Finance Operational Lead

Job Title: Finance Operations Lead (CRO/Pharmaceuticals)  

Job Type: Permanent, full-time position

Location: UK, Fully Remote – Must be based in the UK.

Remuneration: Competitive salary and package

Cpl Life Sciences is collaborating with a growing clinical research organisation at the forefront of Oncology innovation that are looking for an experienced Finance Operations Lead to join our finance team as a newly created role. You must come from a Clinical Research Organisation (CRO) background and ideally supported the implementation of a cloud-based (Sage Intacct) accounting system.

 You must be a fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, or equivalent

This role offers excellent career growth potential and the chance to impact both strategic financial planning and daily operational management. The ideal candidate will oversee the operational management of the Intacct accounting system, ensuring precise financial reporting, strong control frameworks, and ongoing enhancement of finance processes.

Role Responsibilities:

·      Manage and optimize the Intacct accounting system.

·      Prepare, review, and analyse monthly financial statement accounts, including profit and loss, balance sheet reconciliations, and cash flow forecasts.

·      Experience with investigator payment processing systems (Greenphire).

·      Assist in the preparation of budgets, forecasts, and variance analyses.

·      Collaborate with the finance colleagues to prepare statutory financial statements and coordinate external audits.

·      Ensure compliance with financial policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements.

·      Interaction

·      Engage regularly with all levels of company personnel to provide financial insights and support operational activities.

·      Occasionally interact with sponsor representatives to address financial matters including account collections and system-related queries.

·      Serve as the global subject matter expert for all Intacct accounting system-related issues, ensuring best practices and consistency in its usage.

Operational Responsibility for Intacct:

·      Manage and optimize the use of the Intacct accounting system to enhance financial reporting, automation, and process efficiencies.

·      Ensure the integrity and accuracy of data within Intacct, including overseeing system updates and integrations.

·      Provide training and support to the finance team and other stakeholders on Intacct functionality.

·      Identify and implement system improvements to support evolving business needs.

·      Financial Controls and Processes

·      Develop, implement, and maintain robust financial control processes.

·      Ensure proper reconciliation of accounts and timely resolution of discrepancies.

·      Financial Management and Reporting

·      Collaborate with the Business Analytics team to provide data and insights for Quarterly Budget Review meetings and Change Orders with European clients.

·      Prepare, review, and analyse monthly management accounts, including profit and loss, balance sheet reconciliations, and cash flow forecasts.

·      Assist in the preparation of budgets, forecasts, and variance analyses to support operational and strategic decision-making.

·      Collaborate with the Finance Manager to prepare statutory financial statements and coordinate external audits.

Prior Experience Required:

·      Must have at least 5 years’ experience in an account’s environment.

·      Must have hands-on experience with Intacct or similar cloud-based enterprise accounting system and its implementation.

·      Must have operational experience from a Contract Research Organization (CRO) or similar project management-oriented business.

·      Experience with working with Greenphire or similar investigator payment processing system – this is specific to CROs

·      Strong technical accounting skills and comprehensive knowledge of financial reporting standards.

·      Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and financial modelling.

Level of Education:

·      Fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, or equivalent)

Skills and Competencies:

·      Analytical mindset with strong attention to detail.

·      Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to handle complex financial data.

·      Effective communication skills to influence and collaborate across all levels of the organization.

·      Proven ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.

·      Proactive, self-motivated, and adaptable to change.

This role is a remote based position allowing the right person to be based anywhere in the UK. If you are interested in this role please apply using the link.

This position does not offer sponsorship.