Associate Director, General Ledger Accounting - London, United Kingdom - Vertex

Description

Job Description

POSITION SUMMARY

Vertex Pharmaceuticals is looking for an Associate Director to oversee its international accounting operations within its International Financial Shared Service Centre ("IFSSC") based in London, United Kingdom.

The Associate Director will be responsible for leading the month end accounting process for Vertex's international operations and ensure accurate and timely financial reporting and compliance with generally accepted accounting principles and international financial reporting standards.

The role offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the success of Vertex's international operations by fostering collaboration and driving continuous improvement within the accounting function.

The successful candidate will lead a team of skilled professionals and work closely with cross-functional stakeholders to support business objectives, optimise processes, and deliver timely and accurate accounting information.

This role demands a strategic thinker with a strong background in accounting principles, leadership skills, and experience in managing complex financial processes.

The position is highly visible within the organisation and involves working with stakeholders across multiple teams, including, Tax, Accounts Payables, Revenue, Payroll and Finance.

This is a hybrid position which requires 3 days per week onsite presence

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead the month end accounting process ensuring completeness, timeliness, and accuracy of financial reporting.
• Review and analyse financial statement accounts, including monthly and quarterly balance sheet and Income statement fluctuations.
• Effectively communicate monthly financial information and key accounting issues to senior stakeholders.
• Ensure compliance with international accounting standards, regulatory requirements, and company policies.
• Assist with internal and external audit queries and coordinate SOX documentation and testing.
• Assist the technical accounting team to determine the correct accounting treatment for new transactions.
• Provide strategic direction and leadership in all aspects of accounting and financial reporting within Vertex's international operations.
• Ensure all processes are well documented and capture all requirements and assumptions.
• Identify opportunities for process optimisation and efficiency enhancements within the accounting to drive continuous improvement.
• Lead and develop a team of accounting professionals, fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and professional growth.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders, including finance, operations, and other departments, to support business objectives and initiatives.
• Lead or participate in the implementation of accounting systems or software upgrades to streamline processes and enhance reporting capabilities.

EDUCATION

• Qualified accountant (ACA/ACCA/CIMA preferred but other financial qualifications will also be considered)

SKILLS & EXPERIENCE

• Previous experience in an equivalent corporate accounting role managing the month / year end accounting process.
• Previous experience leading teams and the professional development of team members.
• Comprehensive knowledge of a range of accounting (US GAAP, IFRS) and finance processes in a complex international business
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to collaborate across all levels of the business.
• Proven communication, negotiation and influencing skills in working with multiple stakeholders across multiple departments.
• Excellent Microsoft Office skills including advanced Excel expertise.
• Oracle R12, OBIEE, HFM and SMART View (Essbase data sources) experience
• Experience working in an International Shared Service centre and within a SOX compliant environment
• Knowledge of the biotechnology or pharmaceutical industry