At AstraZeneca we work together across global boundaries to make an impact and find answers to challenges. We do this with the upmost integrity even in the most difficult situations because we are committed to doing the right thing.

Summary

• Support the delivery (and maximisation) of the marketing Company scorecard objectives.
• Leading business plan/forecasting cycles and reviews.  Support the delivery of high quality brand forecasts, marketing company plans and budget.
• Provide clarity and explanations on market commercial performance.
• Provide high quality financial and commercial input / insight into investment decisions, challenge key forecasting assumptions, identify risks & opportunities and deliver expert business partnering with quality financial analysis & creative ideas.

Act as a leader and partner, deliver value by engaging effectively with the Market Commercial team & extended Finance teams (Region / IFS) to ensure quality business partnering and being a catalyst for change in driving commercial performance.

Job Responsibilities:

Support the delivery of our Scorecard Objectives and long term business strategy

• Leading business plan/forecasting cycles and reviews. 
• Having joint accountability with the business for the accuracy of forecasts, with an excellent understanding of the business model and financial drivers, to deliver accurate sales / brand forecast and ensure the appropriate investment / resourcing.
• Develop and Challenge key forecasting assumptions, bringing business knowledge and compelling scenario modelling to support strategic decisions.
• Setting stretching but attainable performance targets and incentives, aligned to strategy and operational plans.

Performance

• Deliver expert financial analysis of performance, forecasts, key risks and opportunities based on in-market data/insight/trends to understand and explain root causes.
• Provide quality input, creative approaches, influence & recommendation for investment decisions.
• Exploring needs with internal customers and utilising this information to improve business results showing significant commercial and business acumen -  delivering in cross-functional teams on:

  Brand P&L coverage: Sales, investment, FTE’s.

  Actual Reporting Analysis & explanation.

  Budgeting & Planning.

  Market Access modelling, business cases & Pricing.

  Other dedicated BU or cross –functional Team Finance/Business processes.

• Create Partnerships and collaborate with the extended Finance teams (IFS) to prepare and deliver expected reporting and planning on a timely and accurate basis.
• Post deal management on agreements, able to analyse and interpret financial statements, understand complex company valuations and contribute to deal-related commercial analysis.

Ensure accuracy and compliance to policies & procedures as business support, Continuous Improvement, Governance and Coaching

• Understand and communicate governance and compliance standards to ensure they are incorporated into Commercial decision making. Highlight areas of concerns.
• Developing the professional capability of the Finance team and the financial understanding of non-finance managers.
• Initiating changes to improve working practices and processes in Finance and communicating these amongst the Finance Business Partnering network.

Leadership

The following summarizes the capabilities (skills, knowledge, attitude) and competencies needed to be able to accomplish all job responsibilities for this specific job function:

• Exemplify the AstraZeneca Values and behaviours (see annexe).
• Finance & Business Acumen.
• Problem solving.
• Ability to build networks and work effectively in matrix organisation.
• Thinks Strategically/Enterprise-minded.
• Decision making support.
• Questioning & Challenging.
• Influences to drive value.
• Effective Communication & presentation skills.
• Change agent.

Typical Accountabilities (per AZ framework and regulatory expectations):

• Conduct activities and interactions consistent with Company values and in compliance with the Code of Conduct and supporting Policies and Standards relevant to your role.  Complete all required training on the AZ Code of Conduct and supporting Policies and Standards on time.  Report potential issues of non-compliance.

In addition, for Managers and Project Team Leaders:

• Ensure and monitor compliance by team members and third parties by (a) positively reinforcing the Code of Conduct and all relevant AstraZeneca Policies and Standards, (b) ensuring completion of all required training, (c) fostering a culture of openness in which employees are comfortable raising questions or concerns, and (d) immediately addressing and reporting, as appropriate, instances of non-compliance.

• Manager Accountabilities at AstraZeneca include Ethical Conduct and Compliance, Team Management, Performance Management, Individual Development Planning, Talent Management, Recruitment, People information, SHE accountabilities, and Fiscal and Financial awareness. 

• Leaders with accountability for GXP areas are expected to understand the legal and regulatory requirements of their roles in providing appropriate resources (which could be human, financial, material, facilities, and equipment) to maintain the Quality system and continually improve its effectiveness.

Education, Qualifications and Experience

Essential

• Master’s degree in finance or business administration (or equivalent).
• Experience of Finance Business Partnering in international company.
• Experience of using financial systems to support business decision making (budgeting, forecasting & modelling).
• Fluency in English.

Desirable

• Experience of working in a global pharmaceutical organisation/ understanding of the drug development life cycle and/or commercial aspects.

• Experience in auditing positions in an audit or finance consultancy company.
• Project management experience.

Key Relationships to reach solutions

Internal (to AZ or team)

• Local: SMT; Business Unit Directors and Brand teams; All departments heads.
• Integrated Finance Services (IFS).

External (to AZ)

• Selected external providers.

AstraZeneca is an equal opportunity employer. AstraZeneca will consider all qualified applicants for employment without discrimination on grounds of disability, sex or sexual orientation, pregnancy or maternity leave status, race or national or ethnic origin, age, religion or belief, gender identity or re-assignment, marital or civil partnership status, protected veteran status (if applicable) or any other characteristic protected by law. AstraZeneca only employs individuals with the right to work in the country/ies where the role is advertised.

Date Posted

Closing Date

AstraZeneca embraces diversity and equality of opportunity.  We are committed to building an inclusive and diverse team representing all backgrounds, with as wide a range of perspectives as possible, and harnessing industry-leading skills.  We believe that the more inclusive we are, the better our work will be.  We welcome and consider applications to join our team from all qualified candidates, regardless of their characteristics.  We comply with all applicable laws and regulations on non-discrimination in employment (and recruitment), as well as work authorization and employment eligibility verification requirements.