Finance Lead, Immunology Forecasting Lead

As a Finance Lead at AbbVie, your responsibilities will include developing accurate sales projections for our immunology franchise, managing the consolidation process for actuals and planning, and collaborating closely with teams across Marketing, Sales Management, and Commercial Finance. You will also support the month-end close process, communicate sales results, and engage in ad-hoc analytical support for various business needs, ensuring that our forecasts effectively inform key business decisions.

To apply for the Finance Lead position at AbbVie, candidates must have a Bachelor's degree in Finance or Accounting, while a CPA or MBA is considered a plus. Additionally, a minimum of 6 years of relevant experience in analytics, forecasting, or financial planning is required. The ideal candidate should possess strong analytical and interpersonal skills, as well as proficiency in Excel and PowerPoint, with knowledge of SAP or BPC being advantageous.

AbbVie is committed to the professional development of its employees, including Finance Leads. Opportunities for growth can be found through leadership training, mentorship programs, and involvement in cross-functional projects. The collaborative environment encourages continuous learning and helps position team members for future roles within the organization, fostering both personal and professional advancement.

Finance Leads at AbbVie utilize various analytical tools and software for accurate forecasting. Proficiency in Excel, PowerPoint, and platforms like SAP and PowerBI is essential for building financial models and data visualizations. These tools enable Finance Leads to analyze complex data sets effectively, making informed decisions that impact the company’s strategy and revenue projections.

The work culture for Finance Leads at AbbVie is dynamic and inclusive, emphasizing teamwork, innovation, and open communication. Employees are encouraged to voice their ideas and engage in collaborative problem-solving, which contributes to a positive working environment. The company’s commitment to diversity and inclusion means that Finance Leads can expect to work alongside talented individuals from various backgrounds, enhancing creativity and business outcomes.

When answering this question, focus on your specific experiences related to sales forecasting within the pharmaceutical sector. Highlight the techniques you’ve used to analyze data trends, collaborate with cross-functional teams, and your understanding of the market dynamics. Discuss any challenges you've faced, how you overcame them, and emphasize the impact your forecasts had on business strategies.

To effectively respond to this question, provide a structured approach to task prioritization. Discuss your time management skills, the methods you use to assess task urgency and importance, and any tools you rely on to organize your workload, such as project management software or particular strategies. Sharing a specific example from past experiences can help illustrate your effectiveness in managing multiple priorities.

This is an opportunity to showcase your technical skills. Be specific about the tools you’ve used, such as Excel for data analysis, PowerBI for visualization, and any ERP systems like SAP or BPC that you’re familiar with. Explain how you’ve leveraged these tools in your forecasting and data analysis processes to contribute to effective decision-making within previous organizations.

When answering, emphasize your attention to detail and methodological approach. Discuss the processes you implement for reconciling data, validating assumptions, and how you incorporate feedback from cross-functional teams. Providing an example of a time when your thoroughness led to accurate projections will strengthen your answer.

Highlight your analytical skills and the various techniques you employ for trend analysis. Discuss data sources you use, such as market research, clinical trial data, and competitor analysis. Explain how you synthesize this information to inform your forecasts and strategically influence business decisions. Providing specific examples or results from your analysis can demonstrate your expertise.

Share a situation where you successfully translated complex financial concepts into straightforward terms for a non-financial audience. Mention the strategies you used to enhance their understanding, such as visual aids or analogies, and the importance of clear communication in fostering collaboration and decision-making within the team.

Identify key metrics such as market share, prescription data, patient demographics, and competitive landscape analysis as vital for sales forecasting. Explain why these metrics are important and how they influence financial outcomes. Including examples of how you’ve tracked and utilized these metrics in previous roles will provide depth to your response.

Discuss your openness to feedback and how it contributes to professional growth. Share a specific instance where you received feedback on your forecasts, how you processed it, and any changes you implemented as a result. Highlighting your willingness to learn and adapt will present you as a flexible and collaborative team member.

When responding, align your answer with AbbVie’s mission and values. Discuss how your career goals resonate with their commitment to innovation and improving patients' lives. Highlight your enthusiasm for contributing to their Immunology franchise and how your skills and experiences uniquely position you to succeed in this role.

Explain the methods you use to keep informed about industry trends, such as following relevant publications, attending webinars, participating in professional associations, or networks. Demonstrating your proactive approach to continuous learning will showcase your commitment to excellence in the finance sector.