Head of Finance - Alexion

AstraZeneca; Mississauga; On-site; CAD 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading pharmaceutical company is seeking a Head of Finance for Canada to steer financial strategy and operations, manage reporting, and lead a high-performing finance team. Ideal candidates will have over 15 years of experience in finance, strong business partnering skills, and a bachelor's degree in finance or accounting. This role offers a collaborative work environment with flexibility and a commitment to making a meaningful impact on patients' lives.

Benefits

Flexible working arrangements

Tailored development programs

Qualifications

• Minimum of 15 years of experience in finance or accounting.
• Extensive experience in a leadership role.
• Proficiency in French (desirable).

Responsibilities

• Steering financial strategy and operations for Canada.
• Managing financial reporting and resource allocation.
• Delivering high quality financial plans and forecasts.

Skills

Strong business partnering skills

Excellent communication and presentation skills

Strong business acumen

Demonstrated people leadership

Agility in changing environments

Ability to perform in teamwork

Education

Bachelor's degree in finance or accounting

CPA or MBA (desirable)

Job description

Overview

Introduction to Role :

Are you ready to lead and innovate in a dynamic environment? At Alexion, AstraZeneca Rare Disease Unit, we are driven by a mission to transform the lives of patients with rare diseases. As the Head of Finance for Canada, you will be a key leader, steering the financial strategy and operations of our Canadian affiliate. Your role is crucial in ensuring financial targets are met while collaborating with cross-functional teams to drive business performance. You'll be at the helm of financial reporting, strategic decision-making, and resource allocation, all while nurturing a high-performing finance team. Are you prepared to make a difference?

Responsibilities

• Financial management, oversight, and governance of the Canadian affiliate to achieve company P&L objectives, while working in close collaboration with the General Manager
• Responsible for Business Partnering, Controller activities, Forecasting and Trade & Logistics
• Deliver high quality financial planning process and forecasts including the annual Mid Term Plan (MTP) and Rolling Business Updates (RBU's), providing prescriptive guidance and timelines to the Therapeutic Areas and functions to ensure well organized, effective and efficient submissions.
• Provide decision making support to pricing decisions, payor contracting, and distribution strategy
• Responsible for delivering statutory financial statements as a Board Member for Alexion Canada
• Leverage technology to streamline, simplify and scale processes and capabilities
• Work with business strategy to identify, operationalize, and track efficiencies related to new ways of working
• Provide analysis and key insights on performance including financial, business analysis, and benchmarks to facilitate the local target setting process (sales / investment / profit).
• Ensure delivery of DSO targets and ensure AR are paid on time
• Pre-launch and launch support including business cases, business / financial modelling, what if scenarios, projections, trend analysis and resource allocations.
• Participate in specific ad hoc projects bringing business / finance insight.
• Developing and leading a diverse team of high-performing individuals, fostering their development, growth and maximizing collective success

Essential Skills / Experience

• Strong business partnering skills and experience
• Bachelor's degree in finance or accounting
• Minimum of 15 years of experience in finance, accounting or related business area
• Extensive experience in a leadership role interacting with senior management
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, demonstrated strategic influencing skills
• Strong business acumen and demonstrated agility
• Demonstrated people leadership, coaching and / or mentoring skills
• Proven ability to perform in an environment that emphasizes teamwork
• Demonstrated ability as an agent of change in a dynamic work environment
• Previous pharmaceutical experience

Desirable Skills / Experience

• CPA or MBA
• Proficiency in French

When we put unexpected teams in the same room, we unleash bold thinking with the power to inspire life-changing medicines. In-person working gives us the platform we need to connect, work at pace and challenge perceptions. That's why we work, on average, a minimum of three days per week from the office. But that doesn't mean we're not flexible. We balance the expectation of being in the office while respecting individual flexibility. Join us in our unique and ambitious world.

At Alexion / AstraZeneca, we are committed to making a meaningful impact on patients' lives through innovation and collaboration. Our culture is rooted in integrity and inclusiveness, fostering an environment where ideas flourish and new thinking grows. With a rapidly expanding portfolio, you'll have the opportunity to grow and innovate alongside exceptional leaders and peers. We empower our employees with tailored development programs that align personal growth with our mission. Join us in driving change with integrity and making a difference where it truly counts.

Ready to take on this exciting challenge? Apply now to become part of our transformative journey!

Date Posted

18-Aug-2025

Closing Date

18-Sept-2025

Alexion is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. We are committed to fostering a culture of belonging where every single person can belong because of their uniqueness. The Company will not make decisions about employment, training, compensation, promotion, and other terms and conditions of employment based on race, color, religion, creed or lack thereof, sex, sexual orientation, age, ancestry, national origin, ethnicity, citizenship status, marital status, pregnancy, (including childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), parental status (including adoption or surrogacy), military status, protected veteran status, disability, medical condition, gender identity or expression, genetic information, mental illness or other characteristics protected by law. Alexion provides reasonable accommodations to meet the needs of candidates and employees. To begin an interactive dialogue with Alexion regarding an accommodation, please contact [e-mail]. Alexion participates in E-Verify.