Head of Finance Transformation and Systems

Raymond James•Saint Petersburg, FL

4d•Hybrid

About The Position

Under executive direction, leads the strategic vision, governance, and execution of Finance technology, data, operational transformation, and process excellence initiatives. In close partnership with other Finance areas, responsible for driving the modernization of the Finance organization through optimization of financial systems, enterprise data management, business process transformation, and emerging technology adoption, including artificial intelligence. Oversees the Finance Systems Solutions and Finance Process Innovation teams, ensuring the alignment of technology, processes, data, and organizational capabilities with business objectives. Serves as a key strategic partner to the Chief Accounting Officer, Chief Financial Officer, senior Finance leadership, Technology leadership, and enterprise stakeholders to deliver scalable, efficient, and future-ready financial operations. Leads enterprise-wide initiatives that improve operational effectiveness, strengthen data integrity, enhance decision-making, increase automation, and support the organization's long-term growth strategy.

Requirements

Finance and accounting operating models.
Financial systems, ERP and EPM platforms, and reporting technologies.
Data governance frameworks and data management practices.
Program and project management methodologies.
Business process improvement methodologies.
Artificial intelligence, automation technologies, and advanced analytics.
Internal controls, regulatory requirements, and governance practices.
Financial services industry operations and accounting processes.
Skill in Enterprise transformation leadership.
Strategic planning and execution.
Technology and business alignment.
Organizational change management.
Process optimization and redesign.
Executive communication and presentations.
Stakeholder management and influence.
Portfolio and program governance.
Building high-performing teams.
Data-driven decision making.
Ability to Develop and execute long-term transformation strategies.
Lead complex, enterprise-wide initiatives.
Influence executive leaders and key stakeholders.
Translate business needs into technology and operational solutions.
Balance strategic priorities with operational execution.
Drive innovation while maintaining strong governance and controls.
Manage multiple large-scale initiatives simultaneously.
Build consensus across diverse stakeholder groups.
Bachelor's Degree in Accounting, Finance, Information Systems, Business Administration, or related field required.
Minimum 15 years of progressive experience in finance transformation, financial systems, process improvement, technology, consulting, or related functions.
Minimum 8 years of leadership experience managing large teams and senior leaders.
Demonstrated experience leading enterprise technology implementations, process transformation initiatives, and organizational change programs.
Experience overseeing large project portfolios and PMO functions.
Experience within financial services or a highly regulated industry preferred.

Responsibilities

Establish and execute the long-term Finance transformation strategy, roadmap, and operating model.
Align finance technology, data, process improvement, and organizational initiatives with enterprise and Finance strategic objectives.
In partnership with other teams across Finance, lead large-scale transformation programs impacting the finance functions.
Identify opportunities to simplify operations, improve scalability, and enhance the overall effectiveness of the Finance organization.
Serve as a trusted advisor to executive leadership on finance modernization opportunities, challenges, and investments.
Provide executive oversight of all Finance systems and applications.
Establish system governance, ownership models, and strategic system roadmaps.
Ensure financial systems support current and future business requirements.
Partner with Technology teams to prioritize system enhancements, integrations, upgrades, and platform modernization efforts.
Oversee financial reporting systems, accounting systems, close and consolidation platforms, budgeting tools, and supporting technologies.
Ensure optimal system performance, risk management, and operational resiliency.
Provide executive oversight of the Finance PMO.
Establish governance frameworks for prioritization, execution, monitoring, and reporting of strategic initiatives.
