Associate Director, Clinical Financial Planning and Analysis

Disc Medicine is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company committed to discovering, developing, and commercializing novel treatments for patients who suffer from serious hematologic diseases. We are building a portfolio of innovative, first-in-class therapeutic candidates that aim to address a wide spectrum of hematologic diseases by targeting fundamental biological pathways of red blood cell biology, specifically heme biosynthesis and iron homeostasis. Our inclusive company culture values collaboration, professional development, and scientific integrity.

About the role

This hybrid role, based in Watertown, MA, focuses on leading the Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A) support for the R&D Clinical organization and its associated functions, including Medical Affairs. Reporting to the VP of FP&A, you will create financial plans, provide transparent actual operating expense reports and forecasts, and serve as the finance business partner to the Clinical R&D organization led by the Chief Medical Officer. The role requires frequent interaction with the Accounting team and recommends monthly and quarterly accruals for all Clinical functions.

Responsibilities

• Become a trusted business partner for the Clinical R&D organization, understanding key drivers of business performance and their financial implications on clinical trials.
• Develop business insights and produce KPIs for each clinical trial.
• Recommend monthly and quarterly accruals to the Accounting team in partnership with the clinical organization.
• Work closely with the Accounting team to ensure accurate and timely monthly and quarterly financial results, engaging with internal stakeholders and external vendors.
• Lead the monthly financial analysis for the Clinical R&D organization as a key contributor to the financial close.
• Lead the annual budgeting, quarterly reforecasts, and long-range plan processes for Clinical R&D functions and Program leads, partnering with business stakeholders and the VP of FP&A.
• Create robust functional financial plans, ensuring appropriate planning and accounting for expenses.
• Provide relevant information and insights to support informed decision-making.
• Gain awareness into key cost drivers by working closely with Program and functional leads.
• Conduct monthly and quarterly variance analysis for actual and forecasted results for the Clinical organization.
• Develop and maintain quarterly function and program management reporting, analytical reviews, trend analysis, and dashboards for the Executive Team and Board of Directors.
• Improve the planning system and associated processes in collaboration with the VP of FP&A and other team members.
• Develop and deliver monthly financial reporting packages that provide actionable insights to R&D Clinical and program leadership teams.
• Build and maintain robust financial tracking to empower budget owners to actively manage their functional spend.
• Review material business terms and conditions on Clinical studies, including vendor agreements, contracts, and purchase requisitions.
• Partner with Accounting on recognition of functional expenses in accordance with US GAAP and company policy.
• Ensure associated financial risks and opportunities, both near and longer-term, are identified and periodically reviewed.
• Act as a strategic, insightful business partner to Clinical R&D functions and proactively develop and maintain effective relationships.
• Assist with monthly and quarter-end close processes for expenses and accruals, budget vs. actual analysis, and compliance with internal controls.
• Partner with Program Management to ensure key activities and drivers are aligned, within scope, and appropriately timed.
• Promote visibility and understanding of financial topics across the organization.
• Support ad hoc projects related to strategic priorities, new indication planning, and more.
• Drive continuous improvement within the Finance organization to streamline processes, improve communication, and enhance information flow.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Economics, Finance, Accounting, Business, or a related field.
• MBA, CPA certification, and/or consulting experience highly preferred.
• 8+ years of relevant work and FP&A experience in the biotech/life sciences sector, particularly with public companies.
• Track record of success in small to mid-size biotech culture.
• Proven expertise in developing comprehensive clinical trial financial models, with a strong track record of applying industry best practices to optimize budgeting, forecasting, and resource allocation.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint skills; expertise with financial planning software (Planful/Adaptive) and ERP software (NetSuite).
• Financial statement knowledge and understanding of US GAAP.
• Excellent communication and strong interpersonal skills.
• Excellent project management skills and the ability to collaborate cross-functionally.

Pay

Annual base salary range: $175,000—$215,000 USD.