Senior Manager, Finance EMEA - Fixed Term Contract in London
Senior Manager, Finance EMEA - Fixed Term Contract

Senior Manager, Finance EMEA - Fixed Term Contract in London

London Full-Time 60000 - 80000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead financial operations and support growth in the EMEA region for a pioneering biopharma company.
  • Company: Join Ultragenyx, a leader in rare disease medicine with a mission to make a difference.
  • Benefits: Enjoy generous vacation, volunteer days, tuition sponsorship, and professional development opportunities.
  • Other info: Flexible work model with a focus on collaboration and personal growth.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in patients' lives while advancing your career in a supportive environment.
  • Qualifications: 5+ years in finance, preferably in biotech, with strong analytical and compliance skills.

The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.

Why Join Us? Be a hero for our rare disease patients. At Ultragenyx, we fundamentally believe that taking real impactful action to care for the needs of patients and our people is always the right thing to do. To achieve this goal, our vision is to lead the future of rare disease medicine. For us, this means going where other biopharma companies won’t go – challenging the status quo and creating a new model that advances our field so more patients and caregivers can benefit from life-changing treatments. We do this by following the science, applying a novel rapid development approach, making innovative medicines at fair and reasonable prices, and creating a collaborative ecosystem to reach patients in ways that are most meaningful for them.

Our commitment and care for patients extends to our people, so culture is an essential cornerstone for Ultragenyx. We remain continuously focused on creating a supportive and inclusive environment of profound learning and growth – so employees can thrive in all areas of their lives, in and outside of work. Ultimately, we want to be an organization where we would be proud for our family, friends and children to work. If you want to have a meaningful impact, do the best work of your career, and grow a lot, both professionally and personally, come join our team.

Position Summary: ultradedicated – Your biggest challenges yield rare possibilities. We are seeking a highly capable and proactive Senior Finance Manager, EMEA to join our rapidly growing team in the EMEA Region. This is a critical new headcount addition that will be instrumental in stabilizing core financial controls and supporting a region expected to continue to grow its topline and investment. Reporting to the EMEA Finance Director, the Senior Finance Manager will take ownership of essential operational and compliance duties. This role is ideal for a detail-oriented, commercially astute finance professional ready to thrive in a complex, fast-paced environment characterized by significant growth, multiple markets, new product launches (including gene therapies), and evolving partner deals.

Work Model: Flex: This role will typically require onsite work 2-3 days each week, or more depending on business needs. In many locations, the business will set certain days each week that Flex employees are required to be onsite. Or Remote: Officially documented as working full-time from home, with travel to Ultragenyx's offices or other locations on occasion as needed.

Responsibilities:

  • Perform detailed, day-to-day Opex tracking, variance analysis, and reporting, supporting OPEX and cost savings/productivity initiatives through transparent reporting and targeted analytics.
  • Provide proactive budget holder support to Commercial and Medical teams, ensuring strict adherence to budgets and financial policies.
  • Manage and control transactional volume related to increased headcount, vendor management, and travel/expense reporting.
  • Generate monthly and quarterly performance reports and review with regional, country, and department managers.
  • Maintain controllership of expenses, with focus on all OpEx lines directly controlled by the European entities.
  • Deliver monthly and quarterly results reporting, including variance analysis and corrective action plans, and recommend cost-saving initiatives to achieve financial targets.
  • Work closely with US-based teams to support procure-to-pay, payroll, management/statutory reporting, IT, HR, and other corporate processes.
  • Drive process improvement projects with corporate and regional functions to deliver cost and operational efficiencies across the region.
  • Support monthly and quarterly financial close processes, including preparation of accruals and detailed revenue reconciliation across multiple brands, countries, and partner deals.
  • Lead improvements in FP&A reporting, forecasting, and automation to enhance reliability, efficiency, and insight generation.
  • Act as the primary liaison for Global Accounting, Supply Chain, and Tax, supporting compliance and minimizing operational risk across the region.
  • Identify and implement improvements in core financial processes and utilize data analytics (Power BI, Excel) to deliver insights, scenario planning, and support senior stakeholder decision-making.

Requirements:

  • Minimum 5+ years of progressive experience in Finance (FP&A, Controlling, or Corporate Finance), in the biotech, pharmaceutical, or life sciences sector in a European context.
  • Master’s degree in finance, Accounting, Economics, or relevant field; professional qualification (CFA, ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent) highly desirable.
  • Fluent English required; additional European language (e.g., German, French) a strong asset.
  • Demonstrable understanding of biotech business drivers, including revenue recognition for complex licensing/partner deals and product launch dynamics.
  • Strong proficiency in Opex tracking, financial analysis, and budget management.
  • Solid understanding of revenue recognition principles within pharmaceutical or life sciences environments.
  • Advanced Microsoft tools skills, including Excel and Power Query, with experience using ERP/financial planning systems and Power BI.
  • High attention to detail with a strong focus on compliance and financial control.
  • Proven ability to work cross-functionally and act as a liaison with global teams while building strong relationships.
  • Ability to manage high volumes of transactional activity while maintaining data integrity, alongside strong personal effectiveness (resilience, accountability, and self-motivation).

