Senior Director, SAP Finance (FICO)
Senior Director, SAP Finance (FICO)

Senior Director, SAP Finance (FICO)

London Full-Time 48000 - 72000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead global SAP Finance transformation initiatives and oversee hands-on configuration.
  • Company: Universal Music Group is the world's leading music company, fostering innovation and creativity.
  • Benefits: Enjoy a diverse workplace with opportunities for growth and flexible working arrangements.
  • Why this job: Join a passionate team and make a real impact in the music industry.
  • Qualifications: Strong SAP FICO experience and proven leadership in global deployment programs required.
  • Other info: Inclusive culture that values diversity and supports neurodiverse individuals.

The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ per year.

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Music is Universal
It’s the passionate and dedicated team at Universal Music who help make us the world’s leading music company. From A&R to finance, legal to digital, sales to marketing, Universal Music is the place to grow and develop your career within a truly commercial and innovative business that leads in everything it does.
Everyone is welcome to apply for our roles, and we are determined to ensure that no applicant or employee receives less favourable treatment because of gender, race, disability, sexual orientation, religion, belief, age, marital status, background, pregnancy, or caring responsibilities. We also recognise the importance of diversity of thought within our teams and are fully committed to embracing the talents of people with autism, dyslexia, ADHD, and other forms of neurocognitive variation.
We will always seek to make appropriate adjustments to recruitment, workplaces, and work processes to be fully inclusive to people with different needs and working styles. If you need us to make any reasonable adjustments for you from application onwards, including alternatives to the online form or to disclose a neurocognitive condition, please email
The A Side: A Day in The Life
We are seeking an experienced and visionary Senior Director, SAP Finance (FICO) to lead global SAP Finance transformation initiatives. This strategic leadership role is focused on defining and delivering the SAP Finance (FICO) roadmap, ensuring high-quality functional configuration, and implementing scalable solutions that enable standardized, efficient financial processes across all regions. The ideal candidate brings deep SAP FICO functional expertise, hands-on configuration experience, and a strong background in global solution delivery and architecture.
The B Side: Skills & Experience
Strategic Leadership

  • Define and lead the global SAP Finance (FICO) functional roadmap aligned with enterprise-wide finance transformation objectives.
  • Translate business needs into well-architected SAP FICO solutions across General Ledger (GL), Accounts Payable (AP), Accounts Receivable (AR), Asset Accounting (AA), Controlling (CO), and Product Costing (PC).
  • Drive the global adoption of S/4HANA Finance and next-generation finance capabilities including Central Finance, automation (RPA), and AI/ML integration.
  • Act as a strategic partner to global Finance operations, IT, and Business stakeholders.

SAP FICO Functional Configuration & Solution Delivery

  • Lead and oversee hands-on SAP FICO configuration across GL, AP, AR, AA, CO, PC, and related modules.
  • Ensure design consistency, reusability, and compliance with global template standards and local regulatory needs.
  • Deliver robust, end-to-end SAP Finance solutions, including requirements gathering, blueprinting, functional specs, unit testing, integration testing, and deployment.
  • Guide and review functional design documents, test scripts, and configuration work performed by internal teams and system integrators.
  • Own the solution delivery lifecycle for SAP FICO programs, ensuring high quality and timely delivery across project phases.
  • Lead cutover planning, data validation, reconciliation strategies, and post-go-live support for FICO processes.

Program Governance & Delivery

  • Oversee greenfield and brownfield SAP S/4HANA implementations and enhancements.
  • Govern finance solution delivery through structured methodologies, standardized documentation, and robust change management.
  • Coordinate with SAP ABAP / Development, SAP Basis, BTP, Security, and Data teams to ensure end-to-end solution integrity.
  • Manage vendor partners, project timelines, budgets, and resource allocations.

People & Team Leadership

  • Lead, mentor, and grow a global team of SAP FICO functional consultants and solution architects.
  • Promote a culture of accountability, excellence in design, and continuous improvement.
  • Facilitate knowledge sharing, documentation, and skill development across regions.

Technical Ownership

  • Ensure integrated design of SAP FICO with third-party systems including BlackLine, Concur, Treasury platforms, Tax Engines, and HFM.
  • Own functional solution architecture and design integrity across all SAP Finance programs.
  • Drive SAP system performance, scalability, and usability through design optimization.
  • Ensure compliance with SAP best practices, upgrade readiness, and adherence to SAP OSS guidelines.

Operational Excellence

  • Support steady-state operations by ensuring stable incident, change, and enhancement management for SAP FICO modules.
  • Proactively optimize business processes and configuration based on evolving business needs and user feedback.
  • Collaborate with service delivery teams to ensure adherence to SLAs and high user satisfaction.

Compliance, Controls & Risk Management

  • Ensure SAP FICO configurations align with SOX, audit, and internal control requirements.
  • Work closely with GRC and audit teams to maintain financial system integrity and documentation.
  • Lead remediation efforts and design controls for segregation of duties and financial compliance.

