Director, Financial Planning & Analysis - R&D

Vertex Pharmaceuticals Inc (US); Boston (MA); Hybrid; USD 181,000 - 271,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Competitive compensation

Bonus and equity awards

Job summary

Vertex Pharmaceuticals in Boston seeks a Director of R&D Finance to partner with Discovery Research and Preclinical Sciences, shaping budgeting, forecasting, and investment decisions for early-stage programs. You will lead planning cycles, build driver-based models, drive AI-enabled FP&A adoption, and oversee finance operations with a hands-on, collaborative leadership style.

The role requires 10+ years in finance with R&D exposure; MBA/CPA preferred and a track record of developing direct

Qualifications

• 10+ years of progressive finance experience including FP&A and finance business partnering.
• Experience supporting R&D, research, or life sciences functions preferred.
• Ability to translate data into executive-ready recommendations for scientific leaders.
• Experience managing and developing direct reports in a matrixed organization.
• Experience deploying AI-enabled tools to improve planning accuracy and automation.

Responsibilities

• Provide financial analysis and decision support for headcount planning, external collaborations, CRO/vendor spend, and lab operations.
• Lead annual budgeting, quarterly forecasting, monthly outlooks, and long-range planning for Discovery and Preclinical.
• Develop multi-scenario models to support pipeline investments and resource prioritization.
• Champion AI-enabled FP&A tools to enhance planning and forecasting accuracy.
• Oversee close activities, controls, and reporting for early-stage research cost centers.

Skills

Strategic finance

Executive communication

Financial modeling

Data visualization

AI-enabled FP&A

R&D finance knowledge

Education

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

MBA, CPA, or related credential

Tools

Power BI

Tableau

Anaplan

Pigment

ERP systems

Job description

Job Description

Vertex Pharmaceuticals is a global biotechnology leader committed to scientific innovation and the development of transformative medicines for people with serious diseases. Our finance function is a strategic enabler of Vertex's mission — providing the insights, rigor, and partnership that drive high-quality decisions across the enterprise. This is a high-visibility, high-impact role at the frontier of science and finance — where your work directly shapes how Vertex invests in advancing its pipeline from target identification through candidate nomination and beyond. We are seeking a strategic finance leader to serve as Director, R&D Finance, acting as the primary finance partner to the Discovery Research and Preclinical Sciences functions. Reporting to the VP of R&D Finance and managing 2 direct reports, this role leads financial planning, forecasting, reporting, and investment decision support across early-stage research portfolios. The Director will work closely with senior scientific and operational stakeholders to translate research priorities into driver-based financial insights, multi-scenario planning, disciplined resource allocation, and strong financial governance. Success in this role requires not only exceptional financial acumen, but also intellectual curiosity about the science — enabling truly impactful partnership with research leaders navigating the inherent complexity and ambiguity of early-stage drug discovery.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

Strategic Business Partnership

Serve as the trusted finance business partner to VP- and SVP+ leaders across Discovery Research and Preclinical Sciences, influencing strategy and investment decisions without direct authority. Partner with scientific and operational leaders to identify risks, opportunities, and investment tradeoffs; recommend actions grounded in data-driven insights and portfolio prioritization. Provide financial analysis and decision support for headcount planning, external research collaborations, CRO/vendor spend, lab operations, capital equipment, and compound progression decisions. Support stage-gate and portfolio review processes by delivering financial scenario modeling for candidate advancement, termination, or reprioritization decisions — translating scientific milestones into clear financial implications. Partner with Alliance Management and Business Development on the financial implications of research collaborations, licensing agreements, and academic partnerships, ensuring financial risks and obligations are clearly understood. Develop a working understanding of drug discovery and preclinical development processes to provide contextually relevant, scientifically informed financial guidance to research partners.

Planning, Forecasting and Reporting

Lead all planning cycles including annual budgeting, quarterly forecasting, monthly outlooks, and long-range planning for Discovery and Preclinical Sciences — ensuring alignment with pipeline strategy and corporate financial targets. Build and maintain driver-based financial models including FTE capacity models, external spend trackers, and program-level cost models that translate research activity into actionable planning assumptions and investment decisions. Develop multi-scenario financial models to support pipeline investment decisions, candidate progression tradeoffs, and resource prioritization at the executive level. Deliver timely and insightful reporting including variance analysis, trend analysis, and executive-level business commentary tailored to scientific leadership and the VP of R&D Finance. Develop KPIs, dashboards, and reporting tools that improve financial transparency and visibility into research spend allocation, portfolio investment mix, and pipeline progression costs. Maintain robust tracking of research program costs including internal FTE allocation, external CRO/vendor spend, and collaboration agreement financials.

AI, Digital & Finance Transformation

Champion the adoption of AI-enabled FP&A tools (e.g.Power BI, or equivalent) to enhance scenario modeling, planning agility, and forecasting accuracy across early-stage research portfolios. Lead automation and digital transformation initiatives within the R&D Finance team, reducing manual effort, improving cycle time, and scaling finance operations to match the pace of the research enterprise. Leverage advanced analytics and data visualization to surface insights, identify spend trends, and deliver forward-looking financial intelligence to scientific and operational business partners. Build a culture of digital fluency within the team, coaching direct reports on the use of modern finance tools, AI-enabled productivity, and scalable process design.

Finance Operations and Controls

Partner with Accounting and Controllership on close activities, accruals, expense recognition, financial controls, and audit readiness for all Discovery and Preclinical cost centers. Ensure financial plans and business activities are aligned with company policies, accounting requirements (including R&D capitalization and expensing rules), and internal control expectations. Oversee financial tracking and reporting for research collaborations and agreements relevant to early-stage science, ensuring accuracy and compliance with contractual and accounting obligations. Collaborate cross-functionally with FP&A, Accounting, Procurement, HR, and business operations to drive integrated financial management across the research enterprise.

