Director, Corporate and Pipeline Communications Corporate Affairs

Position Purpose

Reporting directly to the Chief Financial Officer, the Senior Vice President, Accounting and Corporate Controller is the enterprise owner of Stoke’s accounting operations, external financial reporting, corporate tax, and internal control environment. As Stoke moves from a pre-commercial to a commercial-stage organization, this leader will architect and execute the build-out of a scalable, audit-ready finance infrastructure that supports commercial revenue, an expanding clinical pipeline, and the disclosure standards expected of a public company. This role is trusted advisor to the CFO, executive leadership team, Audit Committee, and external auditors. The successful candidate will bring a record of SEC reporting excellence, SOX leadership, and technical accounting depth in life sciences, along with the judgment and credibility to shape financial strategy as well as execute it.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead all global accounting operations, including general ledger, accounts payable, payroll, inventory, and cost accounting, and ensure the function is designed to support commercial-scale operations
• Establish the operating model, governance, and performance standards for a best-in-class close process, driving accuracy, speed, and consistency
• Own the integrity, timeliness, and quality of all SEC filings, including Forms 10-K, 10-Q, and 8-K, and ensure full compliance with US GAAP and SEC regulations
• Partner with the CFO, Legal, and Investor Relations on disclosure controls, earnings materials, and Audit Committee reporting
• Serve as the Company’s senior technical accounting authority, setting policy and positions on complex transactions including gross-to-net (GTN) revenue deductions, distributor agreements, and collaborative R&D arrangements
• Anticipate the accounting implications of commercial launch, partnerships, and business development activity, and advise leadership before decisions are made
• Maintain, test, and continuously strengthen the internal control framework in compliance with SOX Section 404, proactively managing risk as commercial operations expand
• Drive standardization, automation, and systems enhancements that improve control effectiveness and operating efficiency
• Direct the accounting framework for clinical and commercial inventory, including capitalization, allocation, and valuation, and for financial oversight of third-party logistics (3PL) partners
• Oversee external advisors in the delivery of corporate tax compliance, ASC 740 income tax accounting, and R&D tax credit strategy
• Support the CFO in the development and execution of treasury and cash management policies
• Act as the primary executive liaison to the external auditors, leading the annual audit and quarterly reviews with minimal disruption and clear accountability
• Provide the Audit Committee with transparent, timely insight into accounting matters, key judgments, and control status
• Lead the finance and accounting organization’s readiness for commercial launch, ensuring that people, processes, systems, and controls are in place ahead of first revenue
• Identify and implement scalable systems and process improvements that support long-term growth
• Build, develop, and retain a high-performing finance and accounting organization, with clear succession planning and a culture of accountability, collaboration, continuous improvement, and service to the business
• Act as a visible leader and business partner across Stoke, working cross-functionally with Commercial, Clinical, Supply Chain, Legal, and Corporate Development

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance required; CPA required; MBA or advanced degree preferred
• Experience at a Big 4 Accounting firm preferred
• 15+ years of progressive finance and accounting experience, including significant leadership experience as a Corporate Controller, Chief Accounting Officer, or equivalent at a public company
• Demonstrated expertise in SEC reporting, SOX 404 compliance, and US GAAP, with experience in life sciences or biotechnology strongly preferred
• Proven experience supporting a company through commercial launch, including revenue recognition (ASC 606), GTN accounting, and commercial inventory accounting
• Track record of building scalable teams, processes, and systems in a high-growth environment
• Experience presenting to Audit Committees and managing relationships with external auditors
• Exceptional judgment, executive presence, and communication skills, with the ability to influence and partner across all levels of the organization