Associate Director, R&D Finance – Technical Operations

Apellis • Waltham, MA

28d • Hybrid

About The Position

This is an exciting leadership opportunity to join a high-growth, innovative biopharmaceutical company pioneering targeted C3 therapies to address a broad range of debilitating diseases. As Associate Director of R&D Finance, you will serve as the strategic financial partner to our Technical Operations organization (CMC, CM&S, Supply Chain, Quality, and Facilities), driving financial planning, reporting, and strategic insights that enable informed decision-making and optimal resource allocation. Reporting to the Head of FP&A, you will play a critical role in shaping financial processes, supporting scalability for future growth, and ensuring alignment with Apellis’ long-term objectives.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field; MBA or CPA preferred.
• 10+ years of progressive experience in accounting and financial planning/analysis.
• 3+ years of finance experience supporting Technical Operations in a publicly traded biopharma company.
• Strong knowledge of US GAAP and SOX compliance for public companies.
• Experience with SAP (ERP) and Adaptive Insights (planning/reporting) strongly preferred.
• Exceptional communication, presentation, and stakeholder management skills; ability to influence across all levels.
• Proven ability to work collaboratively with non-finance teams while representing Finance effectively.
• Comfortable challenging the status quo, driving change, and thriving in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Strong analytical skills with ability to manage large datasets and deliver under tight deadlines.

Nice To Haves

• MBA or CPA preferred.
• Experience with SAP (ERP) and Adaptive Insights (planning/reporting) strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a trusted Finance Business Partner to the Tech Ops Executive/Senior Leadership, delivering strategic and operational guidance to support critical decision-making, drive organizational priorities, and ensure financial alignment with long-term objectives.
• Foster strong relationships with senior stakeholders to proactively identify opportunities, address challenges, and enable optimal resource allocation across Technical Operations.
• Lead development and coordination of annual budgets, interim forecasts, and long-range financial plans for Tech Ops.
• Deliver proactive financial analysis and timely reporting to track performance against budget and forecast, enabling data-driven decisions.
• Oversee month-end and quarter-end close processes, including accruals, ensuring compliance with GAAP, SOX, and Apellis accounting policies.
• Collaborate with Tech Ops leadership to understand complexities of clinical and commercial supply and their impact on development plans and demand forecasts.
• Ensure accuracy of financial exposure related to external contract manufacturers.
• Partner with cost accounting to ensure proper P&L classification (COGS vs. expense) and guide budget/forecast accuracy.
• Provide analytical support for pipeline advancement, lifecycle management, and upcoming launches (e.g., C3G/IC-MPGN).
• Drive process improvements and implement scalable financial practices to support Apellis’ growth trajectory.

Benefits

• Apellis offers a comprehensive benefits package, including a 401(k) plan with company match, inclusive family building benefits, flexible time off, summer and winter shutdowns, paid family leave, disability and life insurance, and more!
• Visit https://apellis.com/careers/benefits/ to learn more.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director
• Number of Employees: 501-1,000 employees