Sr Director, Finance - FP & A (United States - California - Foster City)

This job is with Gilead Sciences Inc., an inclusive employer and a member of myGwork – the largest global platform for the LGBTQ+ business community. Please do not contact the recruiter directly.

At Gilead, we're creating a healthier world for all people. For more than 35 years, we've tackled diseases such as HIV, viral hepatitis, COVID-19 and cancer - working relentlessly to develop therapies that help improve lives and to ensure access to these therapies across the globe. We continue to fight against the world's biggest health challenges, and our mission requires collaboration, determination and a relentless drive to make a difference.

 

Every member of Gilead's team plays a critical role in the discovery and development of life-changing scientific innovations. Our employees are our greatest asset as we work to achieve our bold ambitions, and we're looking for the next wave of passionate and ambitious people ready to make a direct impact.

 

We believe every employee deserves a great leader. People Leaders are the cornerstone to the employee experience at Gilead and Kite. As a people leader now or in the future, you are the key driver in evolving our culture and creating an environment where every employee feels included, developed and empowered to fulfil their aspirations. Join Gilead and help create possible, together.

Job Description

 

About us

Gilead Sciences, Inc. is a research-based biopharmaceutical company that discovers, develops and commercializes innovative medicines in areas of unmet medical need. With each new discovery and investigational drug candidate, we seek to improve the care of patients living with life-threatening diseases around the world. Gilead's therapeutic areas of focus include HIV/AIDS, liver diseases, cancer and inflammation, and serious respiratory and cardiovascular conditions.

Being here matters. Together we deliver life-saving therapies to patients in need. With the commitment and drive you bring to the workplace every day, you will be part of a team that is changing the world and helping millions of people live healthier, more fulfilling lives.

This is a site based role at our global headquarters in Foster City, CA.

 

Specific Responsibilities & Skills for this Position

The Senior Director of Finance will lead a team of approximately nine professionals responsible for financial planning and analysis support for two key functions within the CFO organization: Global IT and Site Operations. This role serves as a trusted strategic partner to the IT Leadership Team, providing financial leadership and guidance on strategic, operational, and business decisions.

Reporting to the Vice President, G&A and Corporate Finance, the Senior Director will be a key member of the Corp & GA Finance leadership team. Success in this role requires the ability to build and maintain strong, collaborative partnerships across IT, Site Operations, and Finance while influencing decision-making at all levels of the organization.

As the primary finance business partner, the Senior Director will provide strategic direction, deliver actionable insights, and serve as the trusted advisor for financial analysis, planning, and decision support. The role demands exceptional communication, leadership, influence, and strategic thinking skills to drive business performance, optimize resource allocation, and create long-term value for the organization.

 

Essential Duties & Job Functions

Responsibilities include:

• Lead the three‑year strategic planning, annual operating plan, and ongoing forecast processes for IT and Site Operations. Provide actionable, business‑driven insights and scenario analyses to inform leadership decision‑making.
• Partner with IT and Site Operations leadership to evaluate and support investment decisions requiring both Capital and OpEx funding, ensuring alignment with strategic priorities and financial objectives.
• Oversee the monthly and quarterly close processes, including expense accruals, management reporting, and budget‑to‑actual variance analysis. Communicate results and key drivers to IT and Site Operations leadership as well as senior Finance executives.
• Collaborate closely with Controllership to assess and align on accounting treatment for complex and strategic initiatives, including AI programs, new building investments, site closures, and other infrastructure‑related projects.
• Proactively identify and implement process improvements to enhance the efficiency, accuracy, and effectiveness of financial reporting, forecasting, and analysis.
• Provide ad‑hoc financial analyses and project support to executive leadership, supporting critical business decisions and strategic initiatives.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a high‑performing finance team. Attract, retain, and develop top talent through effective coaching, performance management, and professional development to meet evolving business needs.

 

Knowledge, Experience, & Skills

• The preferred candidate will possess a minimum of 14+ years' experience with a BA/BS, 12+ with an MBA, having held positions of increasing scope and responsibility, including at least 5-7 years' experience as a senior finance leader and business partner.
• A minimum of 4-6 years of management experience is required, growing teams of a minimum of 6 people.
• A BS or BA is required, and an MBA or CPA is strongly preferred.
• Prior experience in bio-tech or pharma is strongly preferred.
• In-depth proficiency in aspects of accounting and finance and knowledge of US GAAP is required.
• In depth knowledge of IT, Business Intelligence, Planning and ERP systems is required with proficiency in Microsoft tools.
• Experience in high-growth, multi-national organization a plus.

 

The key competencies for this candidate are:

• Excellent interpersonal skills: an inquisitive mind, and the ability to work effectively with multiple functions are required.
• Ability to quickly establish credibility with diverse audiences and be perceived as a leader is required.
• Business Savvy and Financial Acumen: The candidate will possess technical knowledge on analytics, business foresight, and problem-solving skills.
• Results Orientation: The ideal candidate will be results-driven and must thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment. You must have the ability to deliver results and possess a strong drive to meet and exceed goals and is willing to take ownership of problems and make sound decisions.
• Team Leadership: Demonstrates ability to align and motivate a team to achieve objectives including financial results, timely and accurate reporting, transparency, and controls. You will lead, attract, train & develop a team of highly capable skilled finance professionals to support the Commercial business.
• Change Leadership: The candidate will be an independent self-starter and a proactive leader with a drive to strive for continuous improvement and consistently challenging the status quo. Will be viewed by business partners and Finance colleagues as a thought leader with strong, influencing capabilities, who can also maintain open and transparent communication channels.

 

The salary range for this position is: $243,100.00 - $314,600.00. Gilead considers a variety of factors when determining base compensation, including experience, qualifications, and geographic location. These considerations mean actual compensation will vary. This position may also be eligible for a discretionary annual bonus, discretionary stock-based long-term incentives (eligibility may vary based on role), paid time off, and a benefits package. Benefits include company-sponsored medical, dental, vision, and life insurance plans*.

For additional benefits information, visit:

* Eligible employees may participate in benefit plans, subject to the terms and conditions of the applicable plans.

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Gilead Sciences Inc. is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment, and is dedicated to fostering an inclusive work environment comprised of diverse perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences. Employment decisions regarding recruitment and selection will be made without discrimination based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex , age, sexual orientation, physical or mental <