Associate Director, FP&A MRL Finance (Hybrid - NJ or PA)

Job Description Role Overview Our Company's Research Laboratories drives breakthrough science through drug discovery, development, and clinical evaluation to address important medical needs. This Associate Director, Financial Planning & Analysis role will provide financial leadership within the Discovery, Preclinical and Translational Medicine (DPTM) organization. Reporting and Scope The position will operate under the guidance of Our Company's Research Laboratories Finance Director who supports the Composition of Matter functions within DPTM. This role will support the Pharmacokinetics, Dynamics, Metabolism & Bioanalytics (PDMB) and Non-clinical Drug Safety (NDS) functions, including large capital projects, and assist the Finance Director with ad hoc analyses and business priorities as needed. The position will partner with clients to develop financial, strategic, and operational plans and deploy resources against critical business drivers, including annual functional objectives and long‑term strategic goals. Key Responsibilities Build strong relationships with internal and external business partners, including IT, Project Management, Procurement, Alliance and Project Management, and broader Finance, to serve as an active business partner and advisor. Support coordinated planning and execution of client priorities, including strategy, business plans, and operational objectives. Develop expense and capital budgets, quarterly forecasts, and long‑range operating plans that enable clients to meet goals and support broader organizational targets. Prepare ad hoc analyses, processes, and tools to support change initiatives and evolving business needs. Perform monthly close activities, including journal entries, actuals review, variance commentary, spending trend analysis, and corrective action recommendations as needed. Promote effective resource utilization, with a focus on internal headcount and external sourcing. Core Activities Provide end‑to‑end financial support across budgeting and forecast cycles, quarter close, risks and opportunities, and strategic planning. Present key analytics to business partners and Finance leaders during quarterly results and forecast cycles. Act as a strong business advisor by challenging the value of spend, measuring business health, asking the right questions, and providing appropriate pushback when needed. Development Opportunities Gain exposure to the drug development process and the Research & Development pipeline while supporting DPTM. Strengthen creative thinking, analytical problem‑solving, and business advisory skills. Gain experience in change management and project management. Expand professional networks through engagement with key business partners, including IT, Project Management, Human Resources, Procurement, and other functions. Travel Limited to no travel unless deemed important by the business or clients. Position Qualifications Education Minimum: B.A./B.S., preferably in Business, Finance, Science, or Engineering. Preferred: MBA, CPA, or other M.A., M.S., or doctorate in Business, Finance, Science, or Engineering. Required Experience and Skills Minimum of five years of experience in Finance. Strong FP & A experience required. Strong financial acumen and analytical capability. Proactive approach to problem‑solving. Sound, balanced judgment with the ability to assess and manage risk. Results‑ and process‑driven orientation. Passion and intellectual curiosity for research and development. Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a challenging, complex environment. Demonstrated ability to influence, build, and maintain client and peer relationships. Excellent communication skills. Strong computer skills, particularly with SAP, BPC, Microsoft Excel, and Microsoft PowerPoint. Required Skills Capital Projects, Corporate Financial Planning and Analysis (FP&A), Data Visualization, Financial Analysis, Financial Modeling, Financial Planning, Microsoft Excel, Planning Budgeting and Forecasting (PBF), Preparation of Financial Reports, Project Management, Stakeholder Management, Strategic Planning, Variance Analysis Preferred Skills None specified. Benefits We offer a comprehensive package of benefits, including medical, dental, vision, healthcare and other insurance benefits (for employee and family), retirement benefits, including 401(k), paid holidays, vacation, and compassionate and sick days. Compensation Salary range: $129,000.00 - $203,100.00. The successful candidate will be eligible for an annual bonus and long‑term incentive, if applicable. Job Details Employee Status: Regular Relocation: No relocation VISA Sponsorship: No Travel Requirements: 10% Flexible Work Arrangements: Hybrid Shift: Not Indicated Valid Driving License: No Hazardous Material(s): N/A Job Posting End Date: 07/19/2026 Requisition ID: R406865 EEO Statement As an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, we provide equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. We comply with all affirmative action requirements for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. Legal Notice We provide a comprehensive package of benefits and compensation as described above. This posting remains open until its stated end date. If your application shows that your qualifications match this role, we encourage you to explore further via the provided internal and external channels. For additional information about personal rights under U.S. Equal Opportunity Employment laws, visit EEOC Know Your Rights and EEOC GINA Supplement . #J-18808-Ljbffr Merck & Co.