Meet Patrícia Melo, Manager, Financial & Administrative - DACH Finance!

ACADEMIA AND MOTIVATION
I studied Economics and Human Resources and built my career around numbers and people. This combination has enabled me to understand not only data and results, but also how these guide decisions and how people give them context, meaning, and impact on the business. I joined Bial 19 years ago, at a time when working here was truly a dream for me. I still remember passing by the highway, seeing the Bial building, and thinking: One day, I will work there. Today, after all these years, I feel immense pride in being part of this team and in growing within a company with a clear and genuine purpose.

WHY BIAL?
I said “yes” to Bial almost 19 years ago because it was my dream company. I started as a Fleet Manager and gradually moved through roles such as HR administration, recruitment, and People Development, growing step by step along the way. In 2020, I was invited to move to Switzerland, and here I am six years later. Looking back, I feel deeply grateful to Bial for the trust placed in me and for consistently opening doors for my development. What made, and still makes, Bial stand out is its long-term vision, strong values, and genuine commitment to people’s growth.

WHAT’S IT LIKE TO WORK AT BIAL?
Currently, my responsibilities cover the entire administrative and financial management of Novipharma. In addition, my team and I are responsible for financial matters relating to the DACH region (Switzerland, Germany, and Austria), including fleet management, which falls under my remit. What truly challenges me is the combination of financial management, proximity to the business, with a strong collaboration between teams, and the real impact that our work has on people. My days are varied and dynamic: no two days are the same (here we say no to monotony).

The small things make a big difference at Bial: respectful interactions, openness to feedback, and the confidence to contribute beyond one’s formal role. There is a strong sense of purpose behind the work, combined with a people-centred culture. Bial brings together scientific excellence and human values, creating an environment where you feel challenged, supported, and proud of what we do. My connection with Bial stems from a continuous development process, grounded in change, hard work, and embracing responsibilities. Over time, I have grown professionally alongside Bial, keeping pace with its evolution and embracing challenges that have taken me out of my comfort zone.