At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead transformative finance projects using cutting-edge technology and AI.
- Company: Global leader in data, technology, and AI with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonuses, private healthcare, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Join a diverse team committed to inclusion and impactful change.
- Why this job: Shape the future of finance while working with top-tier clients and teams.
- Qualifications: 15+ years in finance transformation with strong consulting and leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 110000 - 140000 £ per year.
Finance Transformation Lead- Director Level
Location
London, UK — flexible hybrid working, typically 3 days per week in the office
Employment Type
Permanent
Level
Senior Leadership / Consulting
Salary
About the Role
A leading global data, technology and AI organisation is seeking an experienced
Finance Transformation Lead to join its growing UK Consulting & Transformation practice.
This is a senior, high-impact leadership role focused on shaping, leading and delivering complex, large-scale Finance Transformation programmes for clients across a global portfolio.
As a trusted advisor to CFOs, Finance Directors, Controllers and Transformation Leaders, you will help organisations reimagine the finance function by combining finance strategy, operating model transformation, process excellence, digital capabilities, data, automation and AI .
You will lead the design and execution of next-generation finance operating models that improve efficiency, strengthen controls, enhance decision-making and deliver measurable business value.
Working at the intersection of
Finance, Technology, Data, Operations and AI , you will take ownership of end-to-end transformation initiatives spanning finance process optimisation, target operating model design, ERP modernisation, finance data and reporting, shared services, regulatory reporting and intelligent automation.
You will also work closely with specialist Digital Engineering, Data & Analytics and AI teams to translate complex client challenges into practical, scalable and increasingly AI-enabled finance solutions.
Beyond programme delivery, you will contribute to the growth of the Finance Transformation practice through senior client relationship development, opportunity shaping, proposal development, solution design, mentoring and thought leadership.
This role is particularly suited to a hands-on transformation leader who combines deep finance expertise with consulting, client advisory and commercial capabilities, and who can move confidently from strategy and solution design through to execution and measurable outcomes.
Key Responsibilities
- Finance Transformation Strategy & Operating Model Design
- Define and lead Finance Transformation strategies for CFO organisations, aligning operating model, process, technology, data, controls and AI capabilities with business objectives.
- Design future-state Finance Target Operating Models covering service delivery, organisation structure, governance, controls and technology enablement.
- Identify and quantify transformation opportunities across Finance, developing transformation roadmaps and business cases with clear value-realisation targets.
- Lead finance diagnostic assessments, maturity reviews, benchmarking exercises and transformation strategy engagements.
- Finance Process Transformation & Operational Excellence
Lead end-to-end transformation initiatives across areas including
- Record-to-Report (R2R)
- Procure-to-Pay (P2P)
- Order-to-Cash (O2C)
- FP&A
- Treasury
- Tax
- Regulatory and statutory reporting
- Financial controls and compliance
Drive standardisation, simplification, harmonisation and optimisation of finance processes across geographies and business units.
Apply Lean, Six Sigma, process mining and continuous-improvement methodologies to improve efficiency, control effectiveness and service quality.
Identify control gaps, process inefficiencies and operational risks, and develop appropriate remediation strategies.
- Digital Finance, ERP & AI Enablement
- Lead the identification, design and deployment of Digital Finance, Automation, Analytics and AI-led transformation solutions.
- Shape business cases and implementation roadmaps for ERP modernisation, including major enterprise finance platforms.
- Partner with Data, Digital Engineering and AI specialists to embed Gen AI, Agentic AI, Intelligent Automation and advanced analytics within finance processes.
- Define future-state data and reporting architectures that improve decision-making, control and transparency.
- Drive adoption of AI-enabled finance capabilities including close automation, reconciliation, FP&A, reporting, controls monitoring and management insights.
- CFO Advisory & Client Leadership
- Act as a trusted advisor to CFOs, Finance Directors, Controllers and Finance Transformation sponsors.
- Facilitate executive workshops, value-discovery sessions and transformation strategy discussions.
- Translate complex finance challenges into actionable transformation programmes and measurable business outcomes.
- Lead executive-level deliverables including transformation roadmaps, Target Operating Models, business cases, operating model designs and Steering Committee materials.
