Finance Director - Group Inventory Accounting

Job Title: Finance Director - Group Inventory & Supply Chain Accounting

Location: Central Cambridge, UK

At AstraZeneca, we work together across global boundaries to make an impact and find answers to challenges. We do this with the highest integrity even in the most difficult situations because we are committed to doing the right thing.

We have an excellent opportunity for an experienced Finance Director & Global Process Owner to lead the Group Inventory and Supply Chain Accounting process. This role is responsible for the accurate accounting for Group Inventory, Provision for Unrealised Profit in Stock (PURP) and review of supply chains worldwide to ensure appropriate inventory adjustments and elimination of intercompany profit are carried out. The role is also critical for reviewing management and statutory inventory valuation and supply chains to ensure alignment and reconciliation of inventory processes.

The role sits within the Group Financial Reporting (GFR) team and reports directly to the VP Finance GFR. The role manages an in-house specialist team of 4 direct reports covering both accounting and functional systems expertise, as well as managing an outsourced technology service provider who provides a specialist supply chain mapping tool, Global Value Chain (GVC), which is used in the calculation of unrealised profit in inventory.

The role works closely with senior stakeholders across the AZ Finance organisation, including Group reporting and consolidation, management reporting, Operational finance and business unit controllers.

The work is varied, the environment dynamic and unpredictable, the opportunities for personal development are exceptional. You will work in our office in central Cambridge UK, our global headquarters.

Key Responsibilities & Accountabilities

• Global process owner for Group Inventory and Supply Chain accounting, ensuring accurate mapping of the Group’s inventory supply chains and transfer pricing.
• Manage the calculation and elimination of unrealised profit in inventory each month end, working closely with the relevant teams within operations finance, record to report and global financial services.
• Influence and work effectively with finance and operational teams to improve process mappings, master data maintenance and other activities key in ensuring accurate Group inventory valuation, including maintaining the end-to-end process in SAP for calculation of unrealised profit in inventory.
• Support the Group Consolidation team in the month-end close process – this may include ad-hoc review/analysis and/or BAU activities.
• Designing/maintaining the SOX control framework for Group inventory valuation, and working with the Performance Management team in the reconciliation of statutory to management results for both inventory and cost of goods sold
• Own the Global Value Chain (GVC) system, manage the relationship with the outsource service provider for GVC, and work together to enhance and develop the system further.
• Lead role in managing inventory valuation topics with the external auditor on both controls and substantive testing throughout the year to ensure a successful year-end audit.

Education, Qualifications, Skills and Experience

Essential:

• Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA) with strong IFRS knowledge
• Significant experience in inventory and supply chain accounting at Group level for a complex multinational manufacturing group
• Strong understanding of Group consolidation mechanics, especially regarding local and Group inventory valuation and elimination of unrealised profit in inventory.
• Strong SAP system knowledge in Materials Management / Logistics and Financial Accounting
• Experience of reporting under IFRS
• Proven leadership and coaching skills
• Experience of financial control and SOx frameworks
• Focuses On Delivery – applies experience and expertise to ensure objectives are met even when under pressure.
• Problem Solving & Decision Making – able to identify, analyse and offer other solutions to complex problems.
• Leadership & Development –Motivates, inspires and acts as a leader amongst your team, process stream and your peers.
• Influence- Ability to influence, negotiate, and gain buy-in with key stakeholders

Desirable:

• Experience/understanding of the pharmaceutical industry

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 talented global team that's powering AstraZeneca to better serve patients every day. Integrated and closely aligned with the whole enterprise, we leverage exciting new technology and digital innovations to accelerate AstraZeneca's evolution. Our entrepreneurial spirit keeps us ahead of the rest as we apply creativity to every task, taking smart risks to turn ideas into reality. With countless opportunities available, this is the place to build an unrivalled reputation while being rewarded for your successes.

Ready to make a difference? 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 authorization and employment eligibility verification requirements.