Finance Director, Oncology SMM

The main purpose of this role is to support the delivery of the Global Clinical R&D portfolio and clinical projects. The delivery of clinical projects should be to agreed productivity, within agreed budget and to inspection-ready quality standards. The Finance Director will lead business and process improvement projects to drive better business outcomes and implement agreed improvements across a region. Additionally, the Finance Director will support ONC SMM Americas (USA, Brazil, Canada) with systems and finance support to meet monthly reporting timelines and to plan, control, and follow-up on business information (e.g., CTMS, ACCORD) in compliance with AZ Procedural Documents, international guidelines such as ICH-GCP, and relevant local regulations. The Finance Director will support all clinical projects in ONC SMM Americas (USA, Brazil, Canada) by providing access to business & finance information and liaising with the LDO Finance Director and local/regional Finance Department as well as gathering and interpreting insight on the Americas SM&M organization.

Accountabilities

• Provide Oncology SMM Americas with support of financial forecasts and other resource-related processes in line with the requirement of Finance Director.
• Ensure accuracy of all financial reporting both internal and external costs.
• Provide a high level of application and information system expertise to the business to maximize reliability, productivity, speed, quality, and cost containment.
• Assist in the continuous improvement of Oncology SMM Americas in terms of compliance and key performance indicators. This includes reviewing performance and resource data to deliver status reports.
• Support and implement strategy for efficient and effective use of all clinical systems (CTMS, Rave, Accord) in Americas including access management, end-user support, compliance reporting, conduct training, and testing as needed.
• Ensure financial processes and practices are understood and adhered to within the department.
• Fulfil accountabilities of SOX as needed.
• Ensure that all users understand how ACCORD/ABACUS operates. Provide ACCORD/ABACUS training and give appropriate first-line support to local users.
• Participate actively in the ACCORD/ABACUS user forums with suggestions and feedback on ACCORD/ABACUS/process-related questions.
• Ensure correct and up-to-date LSADs input into key systems (ACCORD/ABACUS) especially subject fees.
• Manage and maintain monthly ACCORD/ABACUS, SAP, and Finance Month End processes.
• Ensure global and local financial systems are utilized correctly through training of users and review of processes and data.
• Partner with the local finance department and tax group as necessary to ensure effective SR&ED submissions and audits.
• Provide support to the negotiation and finalization of contracts and purchase orders as needed.
• Implement and analyze quality metrics in relation to study process objectives with a specific focus on analysis of financial data and resource usage and management.
• Management and analysis of monthly ACCORD submissions.
• Analysis of clinical trial spend and reporting.
• Data collection and preparation for local information requests (studies, investments by phase, by TA, etc.).
• Global representation/participation and local representation/participation on systems and financial projects.
• Conduct activities and interactions consistent with Company values and in compliance with the Code of Conduct and supporting Policies relevant to the role. Complete all required training on the AZ Code of Conduct and supporting Policies on time. Report potential issues of non-compliance.
• Implement proper controls performed by LSADs and Country Heads, including attestation control and balance sheet review control.
• Ensuring readiness for the rollout of new ABACUS system.
• Actively look for best practices in countries that could be shared and developed with others.
• Develop budgets, budget reporting, other financial reports, and analysis.
• Follow quality issue processes by escalating systematic or serious quality issues, data privacy breaches, CSP or ICH-GCP compliance issues to Local Management and/or CQM as required.
• Prepare for and collaborate with the activities associated with audits and regulatory inspections in liaison with LSAD and CQM.
• Ensure compliance with AstraZeneca’s Code of Ethics, company policies, and procedures relating to people, finance, technology, security, and SHE (Safety, Health, and Environment).
• Ensure compliance with local, national, and regional legislation, as applicable.
• Responsible for coordination of business financial planning for clinical activities and analyze, follow-up & report financial results of MC interventional study activities.
  

Essential Skills/Experience

• Bachelor's degree in computer science or business-related discipline
• 5+ years of experience in a clinical trial environment
• Good understanding of Finance control in the business setting and knowledge of financial reporting
• Good understanding and keen interest in IT and data capture systems
• Strong strategic and analytical thinking
• Good cultural awareness
• Ability to develop advanced computer skills to increase efficiency in day-to-day tasks
• Ability to train others on systems processes
• Display excellent organization and time management skills, excellent attention to detail, and ability to multi-task in a high-volume environment with shifting priorities
• Sound knowledge or clinical process and good clinical practice
• Excellent communication, analytical, and problem-solving skills
• Team-oriented and flexible; ability to respond quickly to shifting demands and opportunities
  

Desirable Skills/Experience

• Ability to work in an environment of remote collaborators
• Manages change with a positive approach for self, team, and the business. Sees change as an opportunity to improve performance and add value to the business
• Ability to look for and champion more efficient and effective methods/processes of delivering quality clinical trials with reduced budget and in less time
• Good analytical and problem-solving skills
• Demonstrates ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks with conflicting deadlines
• Ability to understand the impact of technology on projects and to use and develop computer skills while making appropriate use of systems/software in an e-enabled environment
  

When we put unexpected teams in the same room, we unleash bold thinking with the power to inspire life-changing medicines. In-person working gives us the platform we need to connect, work at pace, and challenge perceptions. That's why we work, on average, a minimum of three days per week from the office. But that doesn't mean we're not flexible. We balance the expectation of being in the office while respecting individual flexibility. Join us in our unique and ambitious world.

Join a dedicated Oncology team that's growing fast with a strong track record of success. Our pioneering approach is identifying and treating patients earlier, focusing on early-stage cancer trials while evolving based on their needs. As a team deeply committed to transforming lives of patients living with cancer, we aim to eliminate cancer as a cause of death. Here we are uniquely placed with the funding, ambition, and bravery to make it happen.

Ready to make an impact? Apply now!

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 authorisation and employment eligibility verification requirements.