- Programme Governance & Change Leadership
- Lead large-scale Finance Transformation programmes across multiple workstreams, geographies and stakeholder groups.
- Establish programme governance, PMO structures, RAID management, executive reporting and benefits-realisation frameworks.
- Drive stakeholder engagement, change management, communications, training and business-readiness activities.
- Develop and monitor transformation KPIs, value-realisation metrics and programme performance dashboards.
- Business Development & Practice Growth
- Support client pursuits, proposals, RFP responses, solution design and commercial discussions.
- Develop Finance Transformation offerings, methodologies, accelerators and reusable assets.
- Contribute to thought leadership, market positioning and growth of the Finance Transformation consulting practice.
- Identify opportunities to expand existing client relationships and develop new opportunities.
- Team Leadership & Capability Building
- Lead and mentor consulting teams, programme managers, business analysts and transformation specialists.
- Build Finance Transformation capability across Finance, Data, Digital and AI domains.
- Attract, develop and retain high-performing consulting and transformation talent.
- Foster a culture of innovation, collaboration and delivery excellence.
Experience & Qualifications
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in Commerce, Economics, Business or a related discipline.
- MBA in Finance or a professional qualification such as CA, ACCA, CPA, CIMA, CFA or equivalent is advantageous.
Experience
We are looking for an experienced transformation leader with
15–18+ years’ experience across Finance Transformation, Finance Consulting, Finance Operations, Shared Services or Business Transformation.
- A proven track record of leading large-scale Finance Transformation programmes for global organisations.
- Deep experience in Finance Operating Model design, process transformation, governance and finance technology enablement.
- Strong client-facing consulting experience with CFOs, Finance Directors, Controllers and executive leadership teams.
- Experience within Insurance, Financial Services, Banking or other large global enterprises is advantageous.
- Demonstrated success in business development, client relationship management and consulting-led delivery.
- Experience across several areas such as Finance Operating Model Transformation, Shared Services / Global Business Services, Post-Merger Integration and Finance Integration.
- Technology & Digital Skills
Experience with several of the following would be valuable
- ERP & Finance Platforms
- SAP S/4HANA
- Oracle Cloud
- Workday Finance
- Microsoft Dynamics
- Equivalent enterprise finance platforms
- Analytics & Planning
- Power BI
- Tableau
- Alteryx
- Anaplan
- Automation
- Ui Path
- Automation Anywhere
- Microsoft Power Platform
- AI & Gen AI
- Practical application of AI and Gen AI within Finance
- Agentic AI
- Intelligent document processing
- Advanced analytics and AI-enabled decision support
- Leadership Competencies
We are looking for an individual who demonstrates
- Executive presence and strong stakeholder management
- Strategic thinking and problem solving
- Transformation leadership
- Commercial acumen
- Programme and portfolio leadership
- Influencing and negotiation skills
- Change leadership
- Team development and coaching
- Executive communication and storytelling
- The ability to operate effectively in complex, global and matrixed environments
- Preferred Certifications
- Lean Six Sigma Black Belt
- PMP, PRINCE2 or Agile certifications
- Finance technology certifications
- AI / Gen AI-related certifications
- What You Can Expect
You will join a global organisation operating at the intersection of data, technology, operations and AI , with the opportunity to work on complex transformation challenges for major organisations.
The role offers
- Competitive salary and performance-related bonus
- Private healthcare
- Life assurance and income protection
- Pension benefits
- Employee financial wellbeing benefits
- Cycle-to-work benefits
- Professional and personal development opportunities
- Access to learning and capability-building programmes
- The opportunity to work with senior clients and multidisciplinary Finance, Data, Digital and AI teams
This is an opportunity for an experienced Finance Transformation professional to help shape the next generation of finance functions — combining finance expertise, technology, data, automation and AI to deliver measurable business outcomes .
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
Our client are committed to building an inclusive working environment where diverse perspectives are valued and everyone is treated with fairness, dignity and respect.
We welcome applications from all backgrounds and do not discriminate on the basis of age, disability, gender, ethnicity, religion or belief, sexual orientation, or any other protected characteristic.
