Head of Finance

The Centro Nacional de Análisis Genómico (CNAG) is one of the largest genomic sequencing centers in Europe.

CNAG is a non-profit public consortium formed by the General State Administration through the Ministry of Science, Research and Universities (MICIU) and the Government of Catalonia (CG).

CNAG carries out genome sequencing and analysis projects in diverse areas such as human disease (cancer, rare diseases, immune‑mediated diseases), microbial genomics, biodiversity, evolutionary studies, and the improvement of species of agricultural/livestock interest. Our organization contributes to strengthening the life sciences ecosystem at both national and international levels, participating in Catalan, Spanish, European and global initiatives aimed at breaking the barriers of current knowledge and building new solutions with international reach.

We participate in major international genomic initiatives such as the Human Cell Atlas (HCA), the International Cancer Genome Consortium (ICGC), the International Human Epigenome Consortium (iHEC), the International Rare Diseases Research Consortium (IRDiRC), the European Reference Genome Atlas (ERGA), and the European Life Sciences Information Infrastructure (ELIXIR).

CNAG’s annual turnover is more than 12 million euros.

The Role

The Head of Finance will lead the responsibility for the management and coordination of the Consortium’s economic and financial management, reporting directly to the General Manager.

This position requires solid experience in institutional management, leadership of multidisciplinary teams, and administration of public resources. It is key to ensuring the efficient operation of the center to achieve the strategic financial objectives defined by the administration.

Responsibilities

- Management, planning and control of economic and financial management.
- Preparation, execution and monitoring of the annual and multi‑annual budget.
- Supervision of public accounting and financial statements.
- Control of cash flow and financial planning.
- Coordination of audits, internal and external controls and supervisory bodies.
- Ensuring compliance with applicable economic and budgetary regulations.
- Preparation of economic and financial reports for governing bodies.
- Management of the finance team.
- Economic, accounting and budgetary management. Management of funds received, preparation of annual budgets and accounts, as well as preparation of annual financial reports and processing of justifications to the different institutions.
- Administration and safeguarding of CNAG’s assets (both financial and physical assets, including facilities and equipment).
- Design, update, and standardize internal management procedures.
- Promote digitization, traceability, and operational efficiency in the area.
- Regulatory Affairs: Ensure compliance with applicable legal regulation.
- Collaborate closely with Management, Legal Counsel, Principal Investigators, and other key areas of the organization.
- Lead technical and administrative teams, fostering a collaborative and ethical work environment.

Requirements

- Official university degree or bachelor's degree in Economics, Business Administration and Management, Law or equivalent qualifications.
- Minimum of 5 years’ professional experience in economic and financial management positions.
- Proven knowledge of public accounting, budgeting and financial control in the public sector.
- Experience in public scientific research institutions will be valued.
- Proven experience in the use of SAP business management software.
- Strong communication skills in Spanish, Catalan and English.

Education

- Higher university degree (preferably in Business Administration, Law, Public Administration, Economics, or related fields).
- Postgraduate training in Public Management, Project Management, or Scientific Administration is desirable.
- MBA or similar will be an advantage.
- Alternatively, a University degree in Life Sciences/related discipline plus MBA.

Experience

Applications will be assessed in accordance with the principles of objectivity and transparency, taking into account, among other things, the following merits and experience:

- Management experience in public sector or institutional public sector entities.
- Postgraduate training in public finance, public management, auditing or related areas.
- Experience in preparing and managing public budgets.
- Participation in auditing, financial control or oversight processes.
- Knowledge of public procurement regulations and budgetary stability.
- Leadership, strategic planning and team management skills.

Knowledge

- In-depth knowledge of the administrative and accounting rules for Spanish and Catalan public institutions.
- Experience with both the Spanish and Catalan public procurement regulations.
- Proficiency in digital management tools.
- High level of English, fluent spoken and written (especially technical and administrative); high level of Spanish and Catalan is highly desirable.
- Strategic vision.
- Organizational skills and results orientation.
- Technical rigor and regulatory compliance orientation.
- Excellent communication and negotiation skills.
- Collaborative work and interdepartmental coordination capacity.
- Adaptability and proactivity.

The Offer

You would be joining a prestigious Research Institution and Public organization with job stability, professional development, as well as participation in high‑impact scientific and social projects.

Contract Duration

Permanent

Estimated Gross Annual Salary

Competitive salary based on qualifications and consistent with public salary scales.

Targeted Start Date

February/March 2026

Application Procedure

All applications must include:

- A complete CV with contact details.
- Contact details of two referees.

Applications should be sent via email, including the CV, to: people@cnag.eu

Subject line

Head of Finance application

Deadline

Please submit your application by 28/02/2026

Selection Process

Pre‑selection: The pre‑selection process will be based on qualifications and expertise reflected on the candidates CVs. It will be merit‑based.

Interview: Pre‑selected candidates will be invited to an in‑person interview at CNAG.

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