Scholar Rock is a biopharmaceutical company that discovers, develops, and delivers life-changing therapies for people with serious diseases that have high unmet need. As a global leader in the biology of the transforming growth factor beta (TGFβ) superfamily of cell proteins and named for the visual resemblance of a scholar rock to protein structures, the clinical-stage company is focused on advancing innovative treatments where protein growth factors are fundamental. Over the past decade, the company has created a pipeline with the potential to advance the standard of care for neuromuscular disease, cardiometabolic disorders, cancer, and other conditions where growth factor-targeted drugs can play a transformational role.
Scholar Rock is the only company to show clinical proof of concept for a muscle-targeted treatment in spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). This commitment to unlocking fundamentally different therapeutic approaches is powered by broad application of a proprietary platform, which has developed novel monoclonal antibodies to modulate protein growth factors with extraordinary selectivity. By harnessing cutting-edge science in disease spaces that are historically under-addressed through traditional therapies, Scholar Rock works every day to create new possibilities for patients. Learn more about the company’s approach at ScholarRock.com and follow @ScholarRock and on LinkedIn.
Summary of Position:
Reporting to the VP, Commercial Finance and FP&A, the Senior Director, Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A) will play a critical role in linking planned business activities with actual results. This individual will lead the day-to-day FP&A function, creating financial plans (annual budget and quarterly re-forecasts) and ensuring discipline and transparency in spend through insightful analysis and reporting. This dynamic role spans planning, financial analysis, decision support, accounting and reporting. The successful individual will have a deep understanding of financial analysis methods and approaches, US GAAP, financial processes (and systems) and advanced analytical capabilities that enable them to support the overall organization and Finance leadership. Scholar Rock is a growing organization, requiring a start-up mentality and an ability to work collaboratively to support all areas of the Business and Finance.
Position Responsibilities
- Lead and manage the FP&A team including instilling a strong culture aligned with Scholar Rock’s values, coaching and developing FP&A team members, and ensuring the overall high function of FP&A personnel
- Lead the annual budgeting and forecasting processes, and assist with the long-range planning process, partnering with business stakeholders and Finance management to meet process deadlines and established targets
- Attract and retain key FP&A talent and ensure the team’s skills meets the needs of the business
- Understand the direction of the business to plan for what is to come to ensure the FP&A team is ready for the organization’s growth and evolution
- Work with internal stakeholders to create robust functional financial plans. Provide variance reporting for budget, forecasts and actuals, including analyzing, understanding and explaining cost drivers and variances, as well as opportunities and risks
- Identify and implement, as appropriate and in conjunction with business stakeholders, business process improvements to improve efficiencies, reduce manual efforts, reduce costs, and streamline processes. Participate/lead training and education where needed
- Own, maintain, leverage, and enhance the Company’s use of Adaptive
- Create and maintain robust financial tracking and reporting that empowers business leaders to actively manage functional spend
- Assist the Accounting Team with quarter-end accruals and propose adjusting journal entries as needed to ensure proper timing of recognition, statement of related Balance Sheet items and support for review and compliance with SOX controls
- Analyze relevant inputs, including open purchase orders, invoices, vendor agreements, business feedback and forecasts to determine appropriate recognition of functional expenses in accordance with US GAAP and company policy
- Partner with department budget owners and project sponsors to provide value-added financial analysis and support of business reviews and decisions from the financial perspective, including but not limited to, investment decisions, operational efficiency, cost saving opportunities, capital expenditure decisions, etc.
- Other responsibilities as assigned
Candidate Requirements
- Experience leading high performing FP&A team/function in a dynamic environment
- Knowledge and understanding of U.S. GAAP (required) and IFRS (preferred), and SOX compliance requirements
- Commitment to business partnering with a strong sense of ownership for projects and results
- Excellent interpersonal skills with a demonstrated ability to work effectively with multiple functional areas in a collaborative, team environment
- Outstanding communication skills (both written and oral) to influence decision-making
- Highly proficient in Excel, demonstrated expertise in creating and maintaining forecasts and complex financial and valuation models
- Experience with Adaptive (required), NetSuite (preferred) and other financial planning and analysis software
- Possess broad knowledge of accounting concepts, superior analytical skills and knowledge of the biotech industry to identify and raise issues and develop policies and procedures
- Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance required, CPA or MBA preferred
- Minimum of 8 years of finance experience, preferably a combination of public accounting and private industry, with biotech, pharma or medical device preferred
Scholar Rock is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