Full Time employees across the globe enjoy a range of benefits, including, but not limited to:

  • Generous vacation time and public holidays observed by the company.
  • Volunteer days.
  • Long term incentive and Employee stock purchase plans or equivalent offerings.
  • Employee wellbeing benefits.
  • Fitness reimbursement.
  • Tuition sponsoring.
  • Professional development plans.

* Benefits vary by region and country.

Ultragenyx Pharmaceutical is an equal opportunity employer and prohibits unlawful discrimination based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, national origin/ancestry, age, disability, marital and veteran status, and any other status or classification protected by applicable federal, state, and/or local laws. Reasonable accommodation will be provided for all protected statuses or classifications protected by applicable law, including individuals with disabilities, disabled veterans, for pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions, and based on sincerely held religious beliefs. Applicants can request an accommodation prior to accepting a job offer. If you require reasonable accommodation in completing this application, or in any part of the recruitment process, you may contact Talent Acquisition by emailing us at talentacquisition@ultragenyx.com.

Senior Manager, Finance EMEA - Fixed Term Contract in London employer: Ultragenyx Pharmaceutical

At Ultragenyx, we are dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the lives of rare disease patients while fostering a supportive and inclusive work culture for our employees. Our commitment to professional growth is reflected in our generous benefits, including tuition sponsorship and wellness programmes, alongside a collaborative environment that encourages innovation and personal development. Join us in our mission to challenge the status quo in biopharma and be part of a team where your contributions truly matter.
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Contact Detail:

Ultragenyx Pharmaceutical Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Senior Manager, Finance EMEA - Fixed Term Contract in London

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance and biotech sectors. Attend industry events or webinars, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by researching Ultragenyx and its mission. Understand their approach to rare disease medicine and think about how your skills can contribute to their goals. Tailor your responses to show that you’re not just looking for any job, but that you’re genuinely excited about being part of their team.

✨Tip Number 3

Practice your financial analysis skills! Be ready to discuss your experience with Opex tracking and variance analysis. Use real examples from your past roles to demonstrate how you’ve tackled challenges and delivered results. This will show that you’re the detail-oriented finance professional they’re looking for.

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining Ultragenyx and making a meaningful impact in the world of rare diseases.

We think you need these skills to ace Senior Manager, Finance EMEA - Fixed Term Contract in London

Financial Analysis
Budget Management
Opex Tracking
Variance Analysis
Compliance Management
Data Analytics (Power BI, Excel)
Forecasting
Process Improvement
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Revenue Recognition
ERP/Financial Planning Systems
Attention to Detail
Strong Communication Skills
Problem-Solving Skills
Stakeholder Management

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior Finance Manager role. Highlight your relevant experience in finance, especially in biotech or pharmaceuticals, and showcase how your skills align with our mission at Ultragenyx.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about rare disease medicine and how you can contribute to our team. Be genuine and let your personality come through.

Showcase Your Achievements: When detailing your experience, focus on specific achievements that demonstrate your financial acumen and ability to drive results. Numbers speak volumes, so include metrics where possible to back up your claims.

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team!

How to prepare for a job interview at Ultragenyx Pharmaceutical

✨Know Your Numbers

As a Senior Finance Manager, you'll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on key financial metrics relevant to the biotech industry, such as Opex tracking and revenue recognition principles. Be ready to discuss how you've applied these in previous roles.

✨Showcase Your Collaborative Spirit

Ultragenyx values a supportive and inclusive environment. Prepare examples of how you've successfully worked cross-functionally with teams, especially in high-pressure situations. Highlight your ability to build strong relationships with global teams.

✨Be Proactive About Process Improvement

This role involves driving process improvements. Think of specific instances where you've identified inefficiencies and implemented solutions. Be prepared to discuss how you used data analytics tools like Power BI or Excel to support your initiatives.

✨Align with Their Mission

Ultragenyx is all about making a meaningful impact in rare disease medicine. Familiarise yourself with their mission and values. During the interview, express your passion for contributing to patient care and how your experience aligns with their goals.

Senior Manager, Finance EMEA - Fixed Term Contract in London
Ultragenyx Pharmaceutical
Location: London

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