Posted in: Finance in London | Posted: |
Our client, based in West London, is looking for an experienced VP of Finance to join their team. Using your knowledge and experience you will provide financial leadership and strategic guidance, while establishing and building a future-proof, first-class finance function. All applicants for this exciting role will need to be a fully qualified accountant (with experience in a similar level role), used to working to tight deadlines in a fast-paced biotech/pharmaceutical industry.
As VP of Finance (reporting to the Chief Executive Officer) you will: take responsibility and ownership of the finance function of the Company, maintaining strong financial controls and compliance; Understand the business strategy and work closely with the senior management team to support the preparation of budgets and cash-flow forecasts.
Key responsibilities will include:
* Preparation of monthly management accounts and commentary on financial performance on a monthly basis
* Monthly, quarterly, and annual accounting close procedures and VAT returns
* Responsible for the accounting operations for the Company (and subsidiaries) including payroll, tax matters for employees (resident and non-UK resident), accounts payable, general ledger, financial reconciliations, banking, share option schemes, and cash management.
* With the R&D Management team: contribute to business planning, forecasting and budgeting processes based on anticipated R&D work, and prepare the budgets and cashflow forecasts
* Working with the CEO on strategic activities, including longer term forecasting and budgets, the commercial structure of the company (new subsidiaries etc)
* Manage the annual compensation reviews and benefits programmes
* Assist with the preparation of due diligence information
* Planning and management of the annual audit process
* Project accounting to support corporate relationships and R&D tax credit claims
* Overall responsibility for the HR function and other various business and administrative matters including IT, property, insurances, risk management and treasury management
* Review of all legal contracts, liaison with external lawyers on commercial matters
* Board interaction including preparation and presentation of materials for G&A
* Overall responsibility for procurement including credit checking and discount negotiations.
Candidates must have the following skills, education and experience:
* Qualified Accountant (CIMA/ACCA/ACA or equivalent) with knowledge and experience of IFRS
* Significant relevant finance and accounting experience including previous experience leading an accounting team
* Sound working knowledge of technical accounting, including prior experience of financial close activities
* Excellent interpersonal skills and professional skills
* Experience working in the biotech/pharmaceutical industry
* Knowledge and experience in handling financial systems
* Strong IT skills, particularly Excel
* Excellent written and oral communication skills
* High levels of ethics and integrity
* Proactive with recommending process & systems improvements
* High level of professionalism with internal and external stakeholders
* Experience of venture capital / private equity backed businesses would be an advantage.
The ideal candidate is a collaborative team player with excellent organizational skills, strong business acumen, and proven managerial skills. They will be detail-oriented, with both the ambition and willingness to roll up their sleeves and dive into the details
