Senior Director, Financial Planning & Analysis

The Senior Director of Financial Planning & Analysis at Scholar Rock plays a crucial role in linking planned business activities with actual financial results. This involves leading the FP&A team, managing the budgeting and forecasting processes, and providing in-depth financial analysis to support various business functions. The position requires significant expertise in financial analysis methods, US GAAP, and advanced analytical skills.

To be eligible for the Senior Director of FP&A position at Scholar Rock, candidates should possess a Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance, with a CPA or MBA preferred. A minimum of 8 years of finance experience, particularly in biotech, pharma, or medical devices, along with knowledge of US GAAP and SOX compliance requirements, is essential.

The Senior Director, FP&A contributes vital financial insights that support Scholar Rock’s mission to provide innovative therapies for serious diseases. By managing financial planning and analysis, this role ensures that business decisions are financially sound, enabling the company to allocate resources effectively to advance its clinical pipeline and drive patient-centric outcomes.

During the interview process for the Senior Director of FP&A at Scholar Rock, candidates can expect a thorough evaluation of their technical financial skills, leadership capabilities, and cultural fit within the organization. Interviews may include discussions about past experiences, strategic thinking related to financial planning, and scenarios involving team management and business partnering.

Success in the Senior Director of FP&A role at Scholar Rock hinges on strong leadership skills, extensive knowledge of financial planning and analysis, and the ability to think strategically. Proficiency in financial management software, particularly Adaptive, as well as advanced Excel skills for modeling, are also crucial for navigating the complexities of this position.

The culture at Scholar Rock fosters collaboration, inclusivity, and a commitment to excellence within the FP&A team. The company values open communication and encourages team members to contribute innovative ideas while supporting each other’s professional development. A start-up mentality combined with a focus on significant impact characterizes the working environment.

Opportunities for growth within the FP&A team at Scholar Rock are abundant, as the organization is committed to developing its talent. The Senior Director role includes mentoring and coaching team members, and as the company grows, there will be chances for career advancement, skill development, and involvement in larger strategic initiatives.

To effectively approach financial forecasting in a rapidly changing environment, I emphasize continuous data analysis and adaptability. I use historical data to identify trends but remain flexible to adjust assumptions based on new information. Engaging with various business units to gather their insights ensures that forecasts are more aligned with current realities.

I once led an initiative to streamline our budget approval process by introducing a centralized digital platform. This reduced our approval time by 25%, eliminated paper trails, and improved stakeholder visibility, ultimately making the budget process more efficient and collaborative.

I am well-versed in using Adaptive for financial planning and analysis, which I've leveraged to create dynamic budgeting models and provide real-time reporting. My experience with NetSuite allows me to integrate accounting data seamlessly, enhancing the accuracy of our forecasts and variance analyses.

When discrepancies occur between budget forecasts and actual results, I prioritize thorough investigation by analyzing all cost drivers and stakeholder feedback. I focus on identifying root causes and implementing corrective actions, while also communicating transparently with the relevant teams to adjust expectations and plans where necessary.

My leadership style is collaborative and empowering. I believe in setting clear goals while allowing team members the autonomy to explore solutions. I motivate my FP&A team by encouraging continuous learning and celebrating their successes, fostering a culture where everyone feels valued and capable of making impactful contributions.

To communicate complex financial information to non-financial stakeholders, I utilize clear, concise visuals and relatable examples to explain concepts. I focus on the implications of the data for the business and encourage questions to ensure understanding, adapting my communication style to suit the audience’s expertise level.

In a high-pressure environment, I prioritize tasks by evaluating deadlines and potential impacts on business decisions. I make use of project management tools to track progress and stay organized while remaining flexible to adjust my priorities as new information arises or urgent matters need attention.

Analytics plays a crucial role in my decision-making process as it informs strategic choices. I rely on data-driven insights to guide discussions and recommendations, ensuring that our financial planning aligns with the overall goals of the organization, helping to mitigate risks and capitalize on opportunities effectively.

I have extensive experience leading cross-functional teams by fostering open lines of communication and collaboration. I often schedule regular check-ins and workshops to encourage teamwork and alignment, emphasizing the shared objectives. This approach facilitates smoother project execution and enhances the quality of our financial analyses.

To analyze cost drivers and variances in financial reports, I employ variance analysis techniques, breaking down expenses into categories and comparing them to budgeted figures. I utilize financial modeling tools and dashboards for real-time insights, which help me to grasp underlying trends, enabling deeper investigations into anomalies.