Group Director, Finance Systems, Data & Analytics

The Group Director, Finance Systems, Data & Analytics defines and executes the Group Finance technology, data and analytics strategy. The role owns the evolution, governance and optimization of finance systems, enterprise finance data, reporting platforms and analytics capabilities, enabling reliable financial information and stronger strategic decision-making across the Group.

Working closely with CFOs, Corp Finance and Business Lines Finance Communities, IT, and Shared Services, the role serves as a strategic partner in driving finance transformation, digitalization, automation, and data-driven insights across the Group.

Responsibilities

Finance Systems Strategy & Governance

• Define and execute the Group Finance systems and digital roadmap, aligned with Finance strategy, transformation priorities and business needs.
• Own the lifecycle, implementation, enhancement and BAU support model for core Finance platforms, including INFOR SUN 6 BiGGeR, Concur, Esker and Kyriba and Cognos Controller and TM1.
• Lead finance technology initiatives, ensuring scalability, security, standardization, operational efficiency and enable AI adoption.
• Establish policies, controls, and best practices for finance systems management.
• Partner with IT to ensure effective system architecture, integration, cybersecurity, and BAU support models.
• Manage relationships with vendors, implementation partners, and IT teams.
• Ensure effective integration of other business systems and applications including SFDC, MyHR, Oryx
• Drive standardization and simplification of finance processes through technology and eliminate unnecessary complexity and manual intervention.
  

Data Management & Governance

• Define and implement the Group's finance data strategy and governance and target data architecture.
• Establish clear data ownership and stewardship, master data standards, data quality controls, security requirements and issue-resolution governance.
• Ensure consistency, lineage, integrity and usability of financial data across applications, legal entities and Business Lines.
• Drive improvements in data accuracy, accessibility, automation and reporting efficiency, with clear accountability for critical Finance data.
• Lead the development of a centralized finance data platform and related architecture in line with the Project Lighthouse Terns of Reference and broader Finance transformation roadmap.

Analytics, Reporting, Automation & AI

• Build and lead a modern finance analytics capability that converts trusted data into actionable business insight.
• Develop and govern executive dashboards, KPI frameworks and management reporting solutions that provide consistent, decision-useful information.
• Advance predictive and prescriptive analytics where they can improve forecasting, performance management and decision-making.
• Identify and scale appropriate AI and automation use cases, with suitable governance, controls and measurable business value.
• Enable self-service reporting and analytics while maintaining common definitions, appropriate access and strong data governance.

Risk, Compliance & Controls

• Ensure Finance applications, data and reporting processes meet internal control, audit, information security and applicable regulatory requirements.
• Maintain effective controls over system access, change management, interfaces, master data and key financial reporting processes.
• Lead remediation of control, audit and data-quality findings relating to Finance systems and data governance.
• Support internal and external audits and ensure issues are addressed sustainably and on a timely basis.
• Embed appropriate governance for data use, automation and AI within the Finance environment.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Information Systems, Computer Science, Data Analytics, or related discipline.
• CPA or ACCA or relevant professional qualifications preferred
• Minimum 15 years of progressive leadership experience in Finance Systems, Finance Transformation, Data and Analytics, or related functions.
• Proven experience leading enterprise-scale Finance technology, ERP and transformation programs in complex multinational and matrix environments.
• Strong hands-on program and systems project management capability, with the ability to operate effectively at strategic, tactical and operational levels
• Deep understanding of Finance processes, accounting, controls, management and statutory reporting, planning and consolidation.
• Demonstrated experience establishing data governance, data management and analytics capabilities, including executive reporting and self-service analytics.
• Experience in managing technology vendors, implementation partners and cross-functional delivery teams.
• Ability to translate business requirements into scalable technology and data solutions, while balancing innovation, resilience, control and cost.
• Experience leading organizational change, stakeholder engagement and adoption across geographies and functions.
• Experience with INFOR SUN 6, Cognos Controller and TM1 is advantageous exposure to treasury, expense, AP automation and other Finance platforms is desirable.
• Practical exposure to automation and AI-enabled Finance use cases is desirable.