GFS EMEA Controlling Director (Commercial & Science)

Location: Warsaw

Hybrid Model: 3 days per week from office

Join a global leader and make a more meaningful impact to patients’ lives

AstraZeneca Poland is a key global site that is dynamically growing in all departments – from commercial, R&D, IT, Global Trial Safety Review, Global Procurement Services, HR and Global Finance Services. Warsaw is one of the key Global Clinical Trial Centres in the world, and plays a key role in AstraZeneca’s success. The work that we do here is valued and makes a direct impact to the enterprise, and to society. Here you are part of a multi-national team with a strong reputation worldwide for excellence and innovation.

Global Finance Services (GFS) are the engine of finance, enabling AZ to serve patients in the best possible way. The group is responsible for the delivery of back and middle office finance services across AstraZeneca and has the vision of being ONE connected team, with ONE innovative plan and transforming our operation to work in ONE agile way.

The GFS Commercial Controlling Organization is responsible for guarantee a Healthy Control environment across Europe, Middle East of Africa and Eurasia, through an efficient Month End Close process management, strong SOX and FCF controls framework, Balance Sheet Governance and Accurate financial statutory reporting (P&L and Balance Sheet).

About the Role

Controlling Director role is responsible for high quality controllership service delivery, senior stakeholder management and leadership of high profile and talented organization.

Typical accountabilities:

Responsible for managing and motivating a +45 team members, ensuring highest standard service delivery whilst adhering to global process and all relevant financial controls.Be the single point of contact for Controlling both globally and for EMEABe responsible for the management of the Controlling team and is ultimately responsible for service delivery from itPlay a key role on the GFS EMEA management team, influencing policy direction and collaborating closely with Global Process Delivery Director and other management team colleagues.Co-construct the strategic vision for the GFS EMEA region ensuring it is clearly communicated to all GFS staff in the regional service centre and its key business customersDefine annual performance objectives for the team, in agreement with senior finance leadershipAgree performance targets with customers and transparently measure progress against themBe ultimately responsible for customer relationship management and the service management framework and ensure GFS EMEA controlling customers are being met regularly, receive relevant data on the service and have avenues to raise concerns and issues.Act as an escalation point for service delivery issues. Work with the wider AZ business to ensure compliance to the agreed finance processes and standard model for GFS deliveryDrive for standardization of global processes in collaboration with the Global Process Delivery Directors and Global Process OwnersEnsure transitions of activities both into and out of the team are prepared well and managed effectivelyEstablish a cultural environment which promotes transparency and empowermentOwn the selection, recruitment and retention of staff for the teamActively promote and support the personal development of team membersEstablish a culture and environment where continuous improvement & service excellence is a way of life.Oversee the financial costs for GFS EMEA Controlling team and deliver services within agreed budget

GFS global services leadership

Ensure alignment of strategy with the business / finance needs of the key customersDefine annual performance objectives for the team in agreement with senior finance leadershipEnsure effective business planning processes are in placePrepare annual team budget for approval by the Head of GFS EMEA regionAchieve annual financial objectives set for the teamContribute to the development and implementation of overall finance strategy.

Service Delivery

Ensure process designs are consistent with best practice, instigating process improvement initiatives where appropriateEnsure policies, processes and operating procedures are clearly defined, up-to-date and documented

Performance of Services

Agree service level agreements, covering all core finance processes performed by the team, with all key customersEnsure Key Performance Indicators are clearly defined for each process performedEnsure service delivery meets performance/quality standards defined in service level agreementsReport on performance against performance/quality standards defined in service level agreements, and KPIs, to Group Finance and key customersReport on performance against budget to the Head of GFS EMEA regionPro-actively advise the Head of GFS EMEA region on any issues which might affect performance.

People Performance - Supported by the HR business partners the Director will:

Set the people and Finance performance related goals and objectives which are aligned to the organisation’s KPI’sBe responsible for creating and motivating teams that are firmly focused on results and processSupport the GFS EMEA Management Team in the resolution of significant performance capability and/or development needs that may ariseBe responsible for the day to day performance management of the team.

Resourcing

Ensuring the team is staffed with the appropriate skills and levels of staff to meet the demands of the business and volumes of transactionsAccountable for the development and delivery of the future resource requirements

Organisational effectiveness

Accountable/Responsible for managing future Organisational changes within the teamDevelop career path and opportunities for key talentAccountable for contributing to activities to improve AZ’s EVP, employee experience and employee engagement within the teamAccountable for the continuous development of the Controlling Model, in collaboration with Global Process Delivery Directors and embedded finance stakeholders

Capability development

Responsible for supporting the Global Process Delivery Directors in the identification, development and delivery of the required Finance / technical capabilityWork with the team to improve employee engagement, and ensure people management skills are developed and maintained.

Talent Management

Responsible for succession planning, and driving the subsequent development actions for staff to ensure sufficient talent is available to meet future business needs

Essential criteria

At least 5 to 7 years leadership experience working in a similar shared services and/or business environmentSignificant relevant business and finance Shared Services experience, notably in Financial Planning & AnalysisManagement of a sizeable teamTrack record of managing complex business relationshipsAbility to drive and manage changeAbility to think strategically and work with peers to create solutions for the EnterpriseA strong leader with excellent communication skillsChampioned and lead continuous improvement initiatives in FinanceFluency in English.

Desirable

Delivering and managing a Service Management Framework, creating a robust service oriented cultureLeading and managing the transition of countries into a Shared Services Operation and the integration of acquisitionsGood knowledge of finance transactional processesAbility to speak more than one languageLiving and working experience in different cultures

Please note that we are working in a hybrid model: 3 days from office per week.

Why AstraZeneca?

Join a vibrant and dynamic team with the passion and drive to push the boundaries of science. At AstraZeneca Poland we have a truly collaborative culture and way of working – supportive, open minded and eager to share knowledge. Ours is a ‘speak up’ culture – where your voice is heard and there is little time for hierarchy. A place of ownership, where we are empowered to lead at every level. Here you’ll be empowered and supported to develop further – given the freedom and autonomy to run with it and deliver.

Interested? Come and join our journey.

Date Posted

13-lut-2025

Closing Date

01-mar-2025

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 authorization and employment eligibility verification requirements.