Sr Director, Finance - FP & A

About us

Gilead Sciences, Inc. is a research-based biopharmaceutical company that discovers, develops and commercializes innovative medicines in areas of unmet medical need. With each new discovery and investigational drug candidate, we seek to improve the care of patients living with life-threatening diseases around the world. Gilead’s therapeutic areas of focus include HIV/AIDS, liver diseases, cancer and inflammation, and serious respiratory and cardiovascular conditions.

This is a site-based role at our global headquarters in Foster City, CA.

About the role

The Senior Director of Finance will lead a team of approximately nine professionals responsible for financial planning and analysis support for two key functions within the CFO organization: Global IT and Site Operations. This role serves as a trusted strategic partner to the IT Leadership Team, providing financial leadership and guidance on strategic, operational, and business decisions. Reporting to the Vice President, G&A and Corporate Finance, the Senior Director will be a key member of the Corp & GA Finance leadership team.

Success in this role requires the ability to build and maintain strong, collaborative partnerships across IT, Site Operations, and Finance while influencing decision-making at all levels of the organization. As the primary finance business partner, the Senior Director will provide strategic direction, deliver actionable insights, and serve as the trusted advisor for financial analysis, planning, and decision support.

Responsibilities

• Lead the three-year strategic planning, annual operating plan, and ongoing forecast processes for IT and Site Operations. Provide actionable, business-driven insights and scenario analyses to inform leadership decision-making.
• Partner with IT and Site Operations leadership to evaluate and support investment decisions requiring both Capital and OpEx funding, ensuring alignment with strategic priorities and financial objectives.
• Oversee the monthly and quarterly close processes, including expense accruals, management reporting, and budget-to-actual variance analysis. Communicate results and key drivers to IT and Site Operations leadership as well as senior Finance executives.
• Collaborate closely with Controllership to assess and align on accounting treatment for complex and strategic initiatives, including AI programs, new building investments, site closures, and other infrastructure-related projects.
• Proactively identify and implement process improvements to enhance the efficiency, accuracy, and effectiveness of financial reporting, forecasting, and analysis.
• Provide ad-hoc financial analyses and project support to executive leadership, supporting critical business decisions and strategic initiatives.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing finance team. Attract, retain, and develop top talent through effective coaching, performance management, and professional development to meet evolving business needs.

Requirements

• Minimum of 14+ years’ experience with a BA/BS, 12+ with an MBA, having held positions of increasing scope and responsibility, including at least 5-7 years’ experience as a senior finance leader and business partner.
• A minimum of 4-6 years of management experience is required, growing teams of a minimum of 6 people.
• BS or BA is required; an MBA or CPA is strongly preferred.
• Prior experience in biotech or pharma is strongly preferred.
• In-depth proficiency in aspects of accounting and finance and knowledge of US GAAP is required.
• In-depth knowledge of IT, Business Intelligence, Planning, and ERP systems is required with proficiency in Microsoft tools.
• Experience in high-growth, multinational organizations is a plus.

Skills

• Excellent interpersonal skills: an inquisitive mind, and the ability to work effectively with multiple functions are required.
• Ability to quickly establish credibility with diverse audiences and be perceived as a leader is required.
• Business Savvy and Financial Acumen: Technical knowledge of analytics, business foresight, and problem-solving skills.
• Results Orientation: Results-driven and thrives in a fast-paced, dynamic environment. Ability to deliver results and possess a strong drive to meet and exceed goals, with a willingness to take ownership of problems and make sound decisions.
• Team Leadership: Demonstrates ability to align and motivate a team to achieve objectives including financial results, timely and accurate reporting, transparency, and controls. Leads, attracts, trains, and develops a team of highly capable skilled finance professionals.
• Change Leadership: Independent self-starter and proactive leader with a drive to strive for continuous improvement and consistently challenge the status quo. Viewed by business partners and Finance colleagues as a thought leader with strong influencing capabilities, who maintains open and transparent communication channels.

Pay

The salary range for this position is $243,100.00 - $314,600.00. Gilead considers a variety of factors when determining base compensation, including experience, qualifications, and geographic location. These considerations mean actual compensation will vary. This position may also be eligible for a discretionary annual bonus, discretionary stock-based long-term incentives (eligibility may vary based on role), paid time off, and a benefits package.

Benefits

• Company-sponsored medical, dental, vision, and life insurance plans.

Eligible employees may participate in benefit plans, subject to the terms and conditions of the applicable plans. For additional benefits information, visit Gilead Benefits.