Business Analyst - FP&A NAM (GFS Americas)

Role Purpose

AstraZeneca is a global, innovation-driven biopharmaceutical business that focuses on the discovery, development, and commercialization of prescription medicines for some of the world's most serious diseases. But we're more than one of the world's leading pharmaceutical companies. At AstraZeneca, we're proud to have a unique workplace culture that inspires innovation and collaboration. Here, employees are empowered to express diverse perspectives and are made to feel valued, energized and rewarded for their ideas and creativity.

Global Financial Services (GFS) was formed in Q3 2018 through the merger of Global Finance Operations, Integrated Finance Solutions and Cash Generation.  GFS is at the heart of the Finance function - accountable to the AstraZeneca (AZ) Group for the design and delivery of high quality, simple to operate transactional finance processes that enable our customers to focus on AZ’s strategic priorities.  

The creation of the Global Financial Services (GFS) centers in Warsaw (Poland), Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia) and San José (Costa Rica) transformed the AZ Middle Office to a central function, supporting the business regions through simplification, standardization across the globe, and a structure that is scalable to support the AZ bold ambition.

We have exciting opportunities to join our GFS Center in San José, which will establish best practices and be responsible for providing support to embedded finance and internal sub teams.

Role Profile

As a FP&A Business Analyst you will be working in a team of analyst to operate monthly financial analysis and reporting, perform and report the planning cycles, and develop and improve those same processes over time.   You will be required to coordinate and analyze data from a variety of sources. You must acquire business acumen and stakeholder management to generate deep analysis and trust to provide insights to support business decisions. 

You will be the point of contact with EF to achieve the business goals through a deep analysis of the information.

Your core deliverables will include:

You will be responsible for providing robust and quality month-end financial information to business teams; gather information, provide insights, challenge status quo, and deliver forecast, to ensure these are based on market assumptions across the business areas; also deliver adequate financial input & analysis to support individuals and teams to make effective business decisions.

Key Responsibilities

• Execute month-end close, financial reporting and analysis activities, and related deliverables in a timely an accurate manner, including initial commentary and business insight.
• Validate P&L figures prior to sign-off in close coordination with the Embedded Finance team and in line with the necessary financial controls.
• Execute the planning cycle processes (budgeting/forecasting) as required, according to internal targets, business guidelines and reported timely and accurately.
• Analyze complex financial information for trends, issues, and opportunities. Create action-oriented reporting to assist the Commercial Team understanding business results and trends.
• Analyze current, past, and future trends and scenarios for some or all P&L sections: revenue (sales trends, COGS, PVV & margin/profitability analysis, gross to net) and expenses (cost centers, brand allocation, variance analysis). 
• Actively participate in initiatives for process improvement and standardization across the different business areas.
• Build effective relationships with business partners (Back Office & Embedded Finance) and deliver excellent customer service.
• Ad hoc projects may be assigned as needed.
• Gain business acumen to provide better analysis measured by positive feedback from FL or EF BP. 
• Sox/FCF controls - deliver and support correctly, ensure all SOX/FCF controls are operated effectively with no fails.

Essential Criteria

• A recognized qualification in finance (Bachelor), business administration, accounting, economics, or any related career.
• 3+ years of relevant experience in Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A).
• Use of general Microsoft Office and financial systems for planning and reporting.
• Proficiency in the usage of SAP, Smart View/Hyperion Financial Management.
• Ability to work well in and across diverse global teams.
• English language proficiency, both verbal and written, with the confidence to express clear opinions and ability to explain financial issues to non-financial management.
• Knowledge of accounting fundamentals (e.g., GAAP, P&L, BS, CAPEX, accruals, cost centers).
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills (pivot tables, complex formulas, ability to work with large databases).
• Ability to work under pressure.
• Time and priority management and Sense of urgency.
• Strong stakeholders Management
• Strong assertive and effective communication
• Good Presentation Skills

Desirable Criteria

• Qualified finance professional: Bachelor, Licentiate (Licenciatura) or master’s degree. Degree level will be taking into consideration for job offer.
• Experience in the pharmaceutical or retail industry considered a plus.
• Proficiency in the usage of SAP, Smart View/Hyperion Financial Management.
• Proficiency in the usage of Power BI and power query.
• Cross boundary experience including building relationships remotely and cross-culturally.
• Experience in transition of activities across countries.
• Visa and passport.

Competences and Others

• Strong analytical capabilities
• Highest standards of accuracy and precision for reporting and analysis
• Attention to detail
• Highly organized
• Self-driven
• Ability to challenge information constructively
• Capacity to work under pressure
• Customer focus and results oriented
• Ability to think creatively
• Teamwork and ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams
• Schedule flexibility
• Sense of urgency.
• Good interpersonal relationships skills
• Proactive attitude
• Curiosity to find solutions and challenge the status quo
• Willingness to help others

According to the company policies, the candidate must prove that there are no situations that generate a conflict of interest (COI) for the company. The non-existence of COI is considered as an objective requirement of the position. To know beforehand the weightings of COI contained in the policies of the company, consult the Human Resources Department.

AstraZeneca is an equal opportunity employer. AstraZeneca will consider all qualified applicants for employment without discrimination on grounds of disability, sex or sexual orientation, pregnancy or maternity leave status, race or national or ethnic origin, age, religion or belief, gender identity or re-assignment, marital or civil partnership status, protected veteran status (if applicable) or any other characteristic protected by law. AstraZeneca only employs individuals with the right to work in the country/ies where the role is advertised.

Internal and External Contacts/Customers

• The GFS function will interface with the Back-Office areas, Embedded Finance (CFOs and Country Business Partners), LATAM and NAM Area Finance, other GFS teams and 3rd party functions.

AstraZeneca embraces diversity and equality of opportunity. We are committed to building an inclusive and diverse team representing all backgrounds, with as wide a range of perspectives as possible, and harnessing industry-leading skills. We believe that the more inclusive we are, the better our work will be. We welcome and consider applications to join our team from all qualified candidates, regardless of their characteristics. We comply with all applicable laws and regulations on non-discrimination in employment (and recruitment), as well as work authorisation and employment eligibility verification requirements.