Finance Operations Lead

We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Finance Operations Lead to oversee and optimize our finance operations while playing a key role in supporting the implementation of a new Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in finance operations and excellent project management skills. This role will be pivotal in ensuring a smooth transition to the new system and enhancing the efficiency and compliance of our financial processes.

Key Responsibilities:

• Finance Operations Management: Working closely with the country Finance Managers and teams to review the day-to-day finance operations, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, general ledger, payroll, and financial reporting. Develop and implement efficient financial processes and controls to ensure accuracy and compliance. Monitor financial performance through key metrics and provide insights to senior management.
• ERP System Implementation: Collaborate with cross-functional teams to define business requirements and ensure alignment of finance processes with the new ERP system. Lead the finance team in the process design and configuration decisions. Manage the testing of upgrades and changes post-implementation, ensuring all financial modules are effectively used with end-to-end integrated workflows. Develop training materials and conduct training sessions for finance staff on the new ERP system. Support in the data migration activities ensuring accurate and complete transfer of financial data to the new system. Help to configure the system to reflect the company’s financial structure, chart of accounts, tax rules, cost centres, etc. Participate in user acceptance testing and work with the finance lead focusing on finance-specific tasks such as journal entries, reconciliations, and reporting accuracy. Identify and develop contingency plans during the implementation to address potential financial risks such as compliance issues and cash flow disruptions.
• Master Data Governance: Develop and implement master data management policies, standards, and procedures to ensure data accuracy and integrity across the ERP system and processes.
• Data Quality and Data Lifecycle Management: Monitor and assess the quality of financial master data, identifying issues and implementing corrective actions to maintain high data quality standards. Oversee the entire lifecycle of financial master data, including creation, modification, and deletion processes, ensuring compliance with internal and external regulations.
• Process Optimization: Post the ERP implementation, continue to analyse current finance processes and identify opportunities for automation, scalability, and improvement. Collaborate with IT and other departments to enhance system integrations and data flow. Implement best practices in finance operations to drive efficiency and accuracy.
• Collaboration and Leadership: Lead and mentor the finance operations team, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and professional development. Work closely with other departments (e.g., IT, Sales, Operations) to ensure alignment and support for finance initiatives. Participate in strategic planning and contribute to organizational goals through effective financial management.
• Training and Support: Provide training and support to finance and other relevant teams on master data management best practices and tools, fostering a culture of data stewardship.
• Reporting and Analytics: Develop and maintain reports and dashboards to monitor data quality and compliance metrics, presenting findings to senior management.
• Service Design & Continuous Improvement: Create and maintain processes and reports which support internal and external stakeholders and their operational teams. Stay updated with industry trends and best practices in master data management and finance, recommending improvements to current processes and systems.

Qualifications and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in finance, Accounting, Business Administration, Information Systems, or a related field; MBA or relevant certification (CPA, CMA) preferred.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in finance operations, with at least 5 years in a lead finance role.
• Proven experience with ERP systems, SAP S4 being highly desirable.
• Strong knowledge of data governance principles, data quality management, and data lifecycle management.
• Strong knowledge of financial processes, regulations, and compliance standards.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and project management skills.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across departments.
• Project management experience and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Knowledge of relevant regulatory requirements and compliance standards related to financial data management.
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel and financial software; experience with ERP systems is a must.