Manager, Early Development Project Finance

The Early Development Project Finance Manager supports financial management and analysis across early-stage R&D programs, including Discovery, Preclinical, and IND-enabling activities.

The role focuses on delivering high-quality program finance within a structured model, ensuring that financial outputs are accurate, well-controlled, and aligned to underlying program activity. This includes ownership of forecasting, budgeting, and financial tracking for assigned programs.

Operating as part of the R&D Project Finance team, the role combines financial control, planning, and structured analysis to support a clear understanding of cost drivers, risks, and program performance.

This is not a traditional business partnering or reporting role. It focuses on executing program finance activities while supporting insight and decision-making through reliable, consistent financial data.

Essential Functions/Responsibilities

• Perform monthly accruals for early development project contracts, ensuring alignment with budgets and project timelines.

• Own the financial planning, forecasting, and performance management for assigned early development programs, ensuring alignment with portfolio priorities and financial targets.

• Provide financial challenge and guidance to R&D leaders on investment decisions, resource allocation, and trade-offs across the early development portfolio.

• Lead development and ongoing management of project budgets and forecasts, proactively identifying risks, opportunities, and required adjustments.

• Develop scenarios and financial models to support pipeline decisions, including progression, delay, or termination of early-stage programs.

• Support development, management, and tracking of budgets, working closely with operations teams to ensure financial efficiency and accuracy.

• Prepare and post monthly and quarterly journal entries and prepaid journal entries for Early Development Projects

• Review and approve contracts and amendments, ensuring financial terms and conditions align with company policies.

• Assist in preparing financial reports and analyses related to projects, contributing to management decision-making.

• Act as a finance partner between the Finance and Early Development Project teams, fostering collaboration and providing financial guidance for trial activities.

• Ensure proper internal control structure and adherence to internal controls in assigned areas as needed.

• Other duties as assigned.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Extensive experience in accounting and/or finance related positions.

• Experience in pharmaceutical or biotech is essential.

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, or a related field. MBA or advanced degree is a plus.

• Advanced financial modeling and analytical skills.

• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and applicable financial systems and software applications. Knowledge of Oracle is a plus.

• In-depth knowledge of accounting principles, financial statement analysis, and management reporting.

• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.

• Strong stakeholder relationship management skills.

• Strong attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and a results-driven mindset.