Financial Controller for IT & Enabling Functions will provide quality financial and commercial input to individual investment decisions, challenge key forecasting assumptions and deliver expert financial analysis of performance, forecasts, key risks and sensitivities on critical manufacturing sites and functions. The function will be viewed by customers (mainly Head of Finance IT & EF) as main point of contact and most reliable link of newly created AZ operating model and the Embedded Finance. Finance Controller will be member of a global network of CFOs, Finance Business Partners, Finance Business Managers and Business Analysts, sharing best practice and delivering valued support to the Business with global consistency and efficiency.

Role purpose

A new operating model was recently established for Astra Zeneca Finance, which includes the establishment of a new organization, Global Finance Solutions (GFS). GFS provides services for FP&A, controlling, Record to Report to customers in Commercial (International and Europe), Science, Manufacturing & Enabling Functions and Group Finance.

GFS services are delivered from 3 regional service centers in EMEA, Asia Pacific and the Americas, with a small central management team in the UK. Altogether, GFS Service aims at counting a combined team of approx. 300 roles.

The Financial Controller is responsible for building, maintaining and developing robust relationships with the senior stakeholders (site and regional CFOs) delivering & owning end to end P&L visibility during regular closes as well as on forecasting cycles.

You will co-ordinate, consolidate and deliver monthly Management Information Packs and Planning & Forecasting packs for the functional Leadership Teams, working with relevant Business Analysts, Finance Business Partners and CFOs.

Key Responsibilities

Partnering Senior Stakeholders

• Build strong relationships with functional Leadership Teams, developing a deep understanding of the operating environment, future strategic direction and awareness of potential changes, using this acumen to feed into a quality Monthly Performance Pack. Success in the role will be dependent on maintaining excellent working relationships with the Senior Management Teams of the stakeholders.

Process Execution

• Act as primary point of contact and escalation for all service delivery or people performance issues. Manage issues by ensuring that correct resources are working on a timely resolution and that all stakeholders are informed of status and progress
• Co-ordination of Monthly Performance Reporting and standard core components of all Planning and Forecasting presentation packs for key customers. Matrix relationship across GFS teams to gain timely and accurate numbers with high level commentary.
• Support the standardization of performance reporting process and outputs across all Manufacturing sites & Enabling Functions, bringing insight and sharing knowledge and best practice.
• Facilitate discussions between relevant Global Process Owners, Service Delivery Leads & customer to ensure that impact of proposed standardization and simplification changes are understood.
• Perform relevant financial controls (including but not limited to month end review, system sign off)

Essential criteria

• The role holder will be a qualified finance professional or equivalent with significant post qualification experience
• 5 years of relevant financial experience including Planning, Budgeting and Controlling
• Great analytical skills and ability to construct meaningful conclusions based on actual to budget variances
• Sound understanding of the finance processes in the scope of GFS Global Services
• Experience of working in a matrix organization with proven ability in driving accountability across multiple teams

Desirable criteria

• Experience of working in a customer orientated organization
• Knowledge of Pharma Industry

Internal and External Contacts/Customers

• Functional Heads (CFOs)
• Finance Business Partners
• Customer Director
• Finance Team Leads in GFS

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.