Associate Director, R&D Project Finance
Brief Description
The Associate Director, R&D Project Finance is accountable for the integrated financial management of the R&D project portfolio, providing a single, coherent financial view across the full project lifecycle, including early development, clinical trials, CMC, and enabling activities.
Essential Functions/Responsibilities
Integrated Project Financial Management
Drive alignment and integration of financial planning and reporting across R&D projects into a single, coherent project and portfolio-level financial view
Financial Control, Governance & Integrity
Provide portfolio-level oversight of financial control across R&D projects, ensuring alignment of spend with contracts, policies, and accounting standards
Maintain a robust control environment, ensuring consistency, compliance, and audit readiness across R&D Project Finance
Performance Insight & Scenario Analysis
Deliver clear, decision-ready financial insights across R&D projects, including forecasts and full lifecycle cost views, key cost drivers and trends, and risks and opportunities
Support scenario modelling and financial analysis by providing accurate, integrated project-level financial data and assumptions
Ensure modelling inputs are robust, consistent, and aligned to underlying financial drivers, enabling effective portfolio-level decision-making by R&I and Finance Business Partnering teams
Portfolio & Lifecycle Integration
Ensure financial alignment across the full R&D lifecycle, connecting early development, clinical trials, CMC, and enabling activities
Process Standardisation & Continuous Improvement
Drive standardisation and continuous improvement of project finance processes across the R&D organisation
Technology, Analytics & AI-Enabled Insight
Support the evolution of R&D project finance through improved use of financial systems, automation, advanced analytics and emerging AI capabilities
R&D Project Governance & Leadership
Act as senior Finance lead across R&D project governance forums, ensuring financial alignment to portfolio decisions and priorities
Team Leadership & Capability Development
Lead and develop the R&D Project Finance team, ensuring high-quality, consistent, and structured outputs
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Substantial experience in accounting and/or finance related positions
Experience in pharmaceutical or biotech is essential
Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, or a related field
MBA or advanced degree is a plus
Advanced financial modeling and analytical skills
Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and applicable financial systems and software applications
Knowledge of Oracle is a plus
In-depth knowledge of accounting principles, financial statement analysis, and management reporting
Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills
Strong stakeholder relationship management skills
Strong attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and a results-driven mindset