Director, Project Finance

Position Overview

The Director, Project Finance is responsible for overseeing the financial management and performance of clinical trial projects at Everest. This role partners closely with Project Management, Clinical Operations, Corporate Finance and Business Development to ensure accurate budgeting, forecasting, strong financial discipline, and attainment of project and portfolio profitability targets.

Job Accountabilities

• Project Financial Oversight

• Oversee Project Finance team inclusive of portfolio assignments, line management, and supporting new hire process as required by the position.
• Oversee financial performance of a portfolio of clinical trial projects, including revenue, costs, margins, and cash flow.
• Ensure accurate revenue recognition in compliance with general accounting and company policies.
• Monitor project budgets, identify variances, and partner with project teams to implement corrective actions.
• Drive consistency in financial management practices across projects and clients.

• Forecasting & Financial Planning

• Lead monthly project forecasting processes, including revenue, backlog, and margin projections.
• Improve forecast accuracy through robust analytics and collaboration with project managers.
• Support long-range planning for the project portfolio.
• Analyze trends and provide actionable insights to improve predictability and performance.
• Maintain project costs analysis and forecasts, establish escalation processes for financial issues impacting project or portfolio performance.

• Business Partnering

• Act as a strategic finance partner to Project Management and Clinical Operations leadership.
• Provide guidance on financial implications of project decisions, including resourcing, timelines, and scope changes, scope creep, underperformance, and billing delays.
• Support Business Development during proposal development with budget reviews and financial input.
• Participate in key governance meetings and portfolio reviews.

• Pricing & Contract Support

• Review project budgets and ensure alignment with contractual terms and operational assumptions.
• Partner with commercial teams to support pricing strategies while maintaining margin integrity.
• Identify financial risks in contracts and assist in mitigation planning.
• Oversee Commercial Contracts associates.

• Performance Reporting & Analytics

• Develop and deliver regular reporting on project financial performance, KPIs, and risk indicators.
• Analyze variance analyses and present findings to senior leadership.
• Identify opportunities to enhance profitability, efficiency, and cost control.

• Team Leadership

• Directly manage and develop a team of 5 Project Finance and Commercial Contracts professionals based in North America and Europe.
• Set clear objectives, provide coaching, and support career development.
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Drive standardization and best practices within the project finance function.

Requirements

• Education

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration/management, finance, accounting, or related field (Master’s preferred).

• Experience

• 15+ years of experience in business management, with a strong focus on project finance, or operational finance.
• Experience in CRO, pharmaceutical, biotech, or healthcare services is required.
• Demonstrated experience partnering with project management or delivery organizations.
• Prior experience managing direct reports and developing teams.

• Technical Skills

• Strong knowledge of project-based revenue recognition and forecasting.
• Experience with cost-to-cost project accounting is a plus.
• Advanced Excel and project budgeting skills.
• Experience with project financial management systems is a plus.
• Experience in building new systems/platform related to project financial management is a plus.

• Core Competencies

• Strong business and financial acumen.
• Effective stakeholder engagement and superior written communication skills.
• Leadership and team development.
• Analytical thinking and problem-solving.
• Ability to operate in a fast-paced, matrixed environment.
• Detail-oriented with a focus on accuracy and accountability.

Reporting Structure

Reports to: VP, Project Finance.

Direct Reports: 4-5 Project Finance Managers/Analysts and Commercial Contracts Specialists.

Key Interfaces: Project Management, Clinical Operations, Business Development, Contracts, Senior Leadership.

Work Environment

Hybrid or remote work environment. Collaboration across global teams and time zones is a must. Able to travel for extended periods (1-2 weeks) to Europe and/or APAC as needed (2-3 per year).

Benefits & Compensation

• We offer a robust benefits package to support your health, well-being, and growth, including medical, dental, and vision coverage, life & AD&D insurance, short- and long-term disability, tuition reimbursement, fitness reimbursement, employee assistance program (EAP), a 401(k) retirement / pension plan, generous paid time off and sick leave, and the opportunity to earn a performance based bonus.

Estimated Salary Range

$180,000 - $200,000.