Associate Director FP&A, Clinical Accounting & Data Analysis

Vertex Inc.•Boston, MA

7d•$156,000 - $234,000•Hybrid

About The Position

Lead the strategic evolution of our Clinical Center of Excellence (CCoE) as Associate Director, FP&A - Clinical Accounting & Data Analysis. This is a high-impact role at the intersection of finance, analytics, and clinical operations—where you’ll shape how Vertex plans, forecasts, and manages a multi-billion dollar clinical portfolio. You’ll architect the financial intelligence framework that guides critical investment decisions across our pipeline, leading a team of two talented professionals while partnering with senior leaders across Finance, Clinical Operations, and beyond. This role is ideal for a strategic finance leader who thrives on complexity, drives operational excellence, and sees data as a catalyst for transformational insight.

Requirements

8+ years in FP&A, accounting, or finance business partnering with progressive responsibility
Clinical finance expertise: Deep understanding of clinical trial lifecycles, cost structures, enrollment dynamics, and R&D financial management
Technical accounting mastery: GAAP, clinical trial accruals, journal entries, reconciliations, month-end/quarter-end close, and SOX compliance
Leadership experience: Proven track record developing talent, coaching high performers, and building team capabilities
Influence & impact: Demonstrated ability to drive outcomes across functions through strategic partnership, clear communication, and credibility
Advanced financial modeling (clinical accruals, forecasting, scenario planning)
Variance analysis and KPI development
Financial systems fluency (ERP, planning tools, reporting platforms)
Advanced Excel proficiency
Executive communication and presentation skills
Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, or related field

Nice To Haves

MBA, CPA, CFA, or advanced finance/accounting credential
Biotech/pharma experience: Understanding of CRO relationships, clinical trial agreements, and regulatory milestones
Systems expertise: SAP, Anaplan, Oracle, Hyperion, or similar enterprise planning platforms
Analytics mindset: Experience with data visualization tools (Tableau, Power BI) and process automation
Innovation orientation: Curiosity about AI, machine learning, and emerging technologies that can transform finance operations
Strategic thinking: Ability to see around corners, anticipate challenges, and proactively solve problems before they arise

Responsibilities

Drive Strategic Financial Leadership: Shape the financial narrative for Global Clinical Operations, translating complex clinical and financial data into executive-ready insights that drive portfolio decisions.
Build and refine KPIs that matter—metrics that predict outcomes, identify risks early, and unlock investment opportunities across our clinical pipeline.
Partner with senior leadership to scenario-plan our clinical future: where to accelerate, where to optimize, and how to maximize strategic value.
Own the Analytical Engine: Lead evolution of our clinical trial accrual and forecasting models—driving accuracy, automation, and scalability as our portfolio grows.
Generate predictive insights from integrated clinical and financial data: enrollment trends, cost drivers, timeline risks, and resource optimization opportunities.
Deliver variance analysis and forward-looking scenarios that move beyond reporting to true decision support.
Orchestrate Cross-Functional Excellence: Influence without authority across Clinical Operations, Accounting, Reporting, and HR to align assumptions, drive accountability, and ensure financial discipline.
Serve as the trusted finance partner clinical leaders turn to for strategic guidance and operational problem-solving.
Collaborate with our Reporting & Analytics CoE to pioneer AI and emerging technologies that transform how we work.
Ensure Financial Integrity & Controls: Oversee monthly/quarterly close activities for clinical expenses with precision and efficiency.
Maintain bulletproof audit readiness through robust SOX controls, comprehensive documentation, and proactive risk management.
Champion GAAP compliance and governance excellence across all clinical accounting processes.
Build & Develop Your Team: Coach and mentor two direct reports, fostering technical depth, strategic thinking, and business acumen.
Create a culture of continuous improvement where innovation, learning, and healthy challenge are celebrated.
Design roles and responsibilities that scale with business needs while accelerating career growth.