Project Finance Analyst I

Emerald Clinical Trials Inc.; Bengaluru; Hybrid; INR 1,200,000 - 2,100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid or Remote work

Learning opportunities

Global network

Employee wellbeing programs

Job summary

Emerald Clinical Trials Inc. in Bengaluru seeks a Project Finance Analyst I to join our Project Finance team, supporting forecasting, revenue management, and financial reporting across global clinical projects.

The role works closely with the Global Head of FP&A and Project Managers to monitor contractual obligations, perform variance analysis, and ensure timely close and audit readiness in a fast-paced CRO environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in finance, economics, accounting, or related field.
• Master's degree or MBA preferred.
• 5+ years of project finance experience in CRO, life sciences, or pharma.
• Strong modeling and Excel skills; experience with BI/ERP tools.

Responsibilities

• Forecast hours and revenue; monitor project financials.
• Support monthly close, billing, and journal entries.
• Prepare monthly profitability reports and variance explanations.
• Assist in audits and compliance with SOPs.
• Collaborate with project managers to improve financial processes.

Skills

Financial modeling

Analytical skills

Excel proficiency

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in finance or related

MBA preferred

Tools

Power BI

SAP

Oracle

Job description

At Emerald Clinical, we are a global, full-service Contract Research Organization (CRO) with a rich heritage in the Asia-Pacific region. We are dedicated to advancing clinical research through scientific expertise and operational excellence, supporting biopharmaceutical, medical device, and diagnostic customers across all trial phases, from registration to post-marketing.

Our therapeutic expertise spans renal, cardiometabolic, and oncology - areas where we make a significant impact on improving global health.

At the heart of our success is our ability to combine global reach with local knowledge. Our on-the-ground teams work closely with local communities, building trust and ensuring diverse, representative patient recruitment. By prioritizing people, we deliver better engagement, more accurate data, and faster results - bringing therapies to patients in need.

About the Role

The Project Finance Analyst (PFA) I is a member of the financial planning and Analysis group within Emerald Clinical. The group is responsible for supporting project finance aspect of contracted clinical research projects for both internal and external customers across all functional areas and geographies, including project performance analysis, reporting, and forecasting, in line with the company strategy and planning.

The PFA I is a role in the Project Finance team and works closely with the Global head of financial planning and analysis, supporting various Project Managers to implement and monitor project financial performance in accordance with contractual obligations and scope of work.

Your Responsibilities

Project Specific

Participate in Project Handover from BD to Project Operations to understand contractual arrangements that may impact the financials as well as any subcontractors in use.

Project Revenue Management - actively support Project Managers/Project Leads in forecasting hours, monitor revenue recognition throughout life of project and post journal entries. Track forecast to actuals and report trends and anomalies. Review monthly project financial performance and billing status and provide variance explanations.

Provide various project cycle finance support including but not limited to:

Month end close such as support timely investigator payments, pass-through expense management, capturing of GC labour, accruals and customer invoicing;

Support Project Managers/Project Leads in forecasting contractor hours. Ensure that subcontractor costs have been appropriately accrued based on revenue recognition each month;

Assist with reconciliation of billing milestones, foreign exchange fluctuations and inflation.

Review monthly AR aging by project and assist finance and project operations with collections as necessary.

Support project operations with supporting documentation for annual audit questionnaire.

Support Project Manager in resolving project finance related issues and responding to sponsors on project finance related queries.

Participate in Project Review meetings.

Through monitoring project financial performance and key metrics, identify and elevate opportunities for scope changes timely and following the Scope Change SOP.

Prepare and review monthly project profitability report / financials. Identify trends / anomalies in consultation with Project Manager and elevate issues to the line manager.

Others

Assist quarterly forecasting and annual budgeting processes, ensuring project forecast revenue and subcontractor costs are reflective of project trend.

Assist the preparation of monthly management report, articulating revenue and cost trends driven by project activities.

Process Improvement

Contribute to the development, implementation and centralisation of processes, procedures and systems applicable to Project Finance, including assisting in drafting of manuals and policies.

Identify continuous improvement within your areas of responsibility.

Quality Management

Comply with Emerald Clinical Quality Management Strategy

All activities conducted in accordance with project specific documentation, applicable SOPs, and applicable regulatory requirements

Participate in audit and inspection activities where applicable

Comply with all designated systems relevant to this role

Ensure own quality control of all relevant processes and activities performed

About You

Bachelor's degree in finance, Economics, Accounting, or a related field is required; a master's degree or MBA is strongly preferred.

At least 5 years of relevant experience in project finance - preferably within the Contract Research Organization (CRO), life sciences, or pharmaceutical industries.

Strong financial modeling and analytical skills (advanced Excel required; experience with tools like Power BI, SAP, or Oracle is a plus).

Solid understanding of project financing structures, including debt and equity instruments.

Excellent communication and presentation skills.

Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

Strong attention to detail and problem-solving abilities.

Why Join Us

At our core, Emerald Clinical is committed to transforming clinical research by putting people first - both patients and our employees. By joining our team, you’ll be part of a global network of passionate professionals working together to deliver better research and outcomes for millions worldwide.

Here’s what makes us stand out:

• Purpose-Driven Work: You’ll contribute to clinical trials that genuinely improve lives, with a focus on therapies in renal, cardiometabolic, and oncology.
• Global Reach, Local Expertise: Our teams connect with local communities, building trust and meaningful engagement for every trial.
• Collaboration and Innovation: Work in a culture that values diverse perspectives and creative solutions to solve global health challenges.

What We Offer

We understand that great work happens when people feel valued and supported. That’s why we provide:

• Competitive Compensation: A tailored salary and benefits package to reflect your skills and experience.
• Flexibility: Enjoy hybrid or remote working arrangements, depending on your location and role.
• Career Growth: Access to a wealth of learning opportunities and a global network of scientific leaders to help you grow and develop in your role.
• Employee Wellbeing: Participate in programs and initiatives designed to promote work-life balance, health, and team connection, including global engagement surveys, recognition programs, and team-building events.
• Global Opportunities: Be part of a company with international reach, offering you exposure to diverse projects and clients.