Head of SG&A Controlling Advanced Solutions (all genders)
Merck GroupJobsCloseBy Editorial Insights
Merck’s Head of SG&A Controlling for the Life Science Advanced Solutions Division acts as the strategic advisor and business partner for global SG&A planning, forecasting, and reporting, leading an international team to deliver transparency, cost discipline, and data-driven decision support. You will own end-to-end SG&A planning, governance, and advanced analytics, translating financial implications into strategic actions. The ideal candidate has 7+ years in FP&A or Controlling in a multinational setting, strong modeling and budgeting skills, and proficiency in SAP, TM1, and Excel, plus proven stakeholder management and English fluency. To apply, tailor your CV to show cost savings, governance and digital reporting impact, demonstrate cross-functional collaboration with franchise teams, and highlight readiness for organizational change and master data work; CFA or CPA credentials are a plus.
Work Your Magic with us!
Ready to explore, break barriers, and discover more? We know you’ve got big plans – so do we! Our colleagues across the globe love innovating with science and technology to enrich people’s lives with our solutions in Healthcare, Life Science, and Electronics. Together, we dream big and are passionate about caring for our rich mix of people, customers, patients, and planet. That's why we are always looking for curious minds that see themselves imagining the unimaginable with us.
Your role
The Head of SG&A Controlling – Life Science Advanced Solutions Division is the principal strategic advisor and business partner for all SG&A Controlling activities within the division, leading a centralized, international team. You will deliver transparency, insight, and cost discipline to enable effective business steering. You will own end-to-end SG&A planning, forecasting, monthly closing, reporting, and decision support, collaborating closely with business leaders, functional partners, and adjacent finance teams. You will establish governance, standards, and best practices, and leverage digital reporting and advanced analytics to translate data into actionable insights.
You will define the SG&A controlling vision, operating model, and policies, ensuring consistency and comparability across the division. You will lead the budget cycle and rolling forecasts, coordinating functional inputs and challenging assumptions to align with strategic priorities. You will drive finance readiness for organizational changes, including cost center structures and master data impacts, to ensure continuity during transformations. You will conduct rigorous cost analyses, identify savings opportunities, and deliver comprehensive variance analyses and trend assessments. You will serve as a trusted advisor to divisional finance leadership and franchise teams, linking financial performance to strategy. You will build and develop an international team of SG&A analysts, promoting collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement. You will utilize digital tools and visualization solutions to present clear, actionable insights to senior stakeholders.
Who you are
- Bachelor’s degree in finance, Accounting, or related field; Master’s degree or relevant certifications (e.g., CFA, CPA) are a plus.
- 7+ years of experience in FP&A, Controlling, or related finance roles in a multinational environment, including leadership of teams and spend management at scale.
- Expert in financial modeling, budgeting, and forecasting; strong working knowledge of SAP, TM1, and Excel.
- Self-driven leader with an outstanding analytical mindset, strong financial acumen, and the ability to translate business decisions into financial implications.
- Proven ability to manage stakeholders and communicate effectively; fluent in business English.
- Experience driving governance, policies, and standard methodologies for SG&A or shared services.
- Track record of leveraging digital reporting and visualization tools to deliver actionable insights to executives.
- Ability to thrive in a dynamic, international environment and to lead with humility, collaboration, and accountability.
What we offer: We are curious minds that come from a broad range of backgrounds, perspectives, and life experiences. We believe that this variety drives excellence and innovation, strengthening our ability to lead in science and technology. We are committed to creating access and opportunities for all to develop and grow at your own pace. Join us in building a culture of inclusion and belonging that impacts millions and empowers everyone to work their magic and champion human progress!
Apply now and become a part of a team that is dedicated to Sparking Discovery and Elevating Humanity!