At a Glance
- Tasks: Support finance operations and drive process improvements in a pioneering biotech company.
- Company: Join Compass Pathways, a leader in mental health innovation based in London.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, hybrid work model, and a commitment to your wellbeing.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team dedicated to transforming mental health care.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on mental health treatments while developing your finance skills.
- Qualifications: Qualified accountant with a proactive mindset and attention to detail.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 € per year.
Company introduction: Compass Pathways plc (Nasdaq: CMPS) is a biotechnology company dedicated to accelerating patient access to evidence-based innovation in mental health. The Company is headquartered in London, UK, with offices in New York City in the US. We focus on developing novel treatments that have the potential to improve the lives of those who are suffering with mental health conditions and who are not helped by current treatments.
We are pioneering a new paradigm for treating mental health conditions focused on rapid and durable responses through the development of our investigational COMP360 synthetic psilocybin treatment, potentially a first in class treatment. COMP360 has Breakthrough Therapy designation from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and has received Innovative Licensing and Access Pathway (ILAP) designation in the UK for treatment-resistant depression (TRD) due to the pressing unmet need in this area. We are currently in phase 3 for TRD, have completed phase 2 studies for both post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and anorexia nervosa and are planning a further late-stage study in PTSD. We envision a world where mental health means not just the absence of illness but the ability to thrive.
Job overview: The Manager, Finance will support the Accounting and Reporting teams and play an integral role in the day to day running of the business. Working closely with the wider Finance team and cross-functional stakeholders, the role you will combine hands-on operational ownership with process improvement, controls, and team leadership development in line with Compass's culture and values.
Location: Hybrid (Tuesdays and Thursdays in-person at our Soho London office). Reports to: Director, Financial Controller. Duration: 9-month contract.
Responsibilities (including but are not limited to):
- Performing monthly close activities including preparation of balance sheet reconciliations, journal entries primarily for accruals, intercompany charges, and prepayments, and performing analytical reviews.
- Own and manage the close calendar, ensuring all reporting deadlines are met and coordinating deliverables across the wider finance team.
- Audit preparation for quarterly (10-Q) year-end filings (10-K) under US GAAP, and statutory reporting under UK IFRS.
- Prepare and review quarterly reporting schedules and supporting documentation for audit and internal stakeholders.
- Drive process improvements and automation opportunities across transactional finance, leveraging systems such as NetSuite, Concur, Workday Adaptive, and Workiva where relevant.
- Assist with annual UK tax filings and preparing supporting schedules, including R&D Tax calculations.
- Supporting the finance team in the development, implementation and maintenance of the financial controls and processes, including SOX.
- Contribute to broader finance initiatives including systems enhancement, process harmonisation, policy development, and ad hoc analysis as required.
Candidate Profile:
- Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent) with a strong academic track record.
- Prior experience in a similar biotech is advantageous but not essential.
- Self-starter with a proactive mindset, able to take ownership and deliver results in a fast-paced environment with minimal supervision.
- Attentive to detail, data integrity and accuracy are key attributes for this role.
- Experience operating in a SOX-controlled environment or solid understanding of SOX requirements and internal controls frameworks.
- Able to interact with colleagues across the business.
- Exposure to NetSuite, Concur, or Workiva is advantageous.
- Experience in a fast-paced, regulated, or high-growth environment, with the ability to adapt quickly and prioritise competing demands.
- Committed to Compass’s ethos and values.
Benefits & Compensation: For an overview of our benefits package and compensation information, please visit "Working at Compass".
Equal opportunities: Reasonable accommodation. We are committed to building a workplace where everyone’s wellbeing matters. If you need reasonable accommodation during the interview process to be at your best, please let our recruiting team know.
UK applicants: We are proud of our commitment to diversity and equality (pursuant to the Equality Act 2010). We do not discriminate based upon race, religion or belief, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin, gender, pregnancy or maternity, marital or civil partner status, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, age or disability.
US applicants: Compass Pathways is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All employment decisions are based on business needs, job requirements, and individual qualifications, without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), ethnicity, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, military service, genetic information, familial or marital status, or any other status, category, or characteristic protected by applicable law.
Sponsorship: Unfortunately, we cannot sponsor employment visas and can only accept applications if you have employment rights in the country to which you are applying.
Data Privacy: All data is confidential and protected by all legal and data privacy requirements, please see our recruitment Privacy Notice to learn more about how we process personal data.
Manager, Finance (Fixed-Term Contract) in London employer: Compass Pathways
Compass Pathways plc is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in the heart of Soho, London, where innovation in mental health is at the forefront. With a strong commitment to employee growth and development, the company fosters a culture of collaboration and inclusivity, providing opportunities for meaningful contributions to groundbreaking treatments. Employees benefit from a hybrid working model, competitive compensation, and a comprehensive benefits package, all while being part of a mission-driven team dedicated to transforming mental health care.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Manager, Finance (Fixed-Term Contract) in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance and biotech sectors. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral. Don’t be shy; we all love a good natter!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by researching Compass Pathways and their innovative treatments. Show us you’re not just another candidate but someone who genuinely cares about mental health advancements. We want to see your passion!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your answers to common finance interview questions, especially around SOX controls and financial reporting. We want to know you can handle the nitty-gritty of the role with confidence and clarity.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining our mission at Compass Pathways.
We think you need these skills to ace Manager, Finance (Fixed-Term Contract) in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Manager, Finance role. Highlight relevant experience and skills that align with the job description, especially your accounting qualifications and any biotech experience.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter should tell us why you're passionate about mental health and how your background makes you a great fit for our team. Be genuine and let your personality shine through!
Showcase Your Attention to Detail:Since accuracy is key in finance, make sure your application is free from typos and errors. Double-check everything before hitting send – it shows us you care about quality!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to the right people and helps us keep track of all applicants efficiently.
How to prepare for a job interview at Compass Pathways
✨Know Your Numbers
As a finance manager, you'll need to be on top of your game with numbers. Brush up on key financial metrics and be ready to discuss how you've used them in past roles. This shows you’re not just familiar with the figures but can also apply them effectively.
✨Understand the Company’s Mission
Compass Pathways is all about innovation in mental health. Familiarise yourself with their mission and recent developments, especially around COMP360. Being able to articulate how your values align with theirs will make a strong impression.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect questions around US GAAP, UK IFRS, and SOX compliance. Be ready to explain your experience with these frameworks and how you've ensured data integrity in previous roles. This will demonstrate your technical expertise and readiness for the role.
✨Showcase Your Process Improvement Skills
The role involves driving process improvements, so come prepared with examples of how you've streamlined processes in the past. Discuss specific tools like NetSuite or Workday Adaptive that you've used to enhance efficiency, as this will highlight your proactive mindset.