Person Specification

  • Strong SAP experience, as well as experience in SAP FICO functional and solution delivery roles.
  • Proven experience delivering hands-on SAP FICO configuration and managing global deployment programs.
  • Strong expertise in finance processes: R2R, P2P, O2C, Costing, Treasury, and Reconciliation.
  • Experience in multinational environments or shared service models.
  • Deep configuration knowledge of SAP FICO modules: GL, AP, AR, AA, CO, PC.
  • Strong understanding of integration points with external finance systems (e.g., BlackLine, Concur, Tax Engines).
  • Familiarity with SAP Central Finance, Group Reporting, and S/4HANA architecture.
  • Experience with data migration, cutover, and testing tools.
  • Awareness of cloud, hybrid, and modern digital finance ecosystems.
  • Demonstrated leadership in building and guiding global functional teams.
  • Strong communication skills for engaging with Finance, IT, and executive leadership.
  • Ability to convey technical solutions in business language and drive stakeholder buy-in.

Desirable

  • SAP S/4HANA Finance experience.
  • Experience with SAP Analytics Cloud, Central Finance, and agile delivery methods.
  • Familiarity with tools like JIRA, ServiceNow, and Solution Manager.

Just So You Know…
The company presents this job description as a guide to the major areas and duties for which the jobholder is accountable. However, the business operates in an environment that demands change and the jobholder\’s specific responsibilities and activities will vary and develop. Therefore, the job description should be seen as indicative and not as a permanent, definitive, and exhaustive statement.
Job Category
Technology

Seniority level

  • Seniority level

    Director

Employment type

  • Employment type

    Full-time

Job function

  • Job function

    Information Technology

  • Industries

    Entertainment Providers

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Senior Director, SAP Finance (FICO) employer: Universal Music Group

Universal Music Group is an exceptional employer that fosters a vibrant and inclusive work culture, where creativity and innovation thrive. As a Senior Director in SAP Finance (FICO), you will have the opportunity to lead transformative initiatives within a globally recognised music company, while benefiting from comprehensive professional development and a commitment to diversity. Located in London, you will be part of a passionate team dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the music industry.
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Contact Detail:

Universal Music Group Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Senior Director, SAP Finance (FICO)

✨Tip Number 1

Network with professionals in the SAP Finance space, especially those who have experience with Universal Music Group or similar companies. Attend industry events or webinars to connect with potential colleagues and learn more about the company culture.

✨Tip Number 2

Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in SAP FICO, particularly around S/4HANA and AI/ML integration. Being able to discuss these topics knowledgeably during interviews will demonstrate your commitment to staying current in the field.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare to showcase your leadership skills by gathering examples of how you've successfully led teams through SAP FICO implementations. Highlight your ability to mentor others and drive a culture of excellence, as this is crucial for the Senior Director role.

✨Tip Number 4

Research Universal Music Group's recent projects and initiatives in finance transformation. Tailoring your discussions to align with their goals will show that you are genuinely interested in contributing to their success.

We think you need these skills to ace Senior Director, SAP Finance (FICO)

SAP FICO Functional Expertise
Hands-on SAP Configuration Experience
Global Solution Delivery
Strategic Leadership
Financial Process Knowledge (R2R, P2P, O2C)
Integration with External Finance Systems
SAP S/4HANA Finance Knowledge
Change Management
Project Management
Data Migration and Testing Tools
Communication Skills
Team Leadership and Mentoring
Compliance and Risk Management
Operational Excellence
Stakeholder Engagement

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your relevant experience in SAP FICO and strategic leadership. Use specific examples that demonstrate your hands-on configuration skills and global solution delivery.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for the music industry and how your expertise aligns with Universal Music Group's goals. Mention your understanding of finance processes and your vision for leading SAP Finance transformation.

Highlight Leadership Experience: Emphasise your experience in leading teams and mentoring others. Provide examples of how you've promoted a culture of accountability and excellence in previous roles, as this is crucial for the Senior Director position.

Showcase Technical Knowledge: Detail your familiarity with SAP S/4HANA Finance and other relevant tools. Discuss your experience with integration points and compliance requirements to demonstrate your technical ownership and operational excellence.

How to prepare for a job interview at Universal Music Group

✨Showcase Your SAP FICO Expertise

Make sure to highlight your deep knowledge of SAP FICO modules during the interview. Be prepared to discuss specific projects where you've successfully implemented solutions across GL, AP, AR, and other relevant areas.

✨Demonstrate Strategic Leadership Skills

As a Senior Director, you'll need to exhibit strong leadership capabilities. Share examples of how you've led global teams or initiatives, focusing on your ability to align finance transformation objectives with business needs.

✨Prepare for Technical Questions

Expect technical questions related to SAP FICO configuration and integration with third-party systems. Brush up on your knowledge of S/4HANA Finance and be ready to explain how you ensure compliance with best practices.

✨Communicate Effectively with Stakeholders

Your ability to convey complex technical solutions in business language is crucial. Practice articulating your ideas clearly and concisely, ensuring that you can engage effectively with both finance and IT stakeholders.

Senior Director, SAP Finance (FICO)
Universal Music Group
U
  • Senior Director, SAP Finance (FICO)

    London
    Full-Time
    48000 - 72000 £ / year (est.)

    Application deadline: 2027-07-16

  • U

    Universal Music Group

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