"Octapharma is the most exciting company I've worked for"

Joel Lüscher, Head of Controlling at Octapharma AG, works to support the company’s financial operations and maintain its ongoing success in the competitive pharmaceutical industry. From budgeting and performance measurement tasks to ensuring tax compliance topics, Joel and his team’s work is key for the company’s continued growth.

Joel joined Octapharma in August 2014 as a Corporate Controller after seven years in various finance roles at UBS. Seeking a change in industry and the opportunity to make a broader impact, he was drawn to Octapharma's mission to produce life-saving therapies. “I wanted to work on meaningful products, and Octapharma's commitment to that, combined with the convenient location, made the move an easy choice,” he explains.

Joel became Head of Controlling in October 2020, expanding his responsibility for Octapharma’s financial health and ensuring his department’s alignment with the company’s long-term goals. He now focuses on monitoring financial performance and supporting decision-making with timely, accurate data.

A smarter approach

Amongst his current projects, Joel is particularly excited about spearheading the integration of robotics into the finance department, streamlining operations and reducing manual workload. “Software robots take care of repetitive tasks quickly and accurately, freeing up time for more value-adding activities,” he explains. This shift has not only improved efficiency in his department but also holds the potential to transform operations across the entire company.

He is passionate about helping other teams explore the benefits of robotics. “The potential for robotics and artificial intelligence to enhance productivity is vast, and I’m excited to be part of that transformation,” Joel adds.

A real family feel

“The atmosphere here is really supportive—it makes it easy to grow professionally,” Joel says. He appreciates the many chances to develop and feels good about what’s ahead. “There’s a lot to look forward to.”

An aspect of Octapharma’s culture which Joel really cherishes is the trust that permeates the organisation. “The trust I receive from both management and my team motivates me to do my best every day,” he believes. This culture of mutual respect fosters collaboration and innovation, creating an environment in which employees feel valued and empowered.

Integrity, one of Octapharma’s core values, also resonates deeply with Joel. He emphasises the importance of transparency and consistency in decision-making. “Integrity is at the core of how we operate – whether it’s through our commitment to accurate financial reporting or making decisions in our daily actions,” he explains.

With Octapharma’s solid financial position, Joel is optimistic about the future. The company’s commitment to growth, employee development, and its patient-centred mission makes it an inspiring place to work. “If a friend asked me whether they should join Octapharma, I would tell them it’s the most exciting company I’ve ever worked for. Octapharma values its employees and provides many opportunities for development,” he concludes.