Senior Director, Global Accounting
uniQure’s Finance team, led by the VP Global Controller, is mainly based in Amsterdam. The global finance team includes the global accounting team (led by this role), corporate accounting/ financial reporting and FP&A teams. The Senior Director Global Accounting will be part of uniQure’s Finance leadership team, and is expected to contribute to culture, strategy and development of the organization.
This role leads the global accounting team (approximately 8 team members) and works closely with the VP Group Controller and company CFO in the delivery of the organization’s financial objectives. The function oversees the company’s global accounting operations (e.g. month-end close, AP, AR, payroll, support statutory reporting and local tax filings, etc.) and is responsible for ensuring financial compliance of all company entities as well as maintaining effective SOX controls. This is a key role in the organizing and should be considered as potential succession planning for the VP Global Controller position.
Key result areas (major duties, accountabilities and responsibilities)
- Lead and further develop the global accounting operation organizations with teams in Amsterdam and Boston
- Drive timely and accurate completion of financial close cycles of the company. Maintain and operate adequate systems and controls to improve the close and reporting cycles to ensure timely and accurate reporting.
- Ensure teams are operating in compliance with company accounting policies and procedures to ensure that all financial transactions are executed and documented in accordance with US GAAP (and IFRS)
- Safeguard compliance with local tax laws and support timely preparation of all filings
- Monitor the quality of information and integrity of the sub ledgers within ERP (Exact)
- Coaching and training of your team, constantly improve processes and monitoring of relevant systems
- Establish and maintain systems and controls that verify the integrity of all systems, processes and data
- Drive for continuous process improvements and operational efficiency (e.g. system roadmap, ERP optimization, RPA/AI, etc.)
- Own preparation of data for all financial audits and serve as the key business partner for internal and external accountants
- At least 12+ years of relevant experience. Preferably, this experience has been gained in a listed, multinational corporate environment
- Academic background (BSc/MSc) in finance/accounting with relevant prof. qualification (RA, CPA or equivalent)
- Excellent management skills, track record of developing global organizations and teams
- Strong technical and practical knowledge in US GAAP and/or IFRS accounting
- Self-motivated, willing to go the extra mile and excellent time management skills
- Strong understanding of income tax filings/ statutory reporting and managing local service providers
- Proven track record of career progression and taking on more responsibilities effectively and quickly
- Background working in a pharmaceutical or biotechnology company a strong plus
- Experience with SOX and SEC filings is desirable
- High level of influencing and networking skills combined with an ability to build excellent working relationships at the senior level
- Self-starter, ability to work in a fast-paced and ever-changing environment
- Confident in giving advice and developing people and teams
- Focused on the quality of outcomes and drive to win
- Accurate, good analytical skills, strong communication skills, hands-on
- Ability to structure and optimize complex situations
- Strong communication skills and fully fluent in English