Leadership and Team Development

Lead, coach, and develop 2 direct reports building a high-performing team with strong analytical, business partnership, and digital finance capabilities. Foster a collaborative, inclusive team culture that values intellectual curiosity, scientific literacy, continuous improvement, and a passion for impact. Manage competing priorities across multiple functions with distinct operating cadences and financial profiles, maintaining quality and stakeholder trust in a fast-paced, ambiguous environment.

Basic Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, or related field. 10+ years of progressive finance experience, including FP&A, finance business partnering, or related roles; experience supporting R&D, research, or life sciences functions strongly preferred. Proven ability to build and maintain driver-based financial models — including FTE capacity models, program-level cost models, and CRO/vendor spend trackers — in a complex, high-growth environment. Demonstrated experience deploying AI-enabled tools and automation to improve planning accuracy, reduce cycle time, and scale finance operations. Proven ability to synthesize complex data into clear, executive-ready recommendations for scientific and operational stakeholders. Experience managing and developing direct reports in a matrixed organization. Strong executive communication and presentation skills; ability to influence VP- and SVP-level stakeholders including scientific leaders. Experience with ERP systems, planning tools (e.g., Anaplan, Pigment), dashboards, and data visualization platforms (e.g., Power BI, Tableau). Strong knowledge of accounting principles, accruals, close processes, expense classification, R&D capitalization rules, and controllership practices.

Preferred Requirements

MBA, CPA, or other advanced finance/accounting credential. Direct experience supporting Discovery Research, Preclinical Sciences, or early-stage R&D functions in a biopharma or life sciences company. Familiarity with stage-gate portfolio management, candidate nomination processes, and CRO/vendor contracting in a drug discovery context. Familiarity with integrated business planning (IBP) frameworks. Data literacy skills including SQL, Python (basic), or advanced Excel/Power Query for working with large, complex research datasets. Track record of leading or contributing to finance digital transformation initiatives. Experience partnering with Alliance Management or Business Development on research collaboration financials.

Knowledge & Skills

Strategic business judgment with a collaborative leadership style and the ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced, matrixed, and scientifically complex environment. Ability to connect business strategy, financial planning, accounting requirements, and operational execution into a coherent and actionable financial narrative for both finance and non-finance audiences. Forward-looking mindset and genuine passion for improving finance through automation, digital tools, and scalable, repeatable processes. Intellectual curiosity and scientific literacy — a genuine interest in understanding the drug discovery and preclinical development process to provide more impactful, contextually relevant financial partnership. Comfort navigating ambiguity and building structure and clarity in evolving, fast-scaling organizations where research priorities shift rapidly and financial models must adapt accordingly. Ability to manage competing priorities across multiple functions with distinct operating cadences and financial profiles, without sacrificing quality or stakeholder trust. Deep understanding of early-stage R&D financial dynamics including program-level cost tracking, FTE allocation, CRO/vendor management, and the financial implications of pipeline progression decisions.

About Vertex

At Vertex, we embrace continuous learning and encourage employees to stay informed on advances in AI, technology, automation, and industry trends. We seek talent who bring an external perspective, demonstrate curiosity and sound judgment, and thoughtfully adopt new capabilities that improve decision-making, drive innovation, increase efficiency, and help deliver better outcomes for patients.

Pay Range

Pay Range: $180,700 - $271,100 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

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;
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.

Company Information

Vertex is a global biotechnology company that invests in scientific innovation. Vertex is committed to equal employment opportunity and non-discrimination for all employees and qualified applicants without regard to a person's race, color, sex, gender identity or expression, age, religion, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, marital status, or any characteristic protected under applicable law. Vertex is an E-Verify Employer in the United States. Vertex will make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with known disabilities, in accordance with applicable law. Any applicant requiring an accommodation in connection with the hiring process and/or to perform the essential functions of the position for which the applicant has applied should make a request to the recruiter or hiring manager, or contact Talent Acquisition at [e-mail].

Help Us Achieve Our Mission Vertex is a global biotechnology company that invests in scientific innovation to create transformative medicines for people with serious diseases and conditions. The company has approved therapies for cystic fibrosis, sickle cell disease, transfusion‑dependent beta thalassemia, acute pain and acromegaly, and it continues to advance clinical and research programs in these areas. Vertex also has a robust clinical pipeline of investigational therapies across a range of modalities in other serious diseases where it has deep insight into causal human biology, including IgA nephropathy, neuropathic pain, APOL1‑mediated kidney disease, primary membranous nephropathy, congenital adrenal hyperplasia, ACTH‑dependent Cushing’s syndrome, autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease, type 1 diabetes, generalized myasthenia gravis, and myotonic dystrophy type 1.

Vertex was founded in 1989 and has its global headquarters in Boston, with international headquarters in London. Additionally, the company has research and development sites and commercial offices in North America, Europe, Australia, Latin America and the Middle East. Vertex is consistently recognized as one of the industry's top places to work, including 16 consecutive years on Science magazine’s Top Employers list and one of Fortune’s 100 Best Companies to Work For. For company updates and to learn more about Vertex's history of innovation, visit www.vrtx.com or follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and X.

We believe our culture is one of Vertex’s greatest strengths and a key enabler of our ability to deliver transformative medicines for patients who need them. Rooted in innovation, purpose and collaboration, our culture empowers people to take smart risks, challenge conventional thinking and do their best work. The diversity of our people is central to that culture. By bringing together individuals with different backgrounds, experiences and perspectives, we foster an environment where new ideas thrive, better decisions are made and breakthrough innovation is possible. We are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued, included and connected to our shared mission, because we know that our unique culture and the collective strength of our people are what set Vertex apart.