Job Description
General Summary:
The Associate Director of Internal Audit will support the development and execution of a risk-based audit plan to evaluate and improve the effectiveness of Vertex’s risk management, control, and governance processes. Reporting to the VP, Chief Audit Executive (CAE), this role will assist in implementing departmental strategy, contributing to annual functional goals, and overseeing portions of the SOX testing program.
Key Duties and Responsibilities:
Maintain strong knowledge of Vertex’s core business and assist in developing a risk and control assurance program aligned with company objectives and risk appetite.
Contribute to the development of departmental strategy, Audit Committee reporting, and departmental initiatives such as data analytics, trend reporting, etc.
Build collaborative relationships with Vertex leaders to promote understanding of risk, control, and governance.
Direct project team (Managers, Supervisors, Staff) in the performance of audits (and special requests such as investigations) and oversee execution of assigned portion of audit plan.
Ensure project planning, fieldwork and reporting are of high quality and in accordance with professional and departmental standards.
Critically evaluate issues identified during audit process and corresponding business risk. Develop recommendations to enhance controls and partner with the business to develop workable solutions.
Provide coaching and development to junior team members; may have limited supervisory responsibilities.
Identify, develop, and implement improvements in departmental practices (reporting, policies, procedures, audit programs, computerized applications, etc.)
Contribute to improvements in departmental practices, including reporting, policies, and audit programs.
Coordinate internal audit work performed by third-party providers as needed.
Assist in driving efficiency in SOX testing and support external auditor reliance.
Knowledge and Required Skills:
Ability to analyze pharmaceutical/biotech processes and recommend control improvements.
Strong verbal and written communication skills; able to influence and collaborate effectively.
Organized, deadline-driven, and adaptable in a dynamic environment.
Solid understanding of auditing concepts and ability to apply them to complex scenarios.
Proficiency in interacting with management and external auditors.
Education and Experience:
Bachelor's degree in accounting or related discipline; MBA preferred.
CPA required.
Typically requires 8+ years of progressive audit experience or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Experience in financial, operational, compliance, and forensic audits.
“Big 4” accounting firm and industry experience (Pharma/Biotech) preferred.
Prior experience mentoring junior staff.
Why Vertex
At Vertex, we bring together the brightest minds to tackle the toughest challenges in medicine. Our culture is rooted in innovation, collaboration, and a relentless commitment to transforming lives. We empower our employees to make an impact while growing their careers in an inclusive, dynamic environment.
How You’ll Succeed
Demonstrate curiosity and adaptability in a fast-paced environment.
Build strong partnerships across the business to drive meaningful change.
Apply critical thinking and problem-solving skills to complex challenges.
Embrace Vertex’s core values: Innovation, Integrity, Collaboration, and Patient-Centricity.
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Pay Range:
$148,800 - $223,200Disclosure Statement:
The range provided is based on what we believe is a reasonable estimate for the base salary pay range for this job at the time of posting. This role is eligible for an annual bonus and annual equity awards. Some roles may also be eligible for overtime pay, in accordance with federal and state requirements. Actual base salary pay will be based on a number of factors, including skills, competencies, experience, and other job-related factors permitted by law.
At Vertex, our Total Rewards offerings also include inclusive market-leading benefits to meet our employees wherever they are in their career, financial, family and wellbeing journey while providing flexibility and resources to support their growth and aspirations. From medical, dental and vision benefits to generous paid time off (including a week-long company shutdown in the Summer and the Winter), educational assistance programs including student loan repayment, a generous commuting subsidy, matching charitable donations, 401(k) and so much more.
Flex Designation:
Hybrid-Eligible Or On-Site EligibleFlex Eligibility Status:
In this Hybrid-Eligible role, you can choose to be designated as:
1. Hybrid: work remotely up to two days per week; or select
2. On-Site: work five days per week on-site with ad hoc flexibility.
Note: The Flex status for this position is subject to Vertex’s Policy on Flex @ Vertex Program and may be changed at any time.
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Company Information
Vertex is a global biotechnology company that invests in scientific innovation.
Vertex is committed to equal employment opportunity and non-discrimination for all employees and qualified applicants without regard to a person's race, color, sex, gender identity or expression, age, religion, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, marital status, or any characteristic protected under applicable law. Vertex is an E-Verify Employer in the United States. Vertex will make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with known disabilities, in accordance with applicable law.
Any applicant requiring an accommodation in connection with the hiring process and/or to perform the essential functions of the position for which the applicant has applied should make a request to the recruiter or hiring manager, or contact Talent Acquisition at [email protected]
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in accounting or related discipline
- CPA
- 8+ years of progressive audit experience
- Experience in financial, operational, compliance, and forensic audits
- Ability to analyze pharmaceutical/biotech processes and recommend control improvements
- Experience with SOX testing and supporting external auditor reliance
- Prior experience mentoring junior staff
- Strong verbal and written communication skills
- "Big 4" accounting firm and Pharma/Biotech industry experience
- MBA
- Experience with data analytics and trend reporting
Vertex Pharmaceuticals Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Vertex Pharmaceuticals and has not been reviewed or approved by Vertex Pharmaceuticals.
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Parental & Family Support — Policies provide 12 weeks of 100% paid bonding leave for all U.S. parents with additional fully paid time for birth parents. Family-forming supports include adoption and surrogacy assistance, fertility options like IVF and egg cryopreservation, breast‑milk shipping, subsidized childcare, backup care, and a DCFSA match.
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Leave & Time Off Breadth — Time off includes roughly four weeks of vacation, 13 holidays, sick time, and two companywide shutdowns (summer and year‑end). Some roles also include flexible or unlimited time off and paid volunteer time.
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Retirement Support — Programs include a 401(k) plan with employer contributions and an employee stock purchase plan. Filings describe employer contributions occurring in company stock, supporting long‑term ownership.
Vertex Pharmaceuticals Insights
What We Do
Vertex is a global biotechnology company that invests in scientific innovation to create transformative medicines for people with serious and life-threatening diseases. We discovered and developed the first medicines to treat the underlying cause of cystic fibrosis (CF), a rare, life-threatening genetic disease. In addition to clinical development programs in CF, Vertex has more than a dozen ongoing research programs focused on the underlying mechanisms of other serious diseases. Founded in 1989 in Cambridge, Massachusetts, our corporate headquarters is now located in Boston’s Innovation District, and our international headquarters is in London, United Kingdom. We currently employ approximately 3,500 people in the United States, Europe, Canada, Australia and Latin America with nearly two-thirds of our staff dedicated to research and development. Vertex is consistently recognized as one of the industry’s top places to work by Science Magazine, The Boston Globe, Boston Business Journal and the San Diego Business Journal. Our research and medicines have also received esteemed recognitions, including the Robert J. Beall Therapeutics Development Award, the French Prix Galien and the British Pharmacological Society awards.
