Role Summary
We are seeking a Senior Director/Director to lead the R&D Finance function, which serves as the primary finance business partner to R&D leadership within Immunome. The role oversees a hybrid finance and accounting team responsible for accruals, internal reporting, budgeting and forecasting, and strategic financial support across our Research, Technical Operations, and Development organizations. This role combines a strong understanding of US GAAP accounting with forward-looking FP&A capabilities to drive financial performance management and decision support across R&D. The role will partner closely with Finance leadership and with leaders across the R&D organization, and is expected to build and scale the R&D Finance team as Immunomeโs pipeline grows and matures.
Responsibilities
- Lead the R&D Finance function, serving as the primary finance business partner to R&D leadership across Research, Technical Operations, and Development.
- Define and execute an effective R&D Finance partnership model that supports financial insight, decision-making, and performance management.
- Oversee preparation of internal R&D financial reporting, including variance analysis, budget-to-actuals for cash burn and GAAP activity, and executive-level summaries.
- Develop a deep understanding of the activities, timelines, and cost drivers underlying drug discovery, clinical development, and technical operations in order to deliver clear financial analysis and support executive-level decision making.
- Lead R&D budgeting, forecasting, and long-range planning in partnership with Project Management and R&D leadership.
- Develop and maintain detailed program-level and functional forecasts, including robust clinical trial forecasts based on timelines, enrollment assumptions, and cost drivers.
- Ensure R&D plans are translated into accurate, forward-looking financial forecasts that support decision-making, scenario analysis, and alignment with enterprise financial objectives.
- Lead monthly accrual tracking and review for significant R&D spend areas, including clinical trials, CROs, and other program-level expenses, as needed.
- Review and approve key monthly journal entries related to R&D spend, ensuring compliance with US GAAP and internal accounting policies.
- Partner closely with Accounting to ensure timely, accurate close processes and adherence to SOX controls.
- Support external reporting and audit activities by providing documentation, analysis, and commentary related to R&D and clinical trial spend.
- Build, lead, and develop the R&D Finance team, establishing clear roles, expectations, and development plans as the organization and pipeline scale.
- Collaborate cross-functionally with Finance and R&D leadership to ensure alignment across financial planning, reporting, accruals, and performance management.
- Serve as a key finance participant in cross-functional initiatives to build scalable processes, systems, and infrastructure as the company grows and matures.
- Drive cross-functional alignment around assumptions, timelines, and financial implications for R&D programs to ensure consistent planning and communication.
Qualifications
- Bachelorโs degree in Finance, Accounting, or related field; CPA and/or MBA preferred.
- A minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in finance and/or accounting roles, with significant experience supporting R&D organizations in the life sciences or biotechnology industry.
Skills
- Demonstrated experience leading finance activities that integrate financial planning, analysis and reporting, accounting oversight, and effective business partnership in a dynamic and growing organization.
- Strong understanding of US GAAP as it relates to R&D accounting, accruals, and complex vendor and clinical trial contracts.
- Ability to understand, evaluate, and report on financial information using both GAAP and cash accounting methodologies.
- Strong business partnering skills with the ability to effectively collaborate with and influence stakeholders across all levels of the organization and a wide range of functional areas.
- Proven leadership skills with experience managing small teams, multiple stakeholders, and leading cross-functional initiatives.
- Ability to develop a deep understanding of scientific, clinical, and technical drivers across the R&D lifecycle and translate them into clear financial insights.
- Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to convey complex financial information to senior management.
- Self-directed leader who thrives in a fast-paced, evolving environment and can balance strategic thinking with strong execution and attention to detail.
- Proficiency with financial planning/reporting software and ERP systems; experience with NetSuite, Vena, and working with data from clinical trial planning and management systems is a plus.