Business/Project Controller - Job Opportunity at HUB Organoids

Utrecht, Netherlands
Full-time
Mid-level
Posted: May 23, 2025
On-site
EUR 55,000 - 70,000 annually based on Netherlands market rates for mid-level financial controllers in biotech scale-ups, with potential for equity participation given the company's growth stage and innovative market position

Benefits

Comprehensive vacation package offering 30.5 leave days plus national holidays, providing exceptional work-life balance that exceeds European market standards
Employer-funded pension plan with 2/3 contribution paid by HUB, demonstrating strong long-term financial security commitment
International multicultural work environment fostering global perspective and cross-cultural collaboration skills
Professional development opportunities in cutting-edge biotechnology sector with organoid innovation leadership

Key Responsibilities

Lead comprehensive financial planning and analysis function, directly influencing strategic decision-making through annual budgeting and quarterly forecasting that shapes company direction
Drive project profitability optimization through detailed monthly analysis and reporting, ensuring sustainable growth and resource allocation efficiency
Spearhead financial process improvement initiatives by designing and implementing new reporting systems that enhance operational transparency
Manage critical revenue recognition processes for work-in-progress services, ensuring accurate financial reporting and regulatory compliance
Oversee complete invoicing lifecycle management for services and milestones, directly impacting cash flow and client relationship sustainability
Conduct strategic project performance analysis and collaborate with project leaders to optimize execution and profitability outcomes
Execute capacity analysis for organizational resources, enabling data-driven decisions on scaling and resource optimization
Lead digital transformation initiatives in AFAS, Excel, and PowerBI to automate financial processes and improve analytical capabilities
Serve as strategic business partner to department heads on budget management, influencing departmental strategy and operational efficiency
Manage grant controlling and regulatory reporting to authorities, ensuring compliance and maximizing funding opportunities

Requirements

Education

Master degree in Quantitative Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, Business Economics or similar study

Experience

Minimal of 4 year experience in comparable finance role

Required Skills

Strong sense and understanding of the link between the management and financial information Analytical abilities and focus on the details Looking for "the story behind the numbers" and consequently asking the questions needed in combination with active listening Able to translate the data into actionable management information (on time) Ability to work both independently and together with different teams/departments You have experience working in a fast changing environment and come with a change management mindset Strong organizational skills You are flexible and adaptable, so you can handle changing priorities and tasks You communicate effectively, friendly, and respectfully with different organizational levels Trained in project accounting Afas knowledge Master in Excel and PowerBI
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Sauge AI Market Intelligence

Industry Trends

The biotechnology sector is experiencing unprecedented growth in personalized medicine and drug discovery technologies, with organoid research representing one of the most promising frontiers for patient-specific treatment development. This creates high demand for financial professionals who can navigate the complex funding landscape of biotech startups while managing project-based revenue models typical in pharmaceutical partnerships. Financial controllers in biotech scale-ups are increasingly required to bridge the gap between scientific innovation and commercial viability, requiring specialized knowledge in project accounting for research milestones, grant management, and regulatory compliance reporting that differs significantly from traditional manufacturing or service industries. The European biotech market is experiencing consolidation and increased investment from pharmaceutical giants seeking innovative technologies, creating opportunities for companies like HUB Organoids to scale rapidly and requiring sophisticated financial management to support growth trajectories and potential acquisition scenarios.

Role Significance

Likely leading a small finance team of 2-4 professionals or working as a senior individual contributor with potential for team expansion as the company scales, typical for biotech companies in growth phase
This is a mid-level strategic role with significant autonomy and direct reporting to the CFO, indicating substantial influence on financial decision-making and business strategy. The position combines operational excellence with strategic planning, suggesting preparation for senior finance leadership roles.

Key Projects

Implementation of project accounting systems for multi-phase drug discovery partnerships Development of financial reporting frameworks for regulatory authorities and grant management Creation of profitability models for organoid technology licensing and service agreements Financial due diligence support for potential funding rounds or strategic partnerships

Success Factors

Deep understanding of project-based accounting and milestone revenue recognition critical in biotech industry where revenue often depends on research achievements and regulatory approvals Ability to translate complex scientific projects into clear financial metrics that investors and management can use for strategic decision-making Expertise in grant management and regulatory financial reporting, essential for biotech companies that rely heavily on government funding and must maintain compliance with multiple jurisdictions Strong stakeholder management skills to work effectively with scientists, project managers, and external partners who may have limited financial background Adaptability and change management capabilities crucial for navigating the volatile biotech environment where priorities can shift rapidly based on research outcomes or market conditions

Market Demand

High demand driven by biotech sector expansion, limited pool of candidates with both financial expertise and biotech industry experience, and increasing investor focus on financial transparency in life sciences investments

Important Skills

Critical Skills

Project accounting expertise is absolutely essential given the milestone-based nature of biotech research contracts and the need to accurately track costs and revenues across multi-year research programs with complex deliverables and regulatory requirements Advanced Excel and PowerBI proficiency critical for creating sophisticated financial models and dashboards that can communicate complex project economics to both scientific and business stakeholders AFAS system knowledge specifically required for this role, indicating the company's commitment to integrated financial management systems that support their operational complexity Change management mindset essential in biotech where research outcomes, regulatory changes, and market conditions can rapidly alter business priorities and financial projections

Beneficial Skills

Understanding of pharmaceutical industry regulatory requirements and FDA/EMA approval processes would enhance ability to forecast milestone achievements and revenue timing Experience with venture capital and private equity reporting given the likely funding structure of a growing biotech company Knowledge of intellectual property valuation and licensing models common in biotechnology commercialization Familiarity with international tax and transfer pricing issues relevant to companies with global research partnerships and licensing arrangements

Unique Aspects

Opportunity to work at the intersection of cutting-edge science and commercial finance in one of the most promising areas of medical research
Direct involvement in financial management of breakthrough technology that could revolutionize drug discovery and personalized medicine
International scope with multicultural team providing global perspective on biotech markets and regulatory environments
Potential for significant career advancement and equity participation in a rapidly growing company with strong market position

Career Growth

Typically 3-5 years to senior finance management roles, with potential for accelerated advancement given the high-growth nature of the biotech sector and increasing demand for finance professionals with life sciences experience

Potential Next Roles

Chief Financial Officer in larger biotech companies Finance Director with P&L responsibility for business units Business Development Finance Manager focusing on partnerships and licensing Controller roles in pharmaceutical companies or healthcare investment firms

Company Overview

HUB Organoids

HUB Organoids operates as a pioneering biotechnology company specializing in organoid technology development, positioning itself at the forefront of personalized medicine and drug discovery innovation. The company focuses on patient-derived organoids that enable pharmaceutical companies and research institutions to conduct more accurate drug testing and treatment development.

Established as a world leader in organoid technology with strong international presence and recognition in the biotechnology sector, likely competing with other specialized biotech firms and academic institutions in the rapidly expanding regenerative medicine market
Based in Utrecht, Netherlands, placing the company within one of Europe's leading life sciences clusters with access to top-tier research institutions, pharmaceutical partnerships, and biotechnology investment networks that facilitate growth and collaboration opportunities
Fast-paced, innovation-driven environment typical of successful biotech scale-ups, with emphasis on scientific excellence, international collaboration, and mission-driven work focused on improving patient outcomes through cutting-edge research and development
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