About Astellas
Astellas is a global life sciences company committed to turning innovative science into VALUE for patients. We provide transformative therapies in disease areas such as oncology, ophthalmology, urology, immunology and women's health. Through our research and development programs, we are pioneering new healthcare solutions for diseases with high unmet medical need. Learn more at Astellas.com.
Are you driven to make a real difference in the lives of patients?
We're seeking passionate individuals who thrive in dynamic environments, embrace new ideas, and aren't afraid to take intelligent risks. People who act with unwavering integrity and are deeply committed to making a tangible impact.
Purpose:
This position delivers forward-looking financial and business partnership to shape portfolio and investment decisions across R&D. The role challenges assumptions, influences direction, and drives actions that improve portfolio value, capital efficiency, and performance outcomes.
The position leads financial planning, forecasting, and analysis for clinical development project spend, translating drivers into insights that enable prioritization, scenario-based decision making, and proactive course correction. It also elevates awareness of financial and operational topics critical to the sustainability and the effectiveness of the R&D organization.
This position partners with FP&A COE teams to ensure timely, high-quality planning and reporting services and to align deliverables with business priorities. The role represents R&D business requirements, provides strategic input grounded in financial and operational expertise, and helps drive standardization and continuous improvement across the finance operating model. It plays an important role in executing global Finance strategy and strengthening financial governance for R&D.
Essential Job Responsibilities:
Financial Planning & Forecasting
- Lead budgeting, forecasting, and long-range planning for clinical development programs (potential for Phase I–III and post-market).
- Work with asset teams to maintain accurate project-level financial models (trial costs, timelines, resource assumptions).
- Continuously update forecasts based on trial progress, enrolment changes, and protocol amendments.
- Support and/or lead special projects as assigned, including finance system enhancements, process improvements, and reporting updates, ensuring clear requirements, stakeholder alignment, and on time delivery.
Business Partnering with Asset Teams
- Act as the primary finance partner to Clinical Operations, Program Management, and R&D leadership.
- Provide decision support on:
- Trial design changes
- Portfolio prioritization
- Challenge assumptions while maintaining strong collaboration with non-finance stakeholders.
- Translate complex financial data into clear strategic insights that influence executive decision making.
Project Spend Tracking & Variance Analysis
- Monitor actual vs. budget/forecast at the study and program level.
- Identify and explain key variances (timing vs. permanent favorability).
- Support accrual and month end processes for assigned assets.
Strategic Alignment
- Identify opportunities to optimize budget allocation, to ensure we maximize our investment in the portfolio as a whole, driving value creation for patients.
- Support enterprise-wide initiatives such as pipeline prioritization, licensing decisions, program progression, etc.
- Proactively identify strategic risks and opportunities (clinical delays, cost overruns, resource constraints) and quantify financial impact.
Location(s)
Northbrook, Illinois, United States
Qualifications Required:
- BS/BA in Finance / Accounting / Economics
- English conversational and business English
- Lead end-to-end planning and budgeting processes within the pharmaceutical industry (or comparable environment), with full ownership of timelines, assumptions, and outputs.
- Solid working knowledge of accounting and internal control standards
- Experience with ERP systems, planning tools and Excel and PowerPoint
- Ability to operate effectively within a global environment, using remote communication, and appreciating different cultural backgrounds.
- Solid experience in matrix environment
- Solid organization, project and change management skills
- Solid communication & presentation skills to management and ability to influence others.
- Strong financial reporting & analysis skills, coupled with ability to effectively communicate meaning from data
- Ability to work independently or in a team environment, ability to collaborate and work with COE, etc.
- Quickly established business acumen in complex environments, proactively gathering insights and aligning with key stakeholders to drive informed financial decisions
Preferred:
- MBA and / or CPA / CIMA and / or equivalent certificates (or qualified by experience)
- Experience working within a pharmaceutical technology or development area
Working Environment:
At Astellas we recognize the importance of work/life balance, and we are proud to offer a hybrid working solution allowing time to connect with colleagues at the office with the flexibility to also work from home. We believe this will optimize the most productive work environment for all employees to succeed and deliver. Hybrid work from certain locations may be permitted in accordance with Astellas’ Responsible Flexibility Guidelines.
What awaits you at Astellas?
- Global collaboration: Become part of a connected global business of like-minded life science leaders, all dedicated to improving patients' lives worldwide. Real-world patient impact: Contribute to transformative therapies that reach patients around the world, knowing your work makes a difference every day.
- Relentless Innovation: Join a company at the forefront of scientific breakthroughs, where you'll have the opportunity to shape the future of healthcare.
- A Culture of Growth: Chart your own course within a supportive environment that values your contributions, champions your development, and empowers you to pursue your passions.
Our Organizational Values and Behaviors
Values:
_Innovation, Integrity_ and _Impact_ sit at the heart of what we do.
Behaviors:
We come together as _‘One Astellas’_ , working with courage and a sense of _urgency_. We are outcome focused and consistently take _accountability_ for our personal contribution.
Salary Range:
$125,090 - $178,700 (Final compensation will be determined based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to skills, experience, and organizational equity considerations).
Benefits:
- Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance
- Generous Paid Time Off options, including Vacation and Sick time, plus national holidays including year-end shut down
- 401(k) match and annual company contribution
- Company paid life insurance
- Annual Corporate Bonus and Quarterly Sales Incentive for eligible positions
- Long Term Incentive Plan for eligible positions
- Company-paid fleet vehicle for eligible positions
- Referral bonus program
