Senior Finance Controller

Senior Finance Controller

Introduction to role:
Are you ready to lead a high-performing finance engine that protects our license to operate and turns rigorous numbers into sharp, actionable insight? Could you see yourself guiding a team, partnering across markets and functions, and shaping decisions that help life‑changing medicines reach patients faster?

In this role you will report to the CFO and manage a team of two, with extensive collaboration across outsourced accounting partners and global finance services. You will build confidence in our reported results, elevate the effectiveness of our controls, and translate performance into plans that unlock sustainable growth in one of our Israel business units.

You will steer month-end integrity, statutory compliance and audit readiness, while challenging forecasts and investment cases to ensure resources are directed where they create the most value. This is a hands-on leadership role where you will set the pace, strengthen the cash conversion cycle, and harness digital tools to improve reporting efficiency and business insight.

Accountabilities:
Financial Controlling: Oversee complete, timely month-end close and ensure the integrity of reported numbers. Lead financial accounting activity, liaising with local accountants, Global Finance Services Middle Office and Back Office to deliver within Group deadlines. Coordinate delivery across finance towers (Record-to-Report, Procure-to-Pay, Order-to-Cash, Cash-and-Banking, Travel-and-Expenses). Act as the primary contact for GFS Back Office in India for transactional services (P2P, SOTC, R2R, Master Data), providing approvals and acting as an escalation point. Own statutory financial statements and all required local and Group statutory reporting.

Financial Risk Management and Controls: Lead proactive financial risk management to ensure adherence to regulations, rules and processes. Ensure financial controls, including SOX, operate effectively throughout the year; identify issues early and resolve them promptly with clear stakeholder communication. Lead execution of internal and external audits and manage information requests to ensure timely compliance. Recommend and support process simplification and the development of finance policies and standard operating procedures.

Cash Conversion Cycle: Deliver DSO and DPO targets with high landing accuracy. Support the CFO on timely collections of accounts receivable and the resolution of customer disputes.

Business Strategy and Decision Support: Partner with the business to understand key drivers and external trends, identifying opportunities and risks. Shape future financial information needs and deliver efficient solutions such as business case development, benefits tracking and KPIs. Play an active role in the review and development of short- and long-term strategy in your area of accountability, keeping stakeholders informed of developments that impact objectives.

Business Performance: Assess sales growth potential and challenge the key cost drivers, jointly owning forecast accuracy with the business. Lead the financial planning cycle; set stretching but attainable targets aligned to strategy and operational plans. Deliver reliable operational and financial forecasts and provide timely, granular reporting and commentary that links business drivers to actuals and outlook. Model cost and resource demands, and identify and drive efficiency opportunities. Leverage AI and automation tools to enhance reporting efficiency and elevate decision-making.

Governance, Tax and Banking: Manage the taxes calendar with external parties and Group/Middle Office tax teams; review third-party tax calculations, including VAT and provisional taxes. Support cross-functional teams (Compliance, Legal, Regulatory, Commercial Operations, Supply Chain) in governance matters. Serve as the key point of contact and system administrator with banking partners; maintain mandates, approvals and authorizations.

Team and Stakeholder Leadership: Lead, coach and develop a two-person team, fostering customer centricity and high performance. Orchestrate delivery with outsourced accounting teams and collaborate closely with finance leaders and project teams. Communicate with clarity and influence to align stakeholders behind decisions that drive value.

Essential Skills/Experience:
- CPA
- At least ten years’ experience of Financial Accounting and Controlling
- Working knowledge of IFRS / Local GAAPs
- Good working knowledge of SAP
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills
- Work experience within a multinational / matrix organization
- Hands on experience of managing a busy process team delivering to strict deadlines
- Excellent leadership skills particularly around people development and customer centricity.
- Advanced analytical and problem-solving skills with a Return-on-Investment mindset
- Experience of Business analysis and/or Finance Business Partnering
- Experience of working in a global pharmaceutical organisation / understanding of the drug development life cycle and/or commercial aspects
- CFA / CPA Holder
- Financial controls (SOX)
- Experience working in/with a Shared Service Centre
- Ability to leverage AI and automation tools to improve reporting efficiency and business insights
- Fluent in Hebrew, English

Desirable Skills/Experience:
- Experience with SAP S/4HANA and enterprise consolidation/reporting tools
- Demonstrated delivery of automation at scale using AI/RPA and data visualisation to streamline finance processes
- Prior leadership of finance transitions or shared service migrations
- Proven track record improving DSO/DPO and cash conversion in complex commercial environments
- Hands-on exposure to Israeli statutory reporting and tax compliance
- Strong familiarity with banking platforms, mandate administration and treasury processes

Why AstraZeneca:
Join a high-performing, digitally savvy finance community that sits at the heart of how we operate, where unexpected teams get in the same room to unleash bold thinking and make fast, well‑judged decisions. You will work in an open, inclusive environment that values learning, diversity of perspectives and kindness alongside ambition—where your expertise in controls, insight and execution tangibly accelerates how we deliver for patients. With access to cutting‑edge technology and a networked, non‑hierarchical culture, you will own meaningful outcomes, see your ideas land at pace, and help set the foundation for our next phase of growth—always with ethics, compliance and transparency at the core.

Call to Action:
Step into this pivotal finance leadership role and shape how we power science into impact—share your CV to start the conversation today!

Date Posted

Closing Date

AstraZeneca embraces diversity and equality of opportunity.  We are committed to building an inclusive and diverse team representing all backgrounds, with as wide a range of perspectives as possible, and harnessing industry-leading skills.  We believe that the more inclusive we are, the better our work will be.  We welcome and consider applications to join our team from all qualified candidates, regardless of their characteristics.  We comply with all applicable laws and regulations on non-discrimination in employment (and recruitment), as well as work authorization and employment eligibility verification requirements.