Job Description

Associate Director, FP&A - Clinical Accounting & Data Analysis

The Opportunity

Lead the strategic evolution of our Clinical Center of Excellence (CCoE) as Associate Director, FP&A - Clinical Accounting & Data Analysis. This is a high-impact role at the intersection of finance, analytics, and clinical operations-where you'll shape how Vertex plans, forecasts, and manages a multi-billion dollar clinical portfolio.

You'll architect the financial intelligence framework that guides critical investment decisions across our pipeline, leading a team of two talented professionals while partnering with senior leaders across Finance, Clinical Operations, and beyond. This role is ideal for a strategic finance leader who thrives on complexity, drives operational excellence, and sees data as a catalyst for transformational insight.

What You'll Do

Drive Strategic Financial Leadership

• Shape the financial narrative for Global Clinical Operations, translating complex clinical and financial data into executive-ready insights that drive portfolio decisions
• Build and refine KPIs that matter-metrics that predict outcomes, identify risks early, and unlock investment opportunities across our clinical pipeline
• Partner with senior leadership to scenario-plan our clinical future: where to accelerate, where to optimize, and how to maximize strategic value

Own the Analytical Engine

• Lead evolution of our clinical trial accrual and forecasting models-driving accuracy, automation, and scalability as our portfolio grows
• Generate predictive insights from integrated clinical and financial data: enrollment trends, cost drivers, timeline risks, and resource optimization opportunities
• Deliver variance analysis and forward-looking scenarios that move beyond reporting to true decision support

Orchestrate Cross-Functional Excellence

• Influence without authority across Clinical Operations, Accounting, Reporting, and HR to align assumptions, drive accountability, and ensure financial discipline
• Serve as the trusted finance partner clinical leaders turn to for strategic guidance and operational problem-solving
• Collaborate with our Reporting & Analytics CoE to pioneer AI and emerging technologies that transform how we work

Ensure Financial Integrity & Controls

• Oversee monthly/quarterly close activities for clinical expenses with precision and efficiency
• Maintain bulletproof audit readiness through robust SOX controls, comprehensive documentation, and proactive risk management
• Champion GAAP compliance and governance excellence across all clinical accounting processes

Build & Develop Your Team

• Coach and mentor two direct reports, fostering technical depth, strategic thinking, and business acumen
• Create a culture of continuous improvement where innovation, learning, and healthy challenge are celebrated
• Design roles and responsibilities that scale with business needs while accelerating career growth

What You Bring

Required Experience & Expertise

• 8+ years in FP&A, accounting, or finance business partnering with progressive responsibility
• Clinical finance expertise: Deep understanding of clinical trial lifecycles, cost structures, enrollment dynamics, and R&D financial management
• Technical accounting mastery: GAAP, clinical trial accruals, journal entries, reconciliations, month-end/quarter-end close, and SOX compliance
• Leadership experience: Proven track record developing talent, coaching high performers, and building team capabilities
• Influence & impact: Demonstrated ability to drive outcomes across functions through strategic partnership, clear communication, and credibility

Technical Skills

• Advanced financial modeling (clinical accruals, forecasting, scenario planning)
• Variance analysis and KPI development
• Financial systems fluency (ERP, planning tools, reporting platforms)
• Advanced Excel proficiency
• Executive communication and presentation skills

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, or related field

What Sets You Apart

• MBA, CPA, CFA, or advanced finance/accounting credential
• Biotech/pharma experience: Understanding of CRO relationships, clinical trial agreements, and regulatory milestones
• Systems expertise: SAP, Anaplan, Oracle, Hyperion, or similar enterprise planning platforms
• Analytics mindset: Experience with data visualization tools (Tableau, Power BI) and process automation
• Innovation orientation: Curiosity about AI, machine learning, and emerging technologies that can transform finance operations
• Strategic thinking: Ability to see around corners, anticipate challenges, and proactively solve problems before they arise

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Pay Range:
$156,000 - $234,000

Disclosure Statement:

The range provided is based on what we believe is a reasonable estimate for the base salary pay range for this job at the time of posting. This role is eligible for an annual bonus and annual equity awards. Some roles may also be eligible for overtime pay, in accordance with federal and state requirements. Actual base salary pay will be based on a number of factors, including skills, competencies, experience, and other job-related factors permitted by law.

At Vertex, our Total Rewards offerings also include inclusive market-leading benefits to meet our employees wherever they are in their career, financial, family and wellbeing journey while providing flexibility and resources to support their growth and aspirations. From medical, dental and vision benefits to generous paid time off (including a week-long company shutdown in the Summer and the Winter), educational assistance programs including student loan repayment, a generous commuting subsidy, matching charitable donations, 401(k) and so much more.

Flex Designation:
Hybrid-Eligible Or On-Site Eligible

Flex Eligibility Status:

In this Hybrid-Eligible role, you can choose to be designated as:
1. Hybrid: work remotely up to two days per week; or select
2. On-Site: work five days per week on-site with ad hoc flexibility.

Note: The Flex status for this position is subject to Vertex's Policy on Flex @ Vertex Program and may be changed at any time.

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