, journal entries, prepaid expenses and fixed assets to ensure accurate recording and reporting.

• Ensure compliance with company policies and internal controls. 

Statutory & Audit

• Lead the annual statutory audit across all legal entities.

• Prepare statutory financial statements and coordinate filings.

• Ensure compliance with Dutch tax, VAT and statutory reporting requirements.

• Support implementation of new accounting policies and evolving reporting requirements.

• Manage relationships with external auditors, tax advisors and accounting service providers. 

Finance Operations

• Improve finance processes and internal controls. 

• Support ERP and finance systems improvements. 

• Assist with treasury management and cash forecasting where applicable.

• Support budgeting and forecasting alongside the Senior Finance Manager.

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or a professional accounting qualification (e.g., RA, CPA, or equivalent).

• 5–7 years of progressive experience in accounting or financial controlling, Big 4 experience preferred.

• Experience with multi-entity accounting and consolidations.

• Strong knowledge of US GAAP and/or IFRS.

• Experience in a start-up, scale-up, biotech, life sciences, or international environment is preferred.

• Excellent written and spoken English; Dutch is a plus.

• Experience with Power BI, NetSuite, and advanced PowerPoint is an advantage.

More about you:

• Flexible, proactive, and adaptable to change.

• Comfortable working in a fast-paced start-up environment.

• Takes ownership and demonstrates a strong sense of accountability.

• Naturally curious with a continuous improvement mindset.

• Able to work independently while recognizing when to escalate issues.

• Thrives in a collaborative, entrepreneurial team environment.

What we offer: 

• An exciting position (32-40 hours/week) in a dynamic scale-up biotechnology company.

• Opportunity to help build and improve Finance processes and structures.

• Competitive pay and benefits.

• Contribute to the development of next generation medicines providing protection against airborne viruses.

• A stimulating working environment with an enthusiastic team.

• Attention and possibilities for personal and professional growth.

The team works a hybrid on-site schedule, and 1-2 days on-site in the office are required. Ideally our new Sr. Financial Controller starts November 2026, but we are willing to wait for the best candidate, so we understand you have a notice period or already planned your annual leave.

This position is open to candidates currently residing in the Netherlands with an existing EU work authorization.

We are an equal opportunity employer, so we firmly believe in the added value of a diverse and inclusive group of people with one common goal. We are looking for people who can make an impact and work on a purpose, together.

If the purpose of this role and our company ticked all the boxes for your next adventure, please hit the button and let me know you’re interested by sending me a short cover letter and your CV in English and I will get in touch within 5 working days to plan a first call.

To all agency recruiters given the important work our employees do, I kindly request that you do not approach our people directly. At Leyden Labs, all vacancies are filled with internal efforts, and external support is not required at this time.