Director IT Finance functions

Johnson Controls•Glendale, CA

9d•Onsite

About The Position

As Director of IT for Financial Applications, you will serve as the global technology leader responsible for shaping, delivering, and operating the application ecosystem that powers our Finance organization. In this role, you will define the strategic roadmap for financial systems, lead complex transformation initiatives, and ensure the reliability, scalability, and compliance of core financial platforms—analytics, and integration layers. You will partner closely with Finance leadership, functional process owners, enterprise architects, and global delivery teams to drive standardization, automation, and data-driven decision making across the company. This role requires a visionary technology leader with deep financial process expertise, strong execution capability, and a passion for modernizing Finance through digital innovation.

Requirements

15+ years of experience in IT roles supporting financial business processes.
Deep understanding of end-to-end finance processes (AP, AR, GL, Cash Management, Intercompany, Reconciliation, Audit).
8+ years of leadership experience managing global teams and extensive cross-functional stakeholder engagement.
Proven track record delivering large-scale ERP or financial application implementations in complex global organizations.
Strong knowledge of audit, compliance, and SOX requirements.
Demonstrable experience with data processing, analytics, and reporting platforms.
Excellent communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills.
Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, transformational environment with minimal supervision.

Nice To Haves

Degree in Information Systems, Computer Science, Finance, or related field.
Hands-on understanding of SQL databases, integrations, and automated data workflows.
Experience with modern Finance technologies such as AI/ML, RPA, workflow automation, digital reporting, or predictive analytics.
Functional knowledge of Invoice-to-Pay, Travel & Expense, and Record-to-Report processes.

Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Roadmap Ownership Define and own the global strategy and multi-year roadmap for financial applications, ensuring alignment with enterprise architecture and Finance transformation goals.
Identify opportunities to streamline financial processes using digital technologies, automation, AI, analytics, and integration improvements.
Establish governance frameworks ensuring standardization, compliance, and alignment with corporate IT principles.
Delivery & Transformation Management Lead end-to-end delivery of major ERP and financial system initiatives, ensuring strategic value, quality, and on-time execution.
Oversee solution design, build, testing, and deployment activities through internal teams and external partners.
Drive continuous improvement across the Finance technology landscape, including enhancements, technical upgrades, and lifecycle management.
Ensure audit, SOX, security, and compliance controls are embedded in all solutions and operations.
Team & Vendor Leadership Lead and develop high-performing global teams across technical, functional, and delivery disciplines.
Establish clear performance expectations, coach talent, and build strong succession pipelines.
Manage relationships with key technology vendors, including contract negotiations, performance management, and innovation alignment.
Stakeholder & Business Partnership Act as a trusted advisor to Finance leaders, supporting effective decision-making and driving alignment between business strategy and technology capability.
Translate complex business requirements into scalable and future-proof technology solutions.
Facilitate cross-functional collaboration between Business Partners, Project Managers, Architects, and Operations teams for seamless delivery.
Operational Excellence Ensure high availability, stability, and performance of critical financial applications through robust support and operations processes.
Oversee incident management, root-cause analysis, release management, and environment strategy.
Maintain strong data governance and oversee data flows across ERP, reporting, and analytic platforms.