Europe Finance Control & Governance Director

Ascendis Pharma; Gentofte Kommune; On-site; DKK 1,800,000 - 3,000,000; Full time

Job summary

Ascendis Pharma, based in Hellerup, Denmark, seeks a Head of Europe financial control and governance to lead regional oversight, assurance and coordination across European entities. You will collaborate with cross-functional teams in a fast-paced environment and report to the Head of Europe Finance Operations.

You will drive governance, accounting close, and controls, with a focus on simplifying processes, enhancing compliance and leveraging ERP/digital finance initiatives.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience including responsibility for accounting, financial operations, monthly close, managing external accountants, auditors and controls.
• 5+ years of experience in external or internal audit, controllership, financial control, Finance Operations, transformation, or related field in an international environment.
• Strong knowledge of accounting, IFRS, internal controls, audit, and European statutory and regulatory requirements.
• Professional qualification such as CPA, Cand.merc.aud., ACCA, Wirtschaftsprüfer, or equivalent preferred.
• Experience strengthening controls, redesigning processes, and simplifying ways of working.
• Experience across countries and functions including O2C, P2P, R2R, Tax, Treasury, Legal, Compliance, and Finance Systems.
• Interest in ERP, analytics, automation, AI, or digital finance initiatives; MS Dynamics 365 advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Lead regional governance and assurance across Europe, coordinating ownership and resolution of control issues.
• Oversee financial reporting and accounting, coordinate statutory reporting and external audits.
• Navigate country-specific requirements, working with Tax, Legal, Compliance, Treasury and process owners.
• Drive launch and change readiness for new markets and entities, identifying impacts across processes and data.
• Simplify and strengthen ways of working; reduce unnecessary complexity and manual workarounds.
• Partner with Finance Systems to translate business needs into scalable, controllable solutions using technology.

Skills

Financial control

Governance

Audit experience

Cross-functional collaboration

ERP systems

Digital finance / AI initiatives

IFRS knowledge

Education

MBA or Bachelor of Management /Economics/ Business Administration

Tools

Microsoft Dynamics 365

ERP systems

Job description

Ascendis Pharma, based in Hellerup, Denmark, seeks a Head of Europe financial control and governance to lead regional oversight, assurance and coordination across European entities. You will collaborate with cross-functional teams in a fast-paced environment and report to the Head of Europe Finance Operations.

You will drive governance, accounting close, and controls, with a focus on simplifying processes, enhancing compliance and leveraging ERP/digital finance initiatives.