Finance Director International Vaccines & Fmd

The Finance Director for International Vaccines & Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) plays a pivotal role in the financial health and strategic direction of a complex and often high-stakes global operation. This position requires a blend of deep financial expertise, international business acumen, and an understanding of the specific challenges associated with vaccine development, manufacturing, and distribution, particularly concerning FMD.

A core responsibility is overseeing all financial planning, budgeting, and forecasting activities. This involves constructing detailed financial models to project revenue, expenses, and profitability, taking into account fluctuations in global markets, currency exchange rates, and varying regulatory landscapes across different countries. The Director must accurately forecast the financial impact of R&D investments in new vaccine technologies, manufacturing plant expansions, and supply chain optimization initiatives.

Financial reporting is another critical area. The Finance Director ensures the accuracy and timeliness of all financial statements, complying with both local and international accounting standards (e.g., IFRS). They lead the preparation of reports for senior management, the board of directors, and external stakeholders, providing insightful analysis of financial performance, highlighting key trends, and identifying areas for improvement. Transparency and rigorous adherence to compliance regulations are paramount, especially when dealing with government contracts and international funding.

Given the international scope, managing currency risk is a significant challenge. The Director develops and implements hedging strategies to mitigate the impact of exchange rate volatility on revenues and costs. They also need to navigate complex tax laws and regulations in multiple jurisdictions, optimizing tax efficiency while ensuring compliance. This may involve transfer pricing strategies, international tax planning, and working with external tax advisors.

The Finance Director actively participates in strategic decision-making, providing financial insights to support investment proposals, acquisitions, and partnerships. They conduct due diligence on potential targets, assess the financial viability of new projects, and contribute to negotiations. A key aspect is evaluating the cost-effectiveness of various production and distribution models, considering factors such as cold chain logistics, regulatory approvals, and market access barriers.

Moreover, this individual is responsible for building and leading a high-performing finance team, providing mentorship, training, and development opportunities. Strong leadership skills are essential to motivate the team and foster a culture of collaboration, accuracy, and continuous improvement. The Director acts as a key liaison between the finance team and other departments, including R&D, manufacturing, sales, and marketing, ensuring effective communication and alignment of financial goals with overall business objectives.

The specific focus on FMD adds another layer of complexity. FMD is a highly contagious viral disease affecting livestock, with significant economic consequences. The Finance Director must understand the specific market dynamics of FMD vaccines, including government procurement processes, pricing pressures, and the competitive landscape. They work closely with the commercial team to develop pricing strategies that balance profitability with market access and public health considerations.