Business Analyst - Controlling (GFS Americas)

Role Purpose

AstraZeneca is a global, innovation-driven biopharmaceutical business that focuses on the discovery, development and commercialization of prescription medicines for some of the world's most serious diseases. But we're more than one of the world's leading pharmaceutical companies. At AstraZeneca, we're proud to have a unique workplace culture that inspires innovation and collaboration. Here, employees are empowered to express diverse perspectives and are made to feel valued, energized and rewarded for their ideas and creativity. 

Global Financial Services (GFS) was formed in Q3 2018 through the merger of Global Finance Operations, Integrated Finance Solutions and Cash Generation.  GFS is at the heart of the Finance function - accountable to the AstraZeneca (AZ) Group for the design and delivery of high quality, simple to operate transactional finance processes that enable our customers to focus on AZ’s strategic priorities.   

The creation of the Global Financial Services (GFS) centers in Warsaw (Poland), Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia) and San José (Costa Rica) will transform the AZ Middle Office to a central function, supporting the business regions through simplification, standardization across the globe, and a structure that is scalable to support the bold ambition of becoming a $80bn company by 2030.  

We have exciting opportunities to join our GFS Center in San José, which will establish best practices and be responsible for providing support to embedded finance (CFOs and country business partners and or BPs in Manufacturing). 

Role Profile

As a Controlling Business Analyst, you will be part of a team of analysts providing support across the full spectrum of financial controlling activities. Your work spans month-end close management, balance sheet governance, SOX and financial control execution, external reporting to Tax and Statutory authorities, and support of Group Treasury processes. 

For commercial regions, you may also support the Country Controller and relevant stakeholders in ensuring statutory reports are submitted to authorities on time, collecting necessary data for external auditors, and preparing statistics and central bank reporting requirements. 

Key Responsibilities

Month-End Close & Financial Reporting

• Close month leadership: calendar management, key point of contact, manual voucher approvals 

• Income Statement analysis (preliminary and final figures) 

• Financial consolidation 

• Balance Sheet variance analysis 

Balance Sheet Governance

• Balance Sheet accounts reconciliation 

• Understanding and oversight of the company's balance sheet 

• Calendar setup and close cycle coordination 

Controls & Compliance

• Financial Control Framework / SOX — Control Owner responsibilities 

• Managing the accounting cycle in accordance with governance standards 

Business Support

• Support for external and internal audits 

• Ad hoc business support activities as required by the controlling function 

Essential Criteria

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's, Licentiate (Licenciatura), or Master's degree in finance or accounting. Degree level will be taken into consideration for the job offer proposal. 

• 4+ years of experience in accounting, controlling, or FP&A where applicable. 

Technical Skills

• SAP FIN — working proficiency required 

• Strong Excel and SAP BW skills 

• Executive reporting capability (PowerPoint presentations) 

Professional Competencies

• Solid understanding of accounting fundamentals (accruals, cost centres, budgeting, financial statements) 

• Cross-boundary experience including building relationships remotely and cross-culturally 

• Ability to work effectively in and across diverse global teams 

• English language proficiency (verbal and written) with confidence to express clear opinions and explain financial issues to non-financial stakeholders 

• Self-motivated, proactive, results-oriented, and able to work both independently and collaboratively 

• Portuguese (required for Brazil Analyst position only) 

Desirable Criteria

• Qualified finance professional or working toward a recognised financial qualification 

• Advanced proficiency in SAP 

• Experience working in Sales or Commercial industries (relevant for commercial unit positions) 

Other Role Requirements

• Schedule flexibility to work on holidays when necessary due to business needs 

• Flexibility to work on days off granted under the Wellness Policy (Política de Bienestar) when business-critical deadlines require it 

• Availability to travel and work at other AstraZeneca facilities outside the country when necessary 

Internal and External Contacts

This role interfaces with Back Office Shared Services, Business CFOs, Finance Business Partners, and third-party specialist functions across the GFS network. 

According to the company policies, the candidate must prove that there are no situations that generate a conflict of interest (COI) for the company. The non-existence of COI is considered as an objective requirement of the position. To know beforehand the weightings of COI contained in the policies of the company, consult the Human Resources Department.

AstraZeneca is an equal opportunity employer. AstraZeneca will consider all qualified applicants for employment without discrimination on grounds of disability, sex or sexual orientation, pregnancy or maternity leave status, race or national or ethnic origin, age, religion or belief, gender identity or re-assignment, marital or civil partnership status, protected veteran status (if applicable) or any other characteristic protected by law. AstraZeneca only employs individuals with the right to work in the country/ies where the role is advertised.

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.