Associate Director, R&D Financial Planning & Analysis

Arrowhead Pharmaceuticals•San Diego, CA

10d•Onsite

About The Position

The Associate Director, R&D Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A) will support the Arrowhead R&D organization in preparation of budgets, forecasts, long range plans, and strategic investments for growth. This role will collaborate with key stakeholders across the company, including but not limited to Clinical Operations, Regulatory, Medical Affairs, as well as oversight of our clinical trial portfolio. This role presents an exciting opportunity to shape R&D finance strategies, influence decision-making, and support clinical portfolio execution in a dynamic and growing organization. Excellent communication, leadership, and technical skills will be essential for this role, as well as a passion to be a part of the company's growth. This role is based in Pasadena, California or San Diego, California, with an expectation to be in office 5 days a week.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, or related field
10+ years of progressive FP&A experience, including 5+ years in a leadership role.
Highly proficient in Microsoft Excel, with experience building models
Ability to gather, analyze and interpret information for completeness and accuracy; excellent attention to detail; excellent organizational skills
Strong communication skills, ability to effectively interact with others at all levels– within and outside of finance. Ability to tailor communication to the audience to achieve desired results
Self-starter with the demonstrated ability to work in a fast-paced atmosphere with minimal supervision
Working knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (US GAAP)

Nice To Haves

CPA/MBA
Experience with FP&A Planning systems (Anaplan experience a plus)
Experience with building financial models
Experience with Microsoft Dynamics 365 and BI tools (e.g. Tableau, Power BI)

Responsibilities

Financial Planning & Forecasting
Lead the annual operating plan, rolling forecasts, and long-range financial planning processes for the R&D organization.
Support strategic initiatives such as pipeline investment decisions, external collaborations, and business development evaluations.
Act as a trusted advisor to senior leaders, translating operational plans into financial implications.
Analyze actual results versus plan and forecast, clearly communicating key drivers and emerging trends.
Clinical Finance & R&D Support
Support clinical trial budgeting, forecasting, and accrual analysis, including CRO spend, investigator grants, patient costs, and pass-through expenses.
Monitor clinical program spend versus plan, identifying risks, opportunities, and timing impacts.
Partner with Clinical Operations, Program Management, and Accounting to ensure accurate forecasting, spend visibility, and financial close alignment.
Support portfolio-level decision-making, including program prioritization, scenario analysis, and development trade-offs.
Review, evaluate, and support negotiation of CRO and clinical vendor agreements, including study budgets, change orders, and contract amendments, to ensure cost efficiency, appropriate risk sharing, and alignment with development plans.
Provide financial diligence on clinical vendor proposals, assessing pricing structures, payment terms, scope assumptions, and financial risks in partnership with Legal, Procurement, and Clinical Operations.
Performance Management
Enhance financial transparency and decision support through dashboards and executive-ready materials.
Develop and track KPIs related to R&D efficiency, clinical execution, and overall financial performance.
Recommend actions to improve cost discipline, forecast accuracy, and resource utilization.
Process, Systems & Continuous Improvement
Lead enhancements to FP&A processes, models, and planning tools.
Drive best practices in forecasting, scenario planning, and financial reporting.
Partner with Accounting and IT on ERP and FP&A system optimization.
Team Leadership
Lead, mentor, and develop the R&D FP&A and Clinical Finance teams, fostering a high-performing, collaborative culture.
Establish clear expectations, accountability, and professional development paths.