Head of Finance - Europe (Remote)

Scholar Rock is a biopharmaceutical company that discovers, develops, and delivers life-changing therapies for people with serious diseases that have high unmet need. As a global leader in the biology of the transforming growth factor beta (TGFβ) superfamily of cell proteins and named for the visual resemblance of a scholar rock to protein structures, the clinical-stage company is focused on advancing innovative treatments where protein growth factors are fundamental. Over the past decade, the company has created a pipeline with the potential to advance the standard of care for neuromuscular disease, cardiometabolic disorders, cancer, and other conditions where growth factor-targeted drugs can play a transformational role.

Scholar Rock is the only company to show clinical proof of concept for a muscle-targeted treatment in spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). This commitment to unlocking fundamentally different therapeutic approaches is powered by broad application of a proprietary platform, which has developed novel monoclonal antibodies to modulate protein growth factors with extraordinary selectivity. By harnessing cutting-edge science in disease spaces that are historically under-addressed through traditional therapies, Scholar Rock works every day to create new possibilities for patients. Learn more about the company’s approach at ScholarRock.com and follow @ScholarRock and on LinkedIn.

Summary of Position:

Scholar Rock is building its operations in Europe ahead of its first commercial launch.  We are looking for inspirational leaders who understand what it will take to build a new organization to advance our mission of bringing innovative medicines to patients having SMA.

Reporting to the SVP, Finance, the Europe Head of Finance will have responsibility for the Finance operations functions for the European subsidiaries of Scholar Rock. It is a unique opportunity to build out the organization from the beginning, join the leadership of a growing and expanding global finance team, as well as to play a key role in Europe as the finance partner to the General Manager in Europe.

This role will demand an ability to work strategically and operationally in equal measures and the right person will thrive in ambiguity and possess an entrepreneurial and innovative spirit. There’s a lot to do – so high energy levels and a sense of humor will be required.

The successful candidate will have previously worked for a subsidiary of a US company and enjoy wearing multiple hats, show a proven track record for hands-on setting up and managing accounting processes and systems relevant to a small but growing European team. This individual will have the opportunity to partner with a cross-functional team of leaders to help establish European operations.  This position provides the opportunity for both operational and strategic management of the European finance functions, including accounting, tax and FP&A. The candidate will be required to have in-depth knowledge of accounting processes and systems including the general ledger, payroll and T&E systems.  This position will require a hands-on approach, strong organization, clear communication, attention to detail and a great sense of teamwork. 

Position Responsibilities:

• Controllership:
• Oversee and lead all accounting operations activities associated with European finance operations
• Ensure information is provided timely for consolidation in US.
• Ensure systems are maintained in compliance with local requirements as well as a strong internal control environment (SOX 404) for the international business.
• Maintain adequate processes, controls internally and with the 3PL/supply chain organization to ensure timely and accurate revenue recognition and reporting as well as expense accounting and reporting for the commercialization of the Company’s products throughout the international market.
• Set up and maintain Concur policy for travel for our European employees.
• Assist in setting up policies related to transparency reporting in Europe
• Leadership:
• Position will also require partnership with various members of cross functional teams both across Europe and in the US
• Help to build European finance team, including creating processes to enable timely closing procedures that are scalable for growth
• Tax: 
• Ensure statutory tax accounting is conducted in coordination with country-specific requirements.
• Oversee VAT accounting
• FP&A:
• Work with the Corporate FP&A team as the leader in Europe for the annual budgeting and periodic forecasting updates
• Lead the preparation and management review of quarterly financial reports which compares actual vs. budget on a country and regional basis.
• Supporting the Corporate Finance team initiatives and/or providing other strategic analyses 

Candidate Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in business, Accounting, or Finance
• CPA and/or MBA preferred
• Hands-on knowledge of accounting operations and processes, tax and FP&A
• Prior management of a team
• Familiarity with internal controls requirements in a public company 
• Strong organizational and problem-solving skills with the ability to manage multiple projects at one time
• Thrives in a dynamic environment
• Ability to work effectively globally with cross-functional teams
• Ability to influence the organization to implement new Policies, Procedures and Programs.
• Strong analytical skills with attention to detail and accuracy.
• Excellent communication and relationship building skills
• At least 15 years of applicable experience in a pharmaceutical or biotechnology environment with prior experience working for a subsidiary of a US entity

Scholar Rock is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.