Financial Controller

Astrazeneca

We are looking for an experienced Financial Controller to replace the current role due to retirement. The position plays a key role in safeguarding the company’s finance “license to operate” and ensuring full compliance with Costa Rica & Panama statutory, tax, and reporting requirements. The Financial Controller will act as a key business partner, ensuring accurate financial reporting, driving process improvements, and coordinating both local and global stakeholders. Key Responsibilities 1. Statutory & Compliance Leadership Ensure full compliance with Costa Rica & Panama GAAP, IFRS, Free Trade Zone, and all CAMCAR fiscal and VAT regulations. Guarantee the integrity and accuracy of books and records for CAMCAR Act as the primary point of contact for statutory and IAS audits and tax audits Ensure compliance with all internal controls, policies, risk management and procedures (DoA, FCF compliance framework) 2. Accounting & Reporting Oversee month-end, quarter-end, and year-end closings (local GAAP and IFRS reporting) Ensure proper reconciliation between local GAAP and IFRS Maintain high-quality financial reporting and documentation Supervise fixed assets, provisions, accruals, and tax-related entries 3. Tax & VAT Oversight Ensure correct application of corporate income tax rules and VAT legislation alongside Transfer price policies. Coordinate preparation and review of tax returns, Transfer price & VAT filings Work closely with external advisors (e.g. Deloitte, EY, PwC) on complex tax matters and compliance Monitor tax risks and ensure proper documentation for audits 4. Stakeholder Management Act as the main contact for external and internal auditors and external service advisors. Coordinate with Shared Service Center (GFS) and Global Finance Services for transactional and reporting activities (RTR, PTP, OTC, Banking) Ensure alignment and effective collaboration with Global Finance teams Engage with internal stakeholders (CFO, business partners, global controllers) Member of a global network of Controller, sharing best practices 5. Process Improvement & Projects Drive standardisation and harmonisation of finance processes across the organisation Actively participate in and lead global and local finance projects Identify opportunities for automation, AI, digitalisation projects, efficiency gains, and continuous improvement Ensure proper documentation and implementation of new processes 6. Team & Coordination Act as local key Finance point of contact (Embedded Finance) Act as coordinator of extended teams (SSC, GFS, auditors, tax advisors) Ensure high-quality service delivery from internal and external providers Key Requirements Strong expertise in: Costa Rica & Panama GAAP IFRS CAMCAR (in general) tax and VAT legislation Free Trade Zone regimen Proven experience interacting with: External auditors and external advisory firms Shared Service Centers (preferably in an international environment) Global finance teams (GFS) Strong knowledge of statutory reporting and compliance requirements Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills Experience in process improvement and cross-functional projects Profile Master’s degree in finance, Accounting, or equivalent Significant experience in a similar Financial Controller role Fluent in English and Spanish Strong analytical mindset with a hands-on approach Ability to operate in a complex, international environment Why Join This Role? This is a unique opportunity to play a critical role in safeguarding AstraZeneca CAMCAR’s financial integrity and enabling sustainable business growth across Costa Rica and Panama. As Financial Controller, you will operate at the center of strategic decision-making, ensuring excellence in statutory compliance, financial reporting, governance, and operational effectiveness. The role offers broad exposure across local and global finance organizations, partnering closely with senior leaders, Global Finance Services, Shared Service Centers, external adviso