Project Finance Analyst I

About the Role

The Project Finance Analyst I (PFA I) is part of the Financial Planning and Analysis team and supports the financial management of contracted clinical research projects across functions and geographies. The role works closely with Project Managers, Project Leads, and FP&A leadership to monitor project financial performance, forecasting, revenue recognition, reporting, billing, and compliance with contractual requirements.

Key Responsibilities

Project Finance

• Participate in project handovers from Business Development to Project Operations and understand contractual terms, scope, and subcontractor arrangements affecting project financials.

• Support Project Managers in forecasting project hours and revenue, monitoring revenue recognition, posting journal entries, and comparing forecasted results with actuals.

• Review monthly project financial performance, billing status, trends, anomalies, and variances; provide explanations and escalate issues as appropriate.

• Support month-end close activities, including investigator payments, pass-through expenses, general contractor labor, accruals, and customer invoicing.

• Forecast contractor hours and ensure subcontractor costs are appropriately accrued based on monthly revenue recognition.

• Assist with reconciliation of billing milestones, foreign exchange fluctuations, inflation, and other project financial items.

• Review project-level accounts receivable aging and support Finance and Project Operations with collections activities.

• Provide documentation for annual audit questionnaires and support audit or inspection activities.

• Assist Project Managers in resolving project finance issues and responding to sponsor queries.

• Participate in project review meetings and monitor key financial metrics.

• Identify and escalate potential scope changes in accordance with the Scope Change SOP.

• Prepare and review monthly project profitability reports and financial statements, identifying trends and anomalies for escalation.

Planning & Reporting

• Support quarterly forecasting and annual budgeting processes, ensuring project revenue and subcontractor cost forecasts reflect current trends.

• Assist in preparing monthly management reports and communicating revenue and cost trends related to project activities.

Process Improvement & Quality

• Contribute to the development, implementation, and centralization of Project Finance processes, procedures, systems, manuals, and policies.

• Identify and implement continuous improvement opportunities.

• Comply with the company's Quality Management Strategy, project documentation, SOPs, regulatory requirements, and designated systems.

• Maintain personal quality control over all assigned processes and activities.

Qualifications & Skills

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Economics, Accounting, or a related field required; Master's degree or MBA preferred.

• Minimum 5 years of relevant project finance experience, preferably within a CRO, life sciences, or pharmaceutical environment.

• Strong financial modeling, analytical, and project finance skills.

• Advanced Excel proficiency required; experience with Power BI, SAP, or Oracle is an advantage.

• Understanding of project financial structures, including debt and equity instruments.

• Excellent communication and presentation skills.

• Strong attention to detail, analytical thinking, and problem-solving abilities.

• Ability to manage multiple projects, priorities, and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary and benefits package based on skills and experience.

• Hybrid or remote working options depending on location and role.

• Learning, development, and career growth opportunities with access to a global network of scientific leaders.

• Employee wellbeing programs supporting work-life balance, recognition, engagement, and team connection.

• Opportunities to work on international projects and collaborate with diverse clients and teams.