AVP, IT Finance & Partner Management

National Life Insurance • Addison, TX

7d • Onsite

About The Position

This role functions as the Controller for the IT organization, with responsibility for financial management, vendor financial oversight, and contract governance. The AVP, Technology Finance and Partner Management is responsible for financial management, contract and risk management, supplier management, and executive and people leadership. This position is not a remote role, it requires working in the Dallas office. This role will be the current leader’s successor within the next two years.

Requirements

• CPA license is required.
• Minimum of bachelor's degree in a related field and at least 15 years of progressive experience in IT financial management, vendor management and technology operations.
• At least 10 years of experience directly performing accounting function and Finance Controller for a complex IT organization.
• Experience with IT Financial Management tools, IT Showbacks and IT Chargebacks.
• At least 6 years of hands-on experience in a vendor management leadership role managing multiple large-scale IT vendors in a highly diverse environment.
• Demonstrated success leading negotiations for complex multi-million dollar technology contracts.
• Experience leading and developing teams.
• Proven experience working with major global outsourcing suppliers in on-shore and off-shore models.
• Proven experience applying AI within IT financial or vendor analytics environments.
• Experience working in a multi-campus, offshore, nearshore and onshore environment.
• At least 6 years directly managing an internal team and managing outsourced resources.
• Strength in collaborating across business units and teams.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience with common practices in IT financials.
• Familiarity with ITSM/ITIL processes and practices.
• Advanced skill level in Excel.
• Proven experience in application of AI within IT functions.
• Exceptional organizational skills and attention to details.
• Strong analytical problem-solving skills.
• Able to work independently and collaboratively.
• Positive, can-do attitude with a willingness to learn and improve every day.
• Leverage approved AI tools, where appropriate, to improve the efficiency, quality, and impact of their work.
• Stay curious and open to new AI-enabled ways of working.
• Exercise sound judgment by reviewing and validating AI-generated content.
• Maintain accountability for the accuracy, quality, fairness, and integrity of work products by adhering to National Life’s AI guiding principles.
• Use AI responsibly and in accordance with company policies related to confidentiality, data privacy, security, compliance, retention and intellectual property.

Nice To Haves

• Proven experience in Life/Annuity Insurance will be considered an asset.
• Developing in Tableau and Alteryx are a plus.

Responsibilities

• Partner with the CIO and other IT leaders to own $150M+ IT expense and capital budget, forecast financial performance and ensure that spending aligns with business objectives.
• Lead IT’s annual budget preparation process, including budget reviews with senior finance and business executives, drafting communication materials and supporting CIO for executive budget reviews.
• Oversee all IT direct spend reporting and analysis including automation of monthly reports and coordinating with FMG on monthly, quarterly and annual accruals.
• Lead implementation of IT Financial Management system to improve transparency and granularity of IT cost attribution.
• Develop reporting and lead continued analysis of cost drivers and saving opportunities for IT.
• Track achievement of savings for forecasting and budgeting purposes.
• Lead IT showback reporting for business departments and tracking of action plans for cost reductions.
• Oversee IT discretionary spending, such as Travel and Training.
• Validate forecasts for financial reporting.
• Work with Finance to restructure IT’s chart of accounts and allocation of expenses to consuming customer groups.
• Establish and enforce IT’s contract policy and standards including implementing and managing the process for all technology contract reviews to address key 3rd party risks.
• Lead, provide oversight or assist in terms negotiations, pricing negotiations and service level agreements for multi-million dollar and multi-year technology agreements including MSA’s, SOW’s, outsourcing agreements and software.
• Assure alignment with NLG policies and standards, approximately 400 agreements per year.
• Partner with Legal, Risk and executive leadership to mitigate third-party, data, AI and regulatory risks.
• Lead evaluation of existing contracts for assessing risks and updating terms, particularly AI and data terms.
• Oversee contract lifecycle management tools and processes.
• Work closely with stakeholders to run governance forums (QBR’s, MBR’s), manage and improve key supplier metrics to measure supplier performance.
• Take an active, hands-on role in the day-to-day management of IT suppliers.
• Support the National Life IT leadership team by clarifying supplier responsibilities and resolving disputes.
• Serve as key point of contact for vendor escalations.
• Manage vendor Quarterly Business reviews and key vendor monthly governance meetings.
• Collaborate with key stakeholders outside IT, including Operations, Legal, Finance and Risk.
• Implement and expand the IT vendor governance program to address vendor performance of key suppliers, including service level agreements and other vendor obligations.
• Manage the operational/execution aspects of NLG’s IT outsourcing contracts.
• Assist with the negotiation of these contracts as necessary.
• Approve onboarding contract resources.
• Oversee NLG’s Third Party Risk Management policies, procedures and ongoing vendor risk management including regulatory compliance.
• Optimize IT’s vendor portfolio and improve procedures, standards and processes for working with IT suppliers.
• Maintain and enhance tools used for supplier management, including supplier tracking and performance.
• Model NLG values and servant leadership tenants and contribute new ideas and initiatives that align with these principles.
• Partner closely with IT senior leadership team to drive improvements and lead IT initiatives.
• Work closely on a daily/weekly basis with the CIO regarding finances, contracts, vendors and IT improvement initiatives.
• Develop relationships with senior leaders and executives outside the IT organization to drive improvements and help influence direction.
• May lead team within IT Finance and Partner Management, including guidance, coaching, goal setting and performance management.
• May lead cross-functional teams in support of specific projects or goals.

Benefits

• Benefits start day one and are flexible and customizable to your and your family’s specific needs.
• 401(k) eligibility
• Various paid time off benefits, such as vacation, sick time, and parental leave
• Discretionary annual incentive programs

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Executive