Commercial Finance Director

Purpose

The Commercial Finance Director is a senior leadership role reporting to the VP of Commercial Finance, acting as a key commercial partner to Business Unit Leaders and the Executive Management Team. This position serves as the financial lead for a portfolio of P&L accounts, operating in a “CFO” capacity. Previous experience working within a Contract Research Organisation (CRO) is essential for this role. The role is responsible for driving financial performance, providing robust decision support, and ensuring clear visibility of the financial and cash implications of business decisions.

A core expectation of this role is the ability to translate complex financial and operational data into actionable insights. The Commercial Finance Director will leverage advanced analytical thinking and modern data tools (e.g., advanced Excel, Power BI, and evolving AI-enabled analytics capabilities) to enhance forecasting, improve performance, and support strategic decision-making.

Key Responsibilities

The tasks listed below outline the scope of this position. The application of these tasks may vary, based on current business needs. The Commercial Finance Director will take on a broad remit, including:

Strategic Financial Leadership & Business Partnering

• Act as a trusted financial advisor to Business Unit Leaders, providing challenge and insight to improve operational and financial performance.
• Develop and support strategic plans for the financial success and growth of assigned business units.
• Apply strong commercial judgment, supported by data and analysis, to evaluate investments and operational decisions.
• Act as a thought partner to the CFO, COO, and Executive Leadership Team on financial and business strategy.

Advanced Analytics, Forecasting & Decision Support

• Lead the development of accurate and insightful financial forecasts in collaboration with operational teams.

Financial Planning, Reporting & Performance Management

Own monthly internal management reporting across business units and client accounts, including:

• Revenue and volume performance
• Profitability and savings
• Working capital and cash generation
• KPIs, risks, opportunities, and trends
• Variance analysis against plan and forecast
• Establish and maintain KPI frameworks to monitor and drive business performance.
• Deliver external financial reporting for clients and present performance insights in review meetings.

Commercial & Contractual Support

• Provide financial analysis to support the negotiation of contracts, renewals, and commercial terms.
• Partner with Legal and Commercial teams to ensure financial implications are clearly understood and reflected in agreements.
• Present financial performance and insights directly to clients, ensuring clarity and transparency.

Operational Excellence & Finance Transformation

• Establish and maintain an effective operating rhythm within the Finance function, implementing structured processes and disciplines.
• Drive continuous improvement in reporting, forecasting, and financial processes through enhanced data usage and analytical rigor.

Leadership & Team Development

• Lead, mentor, and develop Finance team members, fostering strong analytical and commercial capabilities.

Qualifications & Experience

• Degree in accounting, finance, or equivalent experience.
• Minimum of 5 years’ experience in commercial finance.

Technical & Analytical Skills

• Advanced Excel and AI skillsets and strong data manipulation capabilities.
• Experience with Power BI or similar tools preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze and use AI to analyze complex datasets and translate findings into actionable business insights (aligned with the reporting and forecasting responsibilities defined in the role).

Leadership & Communication Skills

• Experience leading and developing teams with strong emotional intelligence.
• Ability to clearly communicate complex financial concepts to non-finance stakeholders.

Core Competencies

• Strong problem-solving and organizational skills with a proactive, resourceful mindset.
• High integrity, accountability, and ability to perform under pressure.
• Client-focused, collaborative, and commercially minded approach.
• Inquisitive, analytical, and willing to challenge constructively to drive business outcomes.

Veramed is a B Corp accredited company which means that we use the power of business to build a more inclusive and sustainable economy meeting the highest verified standards of social and environmental performance, transparency, and accountability.

As an organisation that has people at the heart of it, Veramed is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunities employer. We foster a working culture where employees have integrity, honesty and respect for one another without regard to race, national origin, religion, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation or disability. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment.