Accounting & Controls Lead, UK & Ireland in Thatcham

As the Accounting and Controls Lead for the UK & Ireland, you play a pivotal role in providing financial leadership alongside the Finance Director. You will ensure compliance with legal and internal guidelines, producing accurate financial statements in line with US GAAP and local requirements. Your responsibilities include maintaining robust internal control processes in accordance with SOX, aiming to enhance workflows and processes both within accounting and cross-functionally. Acting as a delegate to the Head of Finance, UK & Ireland, you will coach and develop a team that supports affiliate activities. This position is integral to ensuring financial integrity and supporting strategic business decisions across the UK & Ireland affiliates. This is a hybrid role, requiring ~50% weekly office attendance in Maidenhead.

What You'll Do

• Oversee financial operations for UK & Ireland legal entities, ensuring compliance with US GAAP and local accounting principles.
• Prepare and finalize monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements.
• Lead evaluations of key accounting judgments and material estimates.
• Develop and implement local accounting policies, memos, and papers as necessary.
• Ensure corporate governance and accuracy across all legal entities, managing statutory and corporate audits.
• Monitor and oversee controls, execution, and ongoing accounting processes.
• Act as a senior finance business partner, supporting budgets, forecasts, and actuals management.
• Provide insightful analysis of financial drivers and deliver clear variance analysis.
• Develop and coach junior staff and GBS team members.
• Engage with stakeholders including internal, external, and SOX auditors.
• Manage third-party stakeholder engagements and tax queries.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives and project management efforts.
• Coordinate government rebate returns and act as the primary finance contact for related queries.

Who You Are

You are an experienced finance professional with a robust understanding of accounting and data processing. You are solutions oriented and have a proactive approach to change management. Your strong communication skills enable you to lead from the front, inspiring and guiding others effectively.

Required Skills

• Degree in Business Studies, Accounting, Finance, or related field.
• Professional certification such as ACA, ACCA, CIMA required.
• Proven experience in senior finance or accounting roles.
• Experience working with a UK pharmaceutical company.
• Experience with complex accounting matters like Government Rebates.
• Aptitude for change management and ability to drive implementation.
• Previous public accounting experience, preferably with Big 4 firms.
• Knowledge of accounting systems and data processing.
• Initiative-driven self-starter with strong analytical skills.
• Strong communication skills for conveying complex topics simply.
• Excellent IT skills, including Microsoft Office, Oracle, Hyperion, or comparable systems.

Preferred Skills

• Experience managing people and coaching team members.
• International mindset and experience.

Job Level: Management

Why Biogen? We are a global team with a commitment to excellence, and a pioneering spirit. As a mid-sized biotechnology company, we provide the stability and resources of a well-established business while fostering an environment where individual contributions make a significant impact. Our team encompasses some of the most talented and passionate achievers who have unparalleled opportunities for learning, growth, and expanding their skills. Above all, we work together to deliver life‑changing medicines, with every role playing a vital part in our mission. Caring Deeply. Achieving Excellence. Changing Lives. At Biogen, we are committed to building on our culture of inclusion and belonging that reflects the communities where we operate and the patients we serve. We know that diverse backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives make us a stronger and more innovative company, and we are focused on building teams where every employee feels empowered and inspired.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, race, color, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, religion, age, veteran status, disability, genetic information or any other basis protected by federal, state or local law.