They also believe that diverse teams lead to better thinking, stronger collaboration and improved outcomes for the healthcare organisations and communities they support.
Finance Transformation Lead in City of London employer: Focused Futures Consultancy LTD
Focused Futures Consultancy LTD is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that prioritises innovation and collaboration in the heart of London. Employees benefit from a hybrid work model, fostering flexibility while engaging directly with healthcare professionals to drive meaningful change. With a strong emphasis on professional development and a commitment to improving clinical outcomes, this role provides unique opportunities for growth and impact within the healthcare sector.
Contact Details:
Focused Futures Consultancy LTD Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Transformation Lead in City of London
✨Tip Number 1: Get Involved in Consulting Case Competitions
Look for case competitions hosted by universities and consulting firms. They’re a fab way to showcase your problem-solving skills and meet industry players. Plus, winning one can seriously boost your CV, which we know is key when applying for roles like Finance Transformation Lead at Focused Futures Consultancy LTD!
✨Tip Number 2: Leverage Alumni Networks
Tap into your university’s alumni network; many consultants love to help out new talent. Reach out to alumni who are working in management consulting, they might have insider knowledge about openings at firms like Focused Futures Consultancy LTD or be willing to refer you for that Finance Transformation Lead position!
✨Tip Number 3: Attend Industry Events and Conferences
Keep an eye on management consulting events, workshops, or panels. These are prime opportunities to network with top professionals and get your name out there. You might even bump into someone from Focused Futures Consultancy LTD who’s on the lookout for their next Finance Transformation Lead star!
✨Tip Number 4: Polish Your Consulting Skills Online
Engage with online platforms that offer consulting simulations or courses. Prove your chops by completing relevant projects — this not only beefs up your experience but also gives you concrete examples to chat about during interviews for that full-time Finance Transformation Lead role at Focused Futures Consultancy LTD!
We think you need these skills to ace Finance Transformation Lead in City of London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Problem-Solving Skills:In management consulting, it's all about problem-solving—so make sure your CV highlights your analytical and critical thinking skills. Include examples from your studies or previous roles where you tackled complex issues or came up with innovative solutions. Quantify your achievements whenever possible to demonstrate your impact!
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to explain why you're a perfect fit for the consulting world. Focus on your motivation for joining the industry and how your skills align with the requirements of the role at Focused Futures Consultancy LTD. Remember to mention any relevant coursework or projects that showcase your understanding of strategic frameworks or business models!
Highlight Team Experience:Consultants often work in teams, so it's vital to showcase your collaborative skills. Include experiences where you've worked effectively with others, whether in academic group projects or internships. Discuss your role in the team and how you helped achieve common goals, demonstrating you can thrive in a consultancy environment.
Professionalise Your Online Presence:Make sure your LinkedIn and any other professional profiles are up to date, reflecting your career aspirations in management consulting. Connect with industry professionals and follow relevant groups—show you’re serious about entering this field. Applying through our website is a great way to get noticed, so showcase your personality and enthusiasm there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Focused Futures Consultancy LTD
✨Master the Case Study Game
In management consulting, case study interviews are all the rage. Make sure to practice structuring your thoughts and analysing data on the fly. Use resources like example case studies to get comfortable with frameworks and solutions. Remember, it’s not just about getting the right answer but showcasing your thought process, so talk us through your reasoning!
✨Know Your Numbers
Be prepared for some numerical and analytical questions. Brush up on your mental math and be ready to interpret data from charts or graphs. We might throw some business scenarios at you that require a quick turnaround on numerical analysis, so practice these skills to feel confident and swift!
✨Show Your Leadership Flair
As this is a full-time role, we want to see your potential as a seasoned consultant. Be ready to discuss experiences where you've led a project or a team. Think about times you've influenced decisions or navigated challenges—this is your chance to show how you can thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
✨Be a Cultural Fit
We’re not just looking for brains; we want to see if you vibe with our company culture at Focused Futures Consultancy LTD. Prepare to share how your values align with ours. Have a think about what makes a great team environment for you and how you can contribute to that. A good cultural fit goes a long way in management consulting!
