Who We Are: MapLight Therapeutics is a clinical stage biotech company that focuses on drug discovery for central nervous system disorders. We combine cutting-edge technologies including optogenetics, in vivo physiology, and spatial transcriptomics to identify novel drug targets and develop effective therapies to address psychiatric symptoms.

What You’ll Do: The Director, SEC Reporting & Internal Controls will lead all aspects of external financial reporting and the company’s internal control environment. Reporting to the Chief Administrative and Accounting Officer, this role will be responsible for ensuring timely and accurate SEC filings, maintaining compliance with SOX requirements, and implementing scalable processes to support a rapidly growing biotechnology company. The ideal candidate will be a hands-on leader who thrives in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and has a deep understanding of U.S. GAAP, SEC regulations, and internal controls.

Responsibilities:

• Oversee preparation and filing of all SEC reports (10-Q, 10-K, 8-K, Proxy, etc.) in compliance with U.S. GAAP and SEC requirements.
• Manage XBRL tagging and ensure accuracy, completeness, and quality of disclosures.
• Partner with Legal, Investor Relations, and Executive Leadership to ensure consistency of financial messaging across filings, press releases, and presentations.
• Monitor, interpret, and implement new accounting and SEC reporting standards, and advise leadership on impacts.
• Lead the company’s SOX compliance program, including scoping, risk assessment, control design, testing, remediation, and ongoing monitoring.
• Establish and maintain documentation of accounting policies, procedures, and internal controls in collaboration with the Corporate Controller.
• Collaborate with Finance, IT, HR, and other business functions to strengthen processes and ensure compliance and audit readiness.
• Act as primary liaison with external auditors on SEC filings and SOX testing.
• Support the CAO and senior leadership on special projects, including technical accounting, financing transactions, M&A, and other corporate development activities.
• Build and mentor a small, high-performing team to scale reporting and controls functions as the company grows.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field; CPA required.
• 10+ years of progressive accounting and reporting experience, with at least 3 years in SEC reporting and SOX/internal controls leadership.
• Public accounting foundation strongly preferred; biotech or life sciences industry experience a plus.
• Strong technical knowledge of U.S. GAAP, SEC rules, and SOX compliance.
• Demonstrated success managing complex reporting processes in a public company environment.
• Excellent project management, communication, and leadership skills.
• Proven ability to work cross-functionally and in a fast-paced, high-growth environment.
• Detail-oriented with strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

Location: This is a hybrid position with three days per week onsite at our office in Burlington, MA.

EEOC Statement: MapLight Therapeutics is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.