Head of Finance (Austria) – PE-Backed Medical Research & Pharma

Location: Austria
Reporting to: CEO / Managing Director
Type: Full-time, permanent
Sector: Medical Research, Pharma, Private Equity–backed

Overview

Our client, a rapidly growing medical research and pharmaceutical company backed by a leading private equity investor, is seeking a high-calibre Head of Finance to lead the day-to-day financial management of the business. This role will partner closely with senior leadership and the PE board to drive financial performance, implement robust controls, and support the company’s continued expansion across Europe.

Key Responsibilities

Lead all core finance functions, including accounting, controlling, budgeting, forecasting, tax, treasury, and audit.

Own the monthly, quarterly, and year-end reporting processes, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and compliance with Austrian GAAP/UGB and group standards.

Develop and refine KPIs, dashboards, and performance reports for internal management and the PE sponsor.

Support the CFO in delivering value-creation initiatives, including working capital optimisation, margin improvement, pricing, and cost control.

Manage external relationships (auditors, tax advisors, banks, insurance providers).

Ensure strong internal controls and risk management systems appropriate for a high-growth, regulated healthcare environment.

Coordinate budgeting and long-term financial planning, providing clear analysis and insight.

Drive finance support for strategic projects such as new product introductions, R&D funding, market expansion, and M&A/integration.

Lead and develop a small, high-performing finance team.

Candidate Profile

Degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, or similar; professional qualification (ACCA, CPA, CFA, or equivalent) advantageous.

5–10 years’ experience in finance roles, ideally in pharma, biotech, medical research, or regulated healthcare.

Prior experience in a private equity–backed or fast-growth environment is highly desirable.

Strong technical accounting knowledge with an ability to translate numbers into actionable insight.

Demonstrated experience in building processes, improving reporting cadence, and supporting an ambitious management team.

Fluent German and English.