Assistant Director, Finance - Global Product Strategy & Operations (GPSO)
About The Position
Ionis is seeking an Assistant Director, Finance, to serve as the primary finance business partner to the Medical Affairs, Insights & Analytics (I&A), and New Product Planning functions within the Global Product Strategy & Operations (GPSO) organization. The role leads financial planning, forecasting, accounting close support, management reporting, and business partnering activities. It provides financial insights to support resource allocation, identify risks and opportunities, and promote financial accountability. The Assistant Director partners with business leaders to inform decisions through analysis, proactive partnership, and clear communication of financial performance and business drivers. The position requires strong financial planning and analytical capabilities, attention to detail, and effective stakeholder management. The role also develops executive-ready presentations and communicates financial information and recommendations to senior leadership. GPSO supports the success of Ionis’s marketed products and future pipeline assets. This role offers exposure to product strategy, market insights, lifecycle management, medical affairs operations, and commercialization planning across multiple therapeutic areas. The work location is onsite/hybrid in Carlsbad, California.
Requirements
- Bachelor of Science degree in Finance, Accounting, Business, Economics, or a related discipline and at least 8 years of related experience, or an MBA and at least 6 years of related experience.
- At least 5 years of progressive experience in Finance, FP&A, Accounting, or Finance Business Partner roles, with increasing responsibility and business partnership experience.
- Demonstrated success partnering with senior business leaders and influencing decisions through financial insights and data-driven recommendations.
- Strong experience supporting annual budgeting, forecasting, long-range planning, and management reporting.
- Ability to develop executive-level presentations and communicate complex financial information to senior leadership audiences.
- Experience identifying business risks and opportunities and translating financial analyses into actionable recommendations.
- Ability to influence cross-functional stakeholders and drive alignment in a matrixed organization.
- Experience supporting month-end and quarter-end close processes in partnership with Accounting.
- Strong financial modeling, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
- Advanced Excel and PowerPoint skills.
- Working knowledge of GAAP and financial accounting principles.
- Ability to work independently and effectively in a fast-paced environment with competing priorities.
Nice To Haves
- SAP and OneStream experience strongly preferred.
- Life sciences, biotechnology, or pharmaceutical industry experience preferred.
Responsibilities
- Serve as the lead finance business partner for Medical Affairs, Insights & Analytics, and New Product Planning, providing financial guidance, business insights, and decision support to functional leadership.
- Build trusted relationships with business leaders and advise on investment decisions, resource allocation, and operational initiatives.
- Lead annual budgeting, quarterly forecasting, long-range planning, and monthly financial review processes for supported organizations.
- Develop and communicate financial performance updates, business drivers, risks, opportunities, and recommendations to functional and senior leadership.
- Prepare and deliver executive-ready analyses, presentations, and recommendations to support decision-making.
- Evaluate spending trends, investment opportunities, and resource requirements with business leaders, ensuring alignment with organizational priorities.
- Identify financial risks and opportunities and provide actionable recommendations to support business objectives.
- Develop, maintain, and enhance financial models, forecasting tools, and management reporting.
- Improve financial planning, forecasting, and reporting processes to enhance efficiency, accuracy, and scalability.
- Partner with Accounting on monthly and quarterly close activities, including accrual preparation, variance analysis, financial reporting, and compliance with company policies.
- Support special projects, ad hoc analyses, and evolving business needs.
Benefits
- Ionis offers an excellent benefits package; details are available through the Ionis Benefits link.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Manager
