Support business functions by providing financial guidance and ensure that all stakeholders within the business area receive the financial information they require to drive the business performance. This may involve various financial analysis, eg: sales, pricing, investment allocation, costing & market data, and project work as well as support to the annual business update cycle and monthly reporting. 

As a Senior Business Analyst, you will play an essential role in supporting the Finance Lead in the delivery of the team objectives.  This includes supporting the team, building knowledge and driving the culture.  You will be the subject matter expert and Trusted referent on technical issues. You may be required to use your expertise to lead or contribute to special projects.

Typical Accountabilities

The  Senior Business Analyst will be viewed by finance and business customers as a financial modelling and analysis expert. 

Potentially, as SBA you`ll be responsible for managing and motivating a team of 2 direct reports, ensuring that the team delivers to the highest standard of customer service whilst adhering to global reporting processes and controls.

The role broadly includes the following key components :

• To provide support to key business & investment decisions, co-ordinating data collection from a variety of sources and formats, providing analysis in support of options and enabling appropriate decision making by the business and finance partners

• Support the preparation of financial planning, presentations and complex financial analysis used for Senior Leadership reviews

• Perform month-end close activities; analyse, interpret and communicate financial results in a timely manner

• Support the preparation of financial planning, presentations and complex financial analysis used for Senior Leadership reviews

• Working closely with business stakeholders providing analytical and strategic support while providing more in-depth insights to ensure these are based on sound planning assumptions & resource decisions are prioritized & optimized across the business area

• Perform detailed reviews of sales and/ or SG&A costs, headcount and staff related costs while advising on resource optimization

• Provide insight of financial performance through accurate, timely and relevant reporting

• Build and maintain a strong relationship with our stakeholders and Business Partners.

• Share your expertise to lead or contribute to special projects across team

Other role requirements

• Support continuous improvement in Finance processes and capabilities and ensure compliance with financial governance standards taking accountability for control frameworks as appropriate.

• Drive simplification of finance processes across markets and team and foster a culture of best practice sharing

• Assist in better business decisions by provision of financial expertise and insightful analysis to all ad hoc reporting queries in line with agreed scope of responsibilities, and provide support to on-going projects

• As required coordinate work and provide on-the-job  SME coaching to less experienced analysts.

Education, Qualifications, Skills and Experience

Essential

• Qualified finance professional or equivalent, with 5+ years of experience in FP&A

• English Language proficiency, both verbal and written, with the confidence to express clear opinions and ability to explain financial issues to non-financial management

• Excellent PC skills, MS Office and SAP proficiency

• Demonstrated ability to perform in an environment that emphasizes teamwork

• Demonstrated ability to lead a process with minimal or no supervision

• Experience of change management and building engagement

• Ability to work well in and across diverse global teams

• Capacity to solve problems, identify options and propose a reasoned solution

Desirable

• Experience of working in a global organisation, preferably within the pharmaceuticals industry

• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, including oral & written

• Experience of working in a customer orientated organisation

• Experience of working in a matrix organisation

Key Relationships to reach solutions

Internal (to AZ or team)GFS Commercial FP&A teams

• Embedded Finance

• GFS Commercial Controlling teams

• Other AZ Finance functions and stakeholders

External (to AZ)

• External Auditors, External Suppliers

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.