Head of Finance, Japan

The Head of Finance is a key member of the regional leadership team and will be responsible for providing strategic financial support, P&L management and FP&A management - driving the Annual Operation Plan (AOP), Monthly Forecasts and Long-Range Planning (LRP). The role is also responsible for maintaining a strong internal control environment and interfacing with Global Business services (GBS). This role must be a strong business partner to the Area GM and leadership team.

The position is the ultimate responsible person for all financial matters, including USGAAP closing, local GAAP conversion, statutory reporting and audits, tax filing, etc.

Strategic Financial Support

• Active member of Affiliate Leadership Team / trusted business partner advising on affiliate business performance, opportunities and risks.
• Provide rigorous and insightful analysis of revenue and its components, margins/ratios and profit/contribution to drive improved performance.
• Monitor ongoing business performance against budgets/forecasts/KPI’s. Report on reasons for variances, advising local management on any appropriate action.
• Review and input on new investment proposals. Assist in the development of business cases, and coordinate with global finance to obtain approvals.
• Partner with PO&T / Supply Chain to ensure ordering, warehousing and distribution activities effectively support the Commercial Operations

P&L Management

• Manage P&L to achieve contribution / operating income targets
• Identifying risks and mitigation plans to ensure affiliate performance
• Proactively manage operating expenses and allocate resources to initiatives that generate appropriate returns.
• Ensure working capital is optimized, receivables are collected timely, and channel inventory is appropriate.
• Interface with GBS and International Controller on accounting issues where appropriate

FP&A Management

• Oversee all aspects of financial and resource planning, including the development of long-range plans, annual budgets, and quarterly forecasts through close coordination with local management and international finance teams.
• Lead in-depth monthly and quarterly financial reviews, highlighting key issues and insights for local and international management consideration.
• Lead financial reviews and play a key role in Annual Operating Plan
• Understand patient trends, derive supply needs

Internal Controls & Compliance

• Ensure that all procedures are in compliance with Corporate policies, local laws, US accounting practices and the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, as well as statutory accounting principles
• Manage communication with external and internal auditors, statutory fiscal & accounting authorities, as well as with legal advisors, update affiliate and corporate management on changes in financial practices
• Supervise General Accounting and monthly/quarterly/yearly closing process in co-operation with GBS Lead, and manage outsourced suppliers and finance partners
• Demonstrate a strong commitment to ethical behavior and Biogen Code of Business Conduct

Continuous Improvement and Project Management

• Support a review of internal cross-functional processes with a view to continually improving them, supporting execution on projects where applicable
• Supporting local implementation of new processes/projects, in line with corporate objectives
• Helping to identify areas for optimization of internal processes, utilizing GBS where possible, to drive efficiency

People Management

• Recruit and develop a high functioning team. Ensure adherence to corporate values and behaviors. Provide and encourage feedback.
• Develop and promote talents, organize succession planning and ensure that all members have a meaningful development plan.

Requirements

• Master’s degree Business or Finance related
• With at least 10 years of experience in Finance area
• Being a Finance Director for at least 3 years
• Prior biotech/pharma experience will be a plus
• Fluent in English and local language

 

Job Level: Management