Accounting Manager (15 months fixed term)

What you will do 

• Record-to-report ownership: Lead the IFRS month-end and quarter-end close for defined APIO areas, including Intangible assets, Opex, Capex, and embedded leases; ensure timely, accurate, and compliant outcomes. 

• Technical accounting leadership: Provide guidance on capital projects in line with AZ Group policy; assess accounting treatments for changes in facts and circumstances while meeting global deadlines. 

• Cross-team collaboration: Partner with Finance colleagues locally and globally; liaise with GFS Ireland to drive a complete and accurate execution of close tasks. 

• Financial reporting & commentary: Prepare APIO month-end and quarter-end reporting inputs, including financial analysis and variance commentary; own the preparation of APIO reporting packs for quarterly meetings. 

• Balance sheet integrity: Review highrisk balance sheet reconciliations; drive timely resolution of reconciling items and strengthen account ownership across APIO. 

• Impairment & costing: Support impairment assessments for intangible and tangible assets, as required; review standard cost analyses, investigate anomalies, and ensure alignment with expectations. 

• Statutory reporting: Manage the local statutory audit and FRS 102 financial statement preparation; act as the key liaison with external auditors and service providers; prepare board materials for approval. 

• US GAAP alignment: Assess accounting differences under US GAAP for subconsolidation purposes; ensure appropriate documentation and communication. 

• Tax support: Engage with Tax on compliance activities, including R&D tax credit submissions and related accounting. 

• Controls & compliance: Operate within the SOX control framework; perform assigned controls; support Internal and External audit walkthroughs; maintain and update control narratives as required. 

• Management reporting: Prepare ad hoc APIO management accounts and reporting packs when required.  

• Process improvement: Leverage automation tools and AI to drive process efficiencies, strengthen data quality, and reduce manual effort. 

• Transformation & integration: Support AZ integration initiatives and S/4HANA deployment activities as needed. 

• Stakeholder engagement: Build strong relationships across the Alexion/AZ network and with thirdparty stakeholders; support Group, Internal, and Statutory audit efforts. 

What you will need 

• Professional accounting qualification: ACA, ACCA, CIMA (or equivalent). 

• Experience: Minimum 5+ years postqualification or industry experience in accounting/controllership. 

• Technical skills: High proficiency in Microsoft Excel; strong numeracy and analytical capability with meticulous attention to detail. 

• Communication & collaboration: Proven interpersonal skills; strong written and verbal communication. 

What we would prefer 

• Organizational excellence: Ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining high performance standards. 

• Learning mindset: Natural curiosity and ability to learn quickly. 

• Standards & frameworks: Strong understanding of IFRS and/or US GAAP. 

• Industry background: Experience in a multinational pharmaceutical or life sciences environment.