VP – Financial Systems

Job Summary

The VP, Financial Systems provides strategic leadership to ensure Finance products, systems, services and procedures meet the strategic and tactical objectives of the business.  This position works toward continuous improvement, innovation and enhanced operational efficiencies by staying abreast of industry trends and best practices. 

Organization

This position reports to the SVP, FP&A and Operational Execution and leads the Financial Systems team with direct reports and indirect reports.  This position interacts with the Senior Leadership of the Finance business functions as well as IT.  This position will work closely with IT and Project Management to facilitate the technology needs and request of the business.  The position will also work at all levels of business and technology staff as it strives to coordinate the partnership to successfully implement new/enhanced technology.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership to ensure Finance products, systems, services and procedures meet the strategic and tactical objectives of the business.
• Lead the strategy and execution of Finance Systems with Finance business units and IT to select, implement, integrate, rationalize and maintain finance tools and systems
• Strategically engage in discussions throughout the product life cycle to advise on development, implementation and/or ongoing administration
• Establish and road map financial systems and data strategies in support of key finance goals

• Identify gaps and targeted improvements to organizational system capabilities.  Build out and execute a plan to address any identified areas.

• Work closely with executives and senior business leaders to facilitate an environment optimizing the use of reporting products, systems, services, and procedures to meet the strategic and tactical objectives of the business
• Lead the strategy to innovate existing processes and system functionality
• Regularly communicate and review progress toward objectives and goals with key business stakeholders

• Identify opportunities to improve overall control environment through use of system analytic tools and best practices.  Develop and implement plans as appropriate.
• Responsible to facilitate impasses between the technology team and the business team
• Lead the partnership with IT to discuss potential solutions that align with the business and technology strategies
• Coordinate the development and maintenance of Service Level Agreements between the business and IT
• Lead the strategy with the Financial Systems team to facilitate lessons learned following implementation of new technology/process
• Work closely with IT, Risk and business leaders to ensure appropriate governance roles, policies, and representation are in place
• Educate key business stakeholders on emerging technologies

Experience and Education Requirements

• 15+ years’ experience managing stakeholder relationships. 5+ years in technology preferably in Oracle.  Microsoft focused experience. Other financial tool experience a plus.
• S. or B.A. degree required, advanced degree or CPA a plus
• Financial Services experience a plus.
• Experience leading business analysis support, including strategy and business case development (requirements, scope and timeline).
• Experience leading a working relationship with IT staff and Third Party Administrators to maintain efficient and stable Finance IT environments.
• Experience in leading, developing and managing cross-functional teams
• Proven track record of successful innovation, articulation and execution of that innovation as it relates to financial systems and processes
• Experience partnering and influencing senior leadership management and key stakeholders
• Experience in managing a large team (e.g. will need to be hands on while setting vision and direction for the team)
• Familiarity with System Development (SDLC methodologies, Change Control Process)
• Experience in Risk Management

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Excellent accounting/business and technology acumen and knowledge. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Includes ability to interact with external customers with tact, respect and appropriate representation of company capabilities
• Excellent facilitation, advisory, presentation and negotiation skills
• Strong project management skills with proven track record leading large, successful projects
• Ability to handle multiple complex tasks and prioritize them in a fast-paced environment
• Adept at requirements gathering, design, business case construction, project monitoring and reporting, and testing
• Proficient in Disaster Recovery and Business Continuity concepts
• Strong understanding of system infrastructure models and reporting environments
• Ability to develop RFPs, RFQs and evaluate products and vendors
• Knowledge of how to work with PMO functions
• Proactive in maintaining state-of-the-art knowledge of information technology and trends
• Excellent management and leadership qualities (remote employee management)
• Strong understanding of Business Process Re-Engineering (or 6 Sigma/Lean equivalent)
• Good knowledge of Service Level Agreement creation and monitoring
• Innovative and creative
• Adept at preparing presentation that provides technical concepts clearly to a non-technical audience.
• Excellent documentation skills
• Politically savvy. Ability to communicate at all levels of the organization
• Adept at strategic and technical planning
• Experienced with tools supporting documentation and analysis of requirements, design and testing.
• Team player, excellent collaborator, consensus builder and leader
• Leader in advising on technology solutions that streamline business processes
• Ability to provide solutions for conflicting requirements and priorities across business segments and establish agreement on priorities when necessary
• Strong analytical, problem-solving and conceptual skills

Other Requirements

• Perform other functions, duties and projects as assigned
• Regular and punctual attendance
• Some travel may be required (less than 10%)