Reporting to the CFO, the VP / SVP Finance (UK & Switzerland) is the most senior finance leader for the UK and Swiss operations. The role leads several professionals across London and Basel and acts as a strategic partner to the CEO, CFO, regional leaders and Group Finance.

The remit spans end‑to‑end finance leadership (controls, reporting, governance and decision support) together with a clear transformation mandate: building a modern, scalable finance operation through stronger data governance, process standardisation, automation and analytics (including appropriate use of GenAI‑enabled productivity where controlled and secure).

Key Responsibilities

Financial leadership, accounting and controls

• Lead IFRS-based accounting assessments for material transactions and support consistent application of Group accounting policies.
• Own monthly management accounts and reporting packs for UK & Switzerland; investigate and explain material variances.
• Maintain an effective internal control environment, with strong documentation standards to support audit and compliance requirements.
• Drive continuous improvement in process efficiency through optimised use of technology and disciplined operating rhythms.

External reporting, audit & governance

• Coordinate high-quality quarterly reporting inputs for relevant entities; ensure disclosures are accurate, clear and appropriate.
• Partner with Group Finance and external auditors on significant accounting matters, audit planning and resolution of findings.
• Ensure UK and Swiss financial processes and controls align with applicable J‑SOX requirements and local governance expectations.
• Hold (or be willing to assume) statutory director responsibilities for relevant UK/Ireland/Swiss entities, including key approval routines and delegation frameworks (Grant of Authority).

Tax, treasury & transaction support

• Oversee local tax compliance and risk management, including transfer pricing; manage interactions with advisers and authorities.
• Support Group financing activities as required (including equity and convertible bond offerings).
• Partner with Business Development on in‑licensing, out‑licensing and M&A: advise on structures, negotiate financial terms and lead financial/tax due diligence.

Business partnering, risk and stakeholder engagement

• Serve as a trusted finance partner to senior stakeholders across R&D and technical operations, translating strategy into actionable financial insight.
• Strengthen risk management culture across finance and the wider UK & Switzerland footprint; maintain alignment with enterprise risk processes.
• Support alliance and partnership governance by providing clear financial perspectives on performance, milestones and obligations.

Finance modernisation and digital enablement

• Improve finance data quality and governance, including master data discipline and auditability of key inputs/outputs.
• Increase automation and scalability of recurring processes (close, reporting, dashboards, variance analysis).
• Partner with IT and cross‑functional leaders to optimise finance systems and standardise processes, including ERP-related improvements.
• Introduce fit‑for‑purpose analytics (including predictive insights) to improve forecasting accuracy and decision support.

Candidate profile

We are seeking a modern, operationally focused finance leader, comfortable rolling up sleeves, who pairs strong technical judgement with a track record of delivering transformation in lean, high‑growth environments.

Required experience

• Senior finance leadership experience (typically 15+ years), ideally in biopharma/biotech/pharma or an R&D‑led, highly regulated environment.
• Strong IFRS, statutory reporting and audit capability, with experience operating in a listed company environment and quarterly reporting cadence.
• Proven ability to partner effectively in a cross‑border, matrix organisation, including close collaboration with Group Finance.
• Demonstrated finance transformation delivery: process standardisation, automation, systems/ERP optimisation and improved operating models.
• Working knowledge of UK and Switzerland requirements (statutory, tax, governance, payroll/payment approvals); broader international experience is an advantage.

Capabilities and leadership attributes

• Hands‑on ‘player‑coach’ leadership style; able to operate strategically while driving detail‑level execution.
• Strong stakeholder management and influencing skills; clear communicator who can translate complexity into decision‑ready recommendations.
• Pragmatic change leader with high standards; balances pace and innovation with disciplined controls and risk awareness.
• Analytical mindset and learning agility; comfortable leveraging data, technology and modern tools to improve productivity.