Assistant Director, Finance - Global Product Strategy & Operations (GPSO)

Ionis•Carlsbad, CA

5d•Hybrid

About The Position

Ionis is seeking an Assistant Director, Finance, to serve as the primary finance business partner to Medical Affairs, Insights & Analytics (I&A), and New Product Planning within the Global Product Strategy & Operations (GPSO) organization. The role leads financial planning, forecasting, accounting close support, management reporting, and business partnering. It provides financial insights to support resource allocation, identify risks and opportunities, and promote financial accountability, while helping business leaders make informed decisions through clear analysis and communication of performance and key business drivers. The position offers exposure to product strategy, market insights, lifecycle management, medical affairs operations, and commercialization planning across multiple therapeutic areas. The successful candidate will build trusted relationships across supported functions, navigate ambiguity and competing priorities, partner closely with Accounting, and translate complex financial and operational information into actionable recommendations for business and senior leaders. The role is based 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.
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 operate independently and effectively in a fast-paced environment with competing priorities.

Nice To Haves

SAP experience.
OneStream experience.
Life sciences, biotechnology, or pharmaceutical industry experience.

Responsibilities

Serve as lead finance business partner for Medical Affairs, Insights & Analytics, and New Product Planning, providing financial guidance, business insights, and decision support.
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.
Communicate financial performance, 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 for 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.