Business Analyst - Tax US (GFS Americas)

Role Purpose

AstraZeneca is a global, innovation-driven biopharmaceutical business that focuses on the discovery, development and commercialization of prescription medicines for some of the world's most serious diseases. But we're more than one of the world's leading pharmaceutical companies. At AstraZeneca, we're proud to have a unique workplace culture that inspires innovation and collaboration. Here, employees are empowered to express diverse perspectives and are made to feel valued, energized and rewarded for their ideas and creativity.

Global Financial Services (GFS) was formed in Q3 2018 through the merger of Global Finance Operations, Integrated Finance Solutions and Cash Generation.  GFS is at the heart of the Finance function - accountable to the AstraZeneca (AZ) Group for the design and delivery of high quality, simple to operate transactional finance processes that enable our customers to focus on AZ’s strategic priorities.  

The creation of the Global Financial Services (GFS) centers in Warsaw (Poland), Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia) and San José (Costa Rica) will transform the AZ Middle Office to a central function, supporting the business regions through simplification, standardization across the globe, and a structure that is scalable to support the bold ambition of becoming a $80bn company by 2030. 

We have exciting opportunities to join our GFS Center in San José, which will establish best practices and be responsible for providing support to embedded finance (CFOs and country business partners and or BPs in Manufacturing).

Role Profile

As Business Analyst – Tax, you will be working in a team of approximately 6–8 analysts to execute & provide support to tax activities across AstraZeneca and Alexion entities. While the primary focus will be on US Federal and US State & Local tax matters, your responsibilities may also extend to global (Rest of the World) tax activities.

The incumbent will report to the GFS Tax Team Manager – US Tax and collaborate with GFS team members and senior stakeholders from Group Tax. This role requires flexibility to work across various tax areas as dictated by departmental needs, as well as the ability to prioritize and manage multiple assignments simultaneously.

Key Responsibilities

• Ensure timely, accurate delivery of tax-related outputs to internal stakeholders (Group Tax, GFS Tax Team Manager or delegate) and the Outsource Provider (OSP). Work collaboratively to support the delivery of local tax requirements. 
• Manage tax processes, proactively escalate and resolve issues. Deliver process excellence and ensure full compliance with the control’s framework.
• Plan, gather, prepare, and analyze accounting information used in the preparation of tax returns. Oversee transactional data collection, ensuring coordination and review so outputs meet tax requirements.
• Assist with tax compliance activities, including the preparation of direct, indirect, and other tax returns and process or request payments as needed.
• Support preparation of other tax activities such as R&D credit calculations, tax certificates, amongst others.
• Execute provision and reporting activities, preparation of quarterly and year-end tax provisions for group statutory reporting.
• Prepare tax accounting reconciliations and journal entries in Blackline.
• Ad/hoc requests support, including significant tax transactions or audits.
• Lead & coordinate meetings with stakeholders and address complex queries related to tax technical analysis.
• Build effective relationships with business partners and deliver excellent customer service.
• Support other team members, training and process transitions as required.
• Actively participate in initiatives for process improvement and standardization across the different business areas. Support global tax, finance transformation initiatives.
• Engage in Lean & Digital projects, bringing productivity to our processes.
• Document relevant processes under assigned areas of responsibility.

Essential Criteria

• A recognized finance or accounting qualification. Bachelor, Licentiate (Licenciatura) or Master’s degree. Degree level will be taken into consideration for job offer proposal.
• Relevant experience in finance, tax and accounting.
• 3+ years of experience in tax.
• Self-motivation and commitment to teamwork.
• Ability to work well in and across diverse global teams.
• English Language proficiency, both verbal and written, with the confidence to express clear opinions
  and ability to explain financial issues to non-financial management.
• Accounting fundamentals. Tax Accounting understanding.
• Proficiency in ERP Systems & advanced Microsoft Excel skills.
• Executive reporting (power point presentations).

Desirable Criteria

• Qualified finance professional or working towards a recognized financial qualification.
• General Accounting Principles (IFRS desirable).
• Proficiency in the usage of SAP.
• Cross boundary experience. Build relationships remotely and cross-culturally.
• Experience in Power BI, Power Automate, or other digital tools is considered a plus.

Competencies and Others

• Ethics & integrity.
• Self-driven & proactivity.
• Team player: ability to collaborate effectively.
• Customer service oriented with solid communication skills.
• Strong analytical capabilities and attention to detail.
• Critical thinking.
• Resilience.
• Learning Agility.
• Problem solving.

Other Role Requirements

• Schedule flexibility to work on holidays when necessary.
• Flexibility and Ability to travel and work in another AZ facilities outside the country when necessary.
• Schedule flexibility to work on the days off given by the wellness Policy when necessary (Política de Bienestar).

Internal and External Contacts/Customers

• The GFS function will interface with the Back Office Shared Services function, Business CFOs/Finance Business Partners and 3rd party specialist functions.

According to the company policies, the candidate must prove that there are no situations that generate a conflict of interest (COI) for the company. The non-existence of COI is considered as an objective requirement of the position. To know beforehand the weightings of COI contained in the policies of the company, consult the Human Resources Department.

AstraZeneca is an equal opportunity employer. AstraZeneca will consider all qualified applicants for employment without discrimination on grounds of disability, sex or sexual orientation, pregnancy or maternity leave status, race or national or ethnic origin, age, religion or belief, gender identity or re-assignment, marital or civil partnership status, protected veteran status (if applicable) or any other characteristic protected by law. AstraZeneca only employs individuals with the right to work in the country/ies where the role is advertised.

Date Posted

Closing Date

AstraZeneca embraces diversity and equality of opportunity.  We are committed to building an inclusive and diverse team representing all backgrounds, with as wide a range of perspectives as possible, and harnessing industry-leading skills.  We believe that the more inclusive we are, the better our work will be.  We welcome and consider applications to join our team from all qualified candidates, regardless of their characteristics.  We comply with all applicable laws and regulations on non-discrimination in employment (and recruitment), as well as work authorization and employment eligibility verification requirements.