Title:
Senior Controller Finance R&DCompany:
Ipsen Pharma (SAS)
About Ipsen:
Ipsen is a mid-sized global biopharmaceutical company with a focus on transformative medicines in three therapeutic areas: Oncology, Rare Disease and Neuroscience. Supported by nearly 100 years of development experience, with global hubs in the U.S., France and the U.K, we tackle areas of high unmet medical need through research and innovation.
Our passionate teams in more than 40 countries are focused on what matters and endeavor every day to bring medicines to patients in 88 countries. We build a workplace that champions human-centric leadership and fosters a culture of collaboration, excellence and impact. At Ipsen, every individual is empowered to be their true selves, grow and thrive alongside the company’s success. Join us on our journey towards sustainable growth, creating real impact on patients and society!
For more information, visit us at https://www.ipsen.com/ and follow our latest news on LinkedIn and Instagram.
Job Description:
Position Summary:
The Senior Controller of R&D Finance is responsible for leading and managing the CSO Consolidation and financial
operations of the Research and Development department. This includes budgeting, forecasting, financial analysis,
and strategic financial planning to support the organization's R&D objectives. The role involves collaborating with
cross-functional teams, internal cost controllers, asset/project controllers, senior leadership, and R&D teams to
ensure effective financial management and decision-making. Ensure that the finances are controlled within the
framework of the IPSEN Company, Group accounting, and global R&D policies, procedures, and internal controls.
Ensure that appropriate, accurate, and timely financial/Management accounts and reports are prepared for R&D
and the global understanding and control of the projects/activities they support
Working closely with the Vice President, Finance for R&D and Medical, and other Global R&D Controlling
team members, provide Global R&D Finance Support and project controlling support for Neuroscience
assets, and ensure that the controlling of the finances is within the framework of the Company, Group
accounting, and global R&D policies, procedures, and internal controls.
• Activities also include ensuring accurate and timely financial reports are prepared for R&D and the global
understanding and control of the projects/activities they support.
• As the primary interface for Neuroscience assets, ensure effective communication on global functional and
projects and local site requirements, constraints, and deviations.
• Conduct financial analyses and assessments to evaluate the financial performance, risks, and opportunities
of potential mergers, licensing, and external collaborations, acquisitions, or other financial transactions. The
role requires a deep understanding of financial statements, accounting principles, and business operations.
• Liaise closely with Corp FP&A teams and collaborate with upper management to align R&D Finance goals
with overall company objectives.
• Work closely with R&D leadership to align financial strategies with overall business objectives. Manage
long-term financial planning processes like 5YP and LRP to support R&D initiatives and growth objectives.
He/She is also leading the support of financial processes (in coordination with shared services) and new global
R&D processes/optimizations, including clinical trial accounting, and supporting portfolio and program valuations
with the rest of the R&D Finance team.
Global R&D Finance Consolidation
• Develop and oversee the R&D budgeting and forecasting processes. Conduct financial analysis to support
decision-making on R&D projects and initiatives. Provide financial insights, trends, and recommendations on resource allocation and cost optimization.
Responsible for reconciling R&D Financials within various finance data sets (Fin PL, BAS SAP PL, RND
Nature, RND Allocation), managing the reporting hierarchy, and overseeing the management of R&D
Rolling Forecast Model
• Play a central role in building monthly business review decks, forecasting, and budget review decks, and
managing the dashboard submission for R&D assets.
• Prepare and present comprehensive financial reports for management and stakeholders. Create detailed
financial models to support short-term and long-term strategic planning.
• Provide variance analysis and regularly update forecasts based on actual performance. Conduct a thorough
financial performance analysis, identifying key trends, opportunities, and risks.
• Ensure time deliverables to Corp FP&A, other financial functions, and Corporate Strategy Teams and
ensure R&D Finance follows financial regulations, company policies, and industry standards.
• Foster effective communication and collaboration between R&D finance teams and with R&D functional
teams.
• Lead and develop a high-performing R&D finance team. Provide guidance and mentorship to team
members, fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
Other R&D project activities role
• Support long-term financial planning process of assigned projects by:
o Partnering with local functions, Project Leaders, and key project stakeholders to consolidate and
provide visibility to R&D Finance with management on entire structure costs/investments across
R&D Assets, by indication, by phase, and over the years.
o Understand the status and risks of all project activities and quantify investments until the next
decision-making step.
o Challenge and provide realistic estimates, ensure no contingency planning.
Core Competencies / Knowledge & Skill Requirements
• Strong analytical skills
• Excellent verbal, written, and communication skills to effectively present information to various levels of an
organization.
• Ability to work cross-functionally and collaboratively to influence decision-making.
• Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint), TM1 & SAP user capabilities a plus
• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks while adhering to specific deadlines.
• Ability to work with minimal supervision.
Education, Experience & Training Required
Experience and Education (minimums)
• Bachelor’s Degree in a financial-related field; Master’s degree a plus.
• +5 years of Financial Analysis / Planning experience in a long-term project environment
• Experience managing and controlling more extensive clinical portfolios.
• Therapeutic drug valuations
• Knowledge of the Pharmaceutical Industry is highly preferred.
• International exposure
• Must be able to work self-initiated and in a team environment and be willing to work extended hours and
travel as required.
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in a finance-related field
- Master's degree
- 5+ years financial analysis/planning experience in long-term project environments
- Experience managing and controlling extensive clinical portfolios
- Therapeutic drug valuations experience
- Knowledge of the pharmaceutical industry
- International exposure
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)
- TM1 and SAP user capabilities
- Leadership experience to lead and develop an R&D finance team
- Willingness to work extended hours and travel as required
Ipsen Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Ipsen and has not been reviewed or approved by Ipsen.
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Healthcare Strength — Health coverage is described as comprehensive, with broad medical, dental, and vision offerings. Company materials emphasize a wide-ranging package that supports overall wellbeing.
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Retirement Support — Retirement programs are highlighted with a competitive 401(k) match and access to an employee stock purchase plan. These elements are frequently cited as strengths in the package.
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Parental & Family Support — Family support includes paid parental leave and company-provided backup child and elder care. These programs complement core benefits and add practical day-to-day value.
Ipsen Insights
What We Do
Ipsen is a French leading global mid-size biopharmaceutical company headquartered in Paris, France focusing its efforts where unmet medical needs are greatest. Ipsen develops and commercializes innovative medicines in three key therapeutic areas - Oncology, Rare Disease and Neuroscience. We have over 5000 employees worldwide and our medicines are registered in more than 100 countries, with direct commercial presence in over 30 countries. Ipsen has 4 global R&D hubs and 3 pharmaceutical development centers around the world








