Associate Director, Research Labs Center of Excellence

Merck • Rahway, NJ

7d • $129,000 - $203,100 • Hybrid

About The Position

Our company is committed to being the world’s premier research-intensive biopharmaceutical company. Our company's Research Laboratories drives breakthrough science through drug discovery, development and clinical evaluation that radically changes approaches to medical need. Finance is a trusted business partner, playing a critical role in ensuring effective resource utilization to achieve this mission. This is a unique opportunity to gain exposure and contribute to the R&D engine that drives our company's biopharmaceutical business. The Associate Director, Financial Planning & Analysis for our Research Labs Finance is responsible for providing timely and effective management reporting and financial analysis for the consolidated portfolio. The Associate Director is responsible for consolidating the research & development division results to create high-quality, on time, and accurate deliverables to all stakeholders for monthly and quarterly close results, periodic forecasts and tallies, various survey and government reporting, with a focus on accurately identifying, analyzing, and articulating key performance drivers. The Associate Director’s role will leverage and utilize digital, automation and analytical tools with a continuous improvement mindset. This position reports to the Director of Financial Planning & Analysis in this division.

Requirements

• Minimum of 5 years of work experience in finance, accounting, or financial analysis or similar role.
• Strong financial acumen with a focus on accuracy and attention to detail
• Strong computer skills especially working with SAP, BPC, Excel, PowerPoint, AI digital tools (i.e. CoPilot/Gemini)
• Experience in analyzing issues and trends and problem-solving accordingly
• Excellent communications skills with the ability to interact professionally with all levels within the Research & Development Division and Finance organizations while maintaining a strong customer focus
• Solid team player with strong organizational and analytical skills with the ability to prioritize multiple tasks with tight and competing deadlines
• Highly motivated and proactive approach to problem solving and ability to deal with ambiguous questions
• Passion and intellectual curiosity of the R&D process
• Corporate Financial Planning and Analysis (FP&A), Preparation of Financial Reports, Stakeholder Management, Strategic Thinking

Nice To Haves

• MBA or CPA Preferred
• Build proficiency in financial systems, including BPC, SAP, FCCS, FSA and Power BI
• Increase network through engagement with business partners (Corporate, Legal, Market Access, GPAM, Tax, etc.) as well as with the functional area experts within Research & Development Finance and beyond

Responsibilities

• Primary oversight for the monthly Close process including: Divisional tie out with Corporate, completion of all divisional reporting requirements to Corporate Financial Services, Global Controllers, external auditors and other internal/external stakeholders.
• Responsible for performing detailed expense analysis in support of research & development division labs management reporting; leverage data to drive analyses of business growth drivers and trends and support Close Optimization initiatives
• Manage quarterly alignment (Tally) submissions
• Ensure full compliance with the accounting requirements and to maintain sound financial internal control environment
• Partnering with the FS Project Accounting team, Research & Development Division Finance subdivision leads, Tax Department and other areas outside of this divisions' financial services.
• Responsible for the timely and accurate submission of various reports and surveys. Examples include PhRMA, KMR, G-Finder, Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) etc.
• Serve as the divisional GOA (Grant of Authority) lead for the division
• Serve as the Finance COE liaison for digital enablement, partnering across teams to identify, prioritize, and advance opportunities to leverage digital tools, automation, and analytics that improve planning, reporting, and decision-making processes
• Lead forecasting, budgeting, and financial reporting activities for the Administration sub-organization, ensuring accurate expense planning and timely variance analysis
• Provide financial guidance and conduct ad-hoc analyses as needed to continuously improve the visibility and accuracy of financial planning and reporting

Benefits

• medical, dental, vision healthcare and other insurance benefits (for employee and family)
• retirement benefits, including 401(k)
• paid holidays, vacation, and compassionate and sick days

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level