From Numbers to Networks: Latha Vairavan’s Evolution in Biotech Finance
Latha Vairavan, Vice President of Finance and Corporate Controller at Arcutis Biotherapeutics, is a seasoned leader with a deep understanding of the biotech industry's financial intricacies. With a career spanning over 15 years at major organizations like Amgen and Arcutis, she has built a reputation for combining financial expertise with strategic vision. In a recent conversation, she opened up about her career journey, the role of finance in biotech, and the importance of networking and mentorship in advancing one’s career.
Vairavan’s journey into finance began with one of the Big Four accounting firms and the corporate world. Yet, her passion for the biotech industry led her to Amgen, one of the leading biotech companies in the world, where she would spend the next several years honing her expertise.
“Amgen was one of the most exciting places to be during that time, and I wanted to be part of the biotech revolution,” she said. “That’s when I really began to learn the ins and outs of how biotech works, from drug discovery all the way through to commercialization.”
At Amgen, Vairavan held multiple roles within the finance organization, eventually becoming the Finance Director for U.S. Value and Access. Her work involved liaising with government affairs teams and navigating the complex world of state drug pricing regulations. “At Amgen, I learned about commercial finance—how to drive business growth while managing costs and navigating the regulatory landscape,” she explained. The experience gave her a comprehensive understanding of the industry, which proved invaluable when she later transitioned into the startup environment at Arcutis.
Joining Arcutis Biotherapeutics shortly after its IPO, Vairavan found herself in a very different environment. “When I first came to Arcutis, we were a small startup with big dreams,” she said. “My role was to help establish a robust financial structure, including commercial finance processes, and ensure we were strategically positioned for growth.” Vairavan drew on her years of experience at Amgen to provide the company with a strategic roadmap for its next phase of development.
As she reflects on her career, Vairavan emphasizes the importance of networking and mentorship.“The finance world is small,” she said. “It’s crucial to build and maintain strong connections throughout your career, both inside and outside of your company.” Vairavan attributes much of her career success to the mentors she’s had along the way, particularly those who helped guide her through difficult decisions and transitions.
She advises students and young professionals looking to enter the biotech finance world to never underestimate the value of a strong network. “You never know when a connection will turn into a great opportunity,” she said. “Your network can help you gain valuable insights and open doors that you might not have been able to access otherwise.”
When asked to give one piece of advice to her younger self, Vairavan answered to have more confidence in her abilities, especially during times when she felt guilty about taking breaks or stepping away from the workforce. “I used to feel guilty about leaving the workforce at certain points,” she admitted, “but now, I would tell my younger self not to feel so bad about it.”
For Vairavan, success is about more than just managing finances; it’s about fostering relationships, being strategic with resources, and ensuring that every financial decision supports the broader mission of the company. As she continues to build bridges between finance and the wider biotech community, her career stands as a testament to the power of balancing technical expertise with strong interpersonal connections.