At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead finance transformation using AI and automation to enhance efficiency across all business units.
- Company: Join MARI Group, a global leader in live events and experiences.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid work, pension match, paid parental leave, and flexible time off.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team committed to inclusivity and cultural progress.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in reshaping finance operations with cutting-edge technology.
- Qualifications: 8-10 years in finance transformation, strong change management skills, and AI knowledge.
The predicted salary is between 51750 - 63250 £ per year.
About MARI Group
MARI is a global events and experiences company powering world-defining live experiences. Our portfolio of premium live properties spans sports, art, and entertainment — including the Madrid and Miami Open tennis tournaments, Frieze (a leading voice in contemporary art), and Barrett-Jackson (the premium U.S. collector car auction company). MARI also includes TodayTix Group, the global e-commerce leader for cultural experiences, connecting millions of customers with the best in live entertainment. MARI is reshaping the live events landscape — building a growing portfolio of category-defining events and brands that set the standard for what's next, across sports, entertainment, art, and lifestyle. At MARI, you'll work alongside people who are passionate, curious, and driven — people who believe that live experiences have the power to shape culture, and who care about the work, the mission, and each other. We welcome outstanding applicants of all backgrounds and encourage everyone to apply.
About the Role
MARI is undergoing a significant finance transformation to build a modern, AI-forward team— including a TSA (Transition Services Agreement) exit and system migration — and is seeking a Finance Transformation & AI Lead to own that vision end-to-end. AI and intelligent automation will be central to how this transformation is delivered, and to how MARI's finance operations run going forward. This is a hands-on, high-impact role sitting within the Finance team: you will assess how every business unit's finance and accounting workflows operate today (AP, AR, reconciliations, reporting, month-end close, and more), design the AI- and automation-driven future state, build a phased roadmap to get there, and drive execution against it — with the explicit goal of scaling Finance's capacity many times over without proportional headcount growth. You'll partner closely with MARI's finance leaders and their teams across the portfolio — currently stretched thin by close cycles, event wrap-ups, and budgeting — to free up their capacity through AI and automation, and with our outsourced finance partner, WNS, on Accounts Payable (AP), Accounts Receivable (AR), and Record to Report (RTR).
As part of this mandate, you will lead MARI's finance transformation through TSA exit and system migration to steady state, including governing the WNS relationship (SLA oversight, operational continuity) and rebuilding Desktop Procedure Manuals (DPMs) to reflect post-migration processes. Beyond the TSA exit, your ongoing mandate is to proactively and systematically identify inefficiencies across every BU's finance operations, evaluate and select the right AI/automation tools and infrastructure, and implement improvements — from AI-assisted reconciliation and reporting to intelligent workflow automation — that reduce manual, repetitive work and phase out reliance of WNS or other outsourced support wherever appropriate. You will be accountable for both the pace and quality of this transformation. This is a highly visible, business-critical role — AI is a top priority for MARI, you'll be working directly with senior leaders and stakeholders across every BU, and if that kind of challenge excites you, we want to hear from you.
Please note: this is an 18 month, fixed term contract opportunity.
What Success Looks Like:
- A clear, phased transformation roadmap — with milestones and timeline — built and actively tracked across every BU
- Finance and accounting workflows across all BUs (AR, AP, reconciliations, reporting, close) assessed and redesigned around AI and intelligent automation
- TSA exit and system migration completed on schedule, with finance operations transitioned smoothly to steady state
- WNS relationship governed effectively, with SLAs consistently met across AP, AR, and RTR
- DPMs fully rebuilt and reflecting accurate, post-migration processes
- AI and automation opportunities identified and implemented, materially reducing manual effort across AP, AR, and RTR
- Reduced reliance on WNS within MARI finance processes, with in-house capability built where appropriate
- Demonstrable capacity scaling — materially more output per person, without proportional headcount growth
- An AI/automation tool and infrastructure stack selected and standing, built to a coherent architecture rather than one-off pilots
What You'll Own:
- Build and own MARI's Finance AI/automation transformation vision, translating it into a phased roadmap (workstreams, milestones, timeline) and driving execution against it
- Assess current-state finance and accounting workflows (AR, AP, reconciliations, reporting, close, budgeting support) across every BU, and design the future-state, AI-driven processes
- Partner with BU finance leads and their teams to implement changes with minimal disruption to close cycles, event wrap-ups, and budgeting deadlines
- Act as the primary liaison with WNS, MARI's outsourced finance partner
- Maintain day-to-day governance, SLA oversight, and operational continuity across AP, AR, and RTR
- Lead the finance transformation through TSA exit and system migration to steady state
- Rebuild and maintain Desktop Procedure Manuals (DPMs) to reflect post-migration processes
- Identify inefficiencies and opportunities to apply AI and automation, partnering with WNS and internal stakeholders to design and implement improvements
- Drive the phased reduction of WNS's involvement across MARI finance processes
- Champion the use of AI and automation across AP, AR, and RTR — evaluate, select, and stand up the AI, automation, and infrastructure tools/platforms needed to support the transformation
What You Bring:
- 8-10+ years' experience in finance, finance transformation, consulting or operational excellence, including demonstrable experience leading complex finance transformation programmes involving process redesign, automation and AI-enabled improvements
- Prior exposure to BPO or outsourced operating models
- Proven track record in change management and process documentation
- Strong stakeholder management skills, with experience partnering with outsourced or offshore teams
- Comfortable operating in a fast-paced, transformation-focused environment, with genuine curiosity about how AI can transform finance operations
- Well-versed in the current landscape of AI and automation tools for finance operations (e.g. tools, platforms, vendors RPA, AI-assisted reconciliation/reporting, workflow automation platforms) is a strong plus
Benefits
Here are some of the Benefits and Perks offered at MARI Group:
- Hybrid work environment (blend of in-office and at-home days)
- Pension match and access to a bespoke pension scheme
- Paid Parental Leave
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Enhanced gyms, wellness and financial wellbeing apps access via Wellhub
- Flexible Paid Time Off
MARI believes in the power of live experiences to unite people — and we know that can only be achieved when we reflect the full diversity of the world around us. As a global company that shapes culture across sports, art, and entertainment, we are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace and to practicing anti-discrimination across race, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, and beyond. We recognise that systemic inequality and discrimination remain challenges across the events and entertainment industry, and we are dedicated to driving meaningful progress — both within our own organisation and across the wider industry we are proud to be part of.
Finance Transformation Lead - Fixed Term Contract (MARI) employer: Mari
IMG's Hospitality Department offers an exceptional work environment for a Senior Sales Executive, where you will be part of a dynamic team dedicated to delivering premium live experiences at iconic London events. With a strong focus on employee growth, a hybrid work model, and a commitment to inclusivity, IMG fosters a culture that values innovation and collaboration, ensuring that every team member can thrive while enjoying the unique advantages of working in one of the world's most vibrant cities.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Transformation Lead - Fixed Term Contract (MARI)
✨Join Financial Networking Events
Jump into local finance meetups and conferences — they’re a goldmine for temporary roles in banking and financial services. You can chat with industry professionals and even get leads on upcoming opportunities that might not be posted online yet.
✨Utilise Temp Agencies Specialised in Finance
Reach out to temp agencies that focus on the banking sector. They often have strong ties with various firms and can help you secure short-term gigs that can help beef up your CV and get your foot in the door at firms like Mari.
✨Connect with Alumni from Your Uni
Don't underestimate the power of your university’s alumni network. Many former students are working in banking and can help you find temporary roles or even offer mentorship. Reach out directly or attend alumni events to broaden your circle.
✨Stay Active on Job Boards and Company Websites
Keep your eyes peeled on job boards specifically for finance roles. Companies like Mari might post temporary positions directly on their sites, so make sure to apply there too. Set alerts to catch those roles the moment they go live!
We think you need these skills to ace Finance Transformation Lead - Fixed Term Contract (MARI)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Academic Achievements:In banking and financial services, your academic record can really make you stand out. List relevant grades, certifications, or coursework on your CV, especially if you've taken finance-related modules. This is particularly important for a temporary role where qualifications can help you shine even brighter!
Highlight Relevant Experience:If you’ve done any internships, part-time roles, or even coursework that aligns with banking or finance, make sure you include those! Showcase specific tasks where you used quantitative skills or analytical thinking, as this is what the hiring managers at Mari will be keen to see in your application.
Tailor Your Cover Letter Purposefully:When writing your cover letter, focus on why you’re interested in a temporary position at Mari. Let them know how you can quickly adapt to the team's needs and how eager you are to learn the ropes of the banking sector during this short stint. Your motivation and enthusiasm could really set you apart!
Be Prepared with References:For temporary roles, references can play a crucial role in your application. Make sure you’ve got a couple of references lined up who can vouch for your skills and work ethic. This helps to give Mari confidence in your short-term commitment to the role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Mari
✨Brush Up on Financial Regulations
Since this is a role in banking and financial services, be ready to discuss key regulations like MiFID, Basel III, or GDPR. These are hot topics, and your awareness of how they impact daily operations can give you a significant edge during your interview with Mari.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Prepare for interview questions that assess your analytical abilities. You might need to tackle hypothetical scenarios involving risk assessment or financial forecasting. Bringing examples of relevant projects or coursework can emphasise your practical understanding of these concepts.
✨Highlight Flexibility and Adaptability
For a temporary role, showing that you can quickly pick up new processes and tools is crucial. Be ready to discuss previous experiences where you had to adapt to changing requirements or tight deadlines, as this will reassure Mari that you’re a reliable team player.
✨Demonstrate a Willingness to Learn
In a temporary position, leaning into your eagerness to learn can really set you apart. Be prepared to share how you’re staying updated on industry trends or any additional training you've pursued. Employers appreciate candidates who are proactive about their development—even for short-term roles.
