At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead transformative IT improvements in Citi's Finance functions using AI and automation.
- Company: Join Citi, a global leader in financial services with a commitment to innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, comprehensive health benefits, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Be part of a dynamic team driving continuous improvement and best practices.
- Why this job: Shape the future of finance architecture and make a real impact on global operations.
- Qualifications: Extensive experience in finance architecture and proven leadership in transformation programmes.
The predicted salary is between 99000 - 121000 £ per year.
Do you excel at bringing clarity from ambiguity? We are building out a Business Architecture practice to guide transformational IT improvements supporting Citi's global Finance functions. The Business Architect (SVP) will leverage broad domain knowledge, deep experience influencing IT architecture change, and outstanding communication skills to articulate the comprehensive future vision of Citi's Finance functional architecture - and how AI and automation will power it tomorrow.
Responsibilities
- Lead collaboration with Finance and Shared Services to define current and future-state business architectures anchored to business processes and functions.
- Partner with data architects to influence data architecture - including Finance-wide data vision, governance, and platform direction - in support of the business architecture.
- Align strategic technical investments to the target state architecture across all Finance technology partners, governing and justifying any deviations.
- Develop and evangelise business architecture principles guaranteeing straight-through processing and the timeliness, completeness, and accuracy of financial reporting.
- Champion Citi architecture principles and standards, counselling engineering teams on application in deliverables.
- Provide early-stage architecture input to shape Book of Work scope and sequencing, and play a leading role in the Finance Tech Design Authority.
- Own and govern Permit to Design / Permit to Build processes, and produce architecture strategy papers and executive investment narratives for senior Finance and Technology leadership.
- Identify, evaluate, and prioritise opportunities to embed AI, ML, and GenAI within Finance processes, defining governance and control frameworks.
- Lead capability mapping, maturity assessments, and heat maps informing investment prioritisation; maintain oversight of the centralised architecture knowledge repository.
- Champion continuous improvement of the business architecture discipline - driving best practices, tooling, and training.
Finance Domain & Transformation Experience
- Deep knowledge of FP&A (budgeting, forecasting, variance analysis, close), Treasury (cash, liquidity, FX, intercompany), and Management Reporting (aggregation, allocation, multi-dimensional reporting) processes and their architectural implications.
- Proven experience leading Finance transformation programmes, with the ability to define target architectures and guide delivery teams through complex change including ERP migrations, ledger consolidations, and reporting modernisation.
- Deep familiarity with ERP platforms (e.g., SAP S/4HANA, Oracle Financials), Performance Management tools (e.g., Anaplan, OneStream, SAP BPC, Oracle EPM), and cube technologies (e.g., Essbase, TM1).
- Credible and influential with senior Finance SMEs, CDO and CIO stakeholders, and delivery leaders on system design, data strategy, and process change.
Qualifications
- Extensive experience in an engineering and/or architecture capacity supporting Finance or related business functions, ideally in Financial Services.
- Proven track record delivering cross-functional business process improvement and enterprise-wide architecture change.
- Experienced leading virtual teams in matrix environments; self-motivated and able to own initiatives end-to-end.
- Outstanding communication skills enabling influence at all levels, from technical developers to the most senior executive leaders.
- Methodical, detail-oriented, with deep familiarity with modern enterprise information architecture practices.
- AI Domain Knowledge: Conceptual understanding of AI/ML, GenAI, and agentic automation and their applicability to Finance use cases including anomaly detection, forecasting, and regulatory reporting.
- AI Personal Productivity: Demonstrated ability to use AI tools effectively, including prompt engineering, iterative refinement, and critical evaluation of AI-generated content.
- Responsible AI Use: Understanding of data confidentiality and responsible use obligations when leveraging AI in a regulated financial services environment.
Lead Finance Business Architect, Senior Vice President in London employer: Citi
Citi is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters innovation and collaboration within the Equities Technology team. Employees benefit from cutting-edge technology, opportunities for professional growth, and a culture that values diversity and inclusion. With a focus on high-performance analytics and real-time data solutions, Citi empowers its engineers to make impactful contributions while enjoying a supportive atmosphere in a globally recognized financial institution.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Finance Business Architect, Senior Vice President in London
✨Tip Number 1: Tap Into Professional Networks
The finance world loves a good connection, so jump into industry-specific groups on platforms like LinkedIn where you can find discussions on financial controlling. Engaging in these communities can expose you to hidden job leads that aren't openly advertised!
✨Tip Number 2: Attend Finance Events and Conferences
Make it a mission to attend finance-related events and conferences, even virtual ones! This is a golden opportunity to network face-to-face with people from companies like Citi. You never know who might be your next boss or a crucial contact!
✨Tip Number 3: Showcase Your Expertise
Consider writing articles or sharing insights related to financial controlling or industry trends. Publish these on platforms like LinkedIn to establish yourself as a knowledgeable player in the field. This not only increases your visibility but also catches the attention of recruiters from Citi.
✨Tip Number 4: Apply Directly on Company Websites
Since you're going for a full-time gig, don't forget to keep an eye on the careers page of companies you're interested in, like Citi. Many companies prefer candidates who apply through their website as it shows genuine interest and makes your application stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Finance Business Architect, Senior Vice President in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers Game:In financial controlling, detail is everything! Make sure your CV showcases your proficiency with numbers—highlight any relevant experience in budgeting, forecasting, or working with financial software. Quantifying your past achievements will make you stand out, so don’t be shy about flaunting those impressive percentages or cost savings you've implemented.
Tailored Cover Letter is Key:Your cover letter is a chance to shine, especially for a full-time role. Use it to express your genuine interest in Citi and the specific impact you hope to make in financial controlling. Mention any relevant qualifications or experiences that align with the company’s goals, and don’t forget to show that you're ready for a long-term commitment!
Certifications Matter:List relevant certifications such as ACCA or CIMA on your CV. These qualifications not only showcase your dedication to the field but also your technical competence in financial principles. If you have any ongoing training or courses, make sure to mention those as well to demonstrate your commitment to continual learning in financial controlling.
Don’t Overlook Soft Skills:While numbers are crucial, so are those soft skills! Financial controllers need strong communication and analytical reasoning abilities. We recommend embedding examples of these skills in your CV and cover letter, like how you’ve successfully delivered financial reports to stakeholders or collaborated with teams to improve processes. Let’s show Citi how you can be a team player!
How to prepare for a job interview at Citi
✨Brush Up on Technical Skills
Make sure you're comfortable with key financial concepts, especially around forecasting, budgeting, and variance analysis. Sometimes, interviewers may throw in technical questions or case studies, so practicing these types of scenarios will help you shine!
✨Showcase Your Financial Acumen
If you've had experience with specific financial software like SAP or Oracle, make it known! Be ready to discuss how you used these tools to improve processes or reporting, as this hands-on knowledge can really set you apart in a full-time role with Citi.
✨Know Your Numbers
In full-time interviews, especially in financial controlling, be prepared for numerical reasoning tests or questions. Brush up on your mental maths and understand how to interpret and analyse financial statements on the spot, as this may come up during the assessment.
✨Connect with Company Goals
Familiarise yourself with Citi's financial objectives and any recent developments. During the interview, try to weave your understanding of their business model and challenges into your answers—this shows your genuine interest and alignment with their goals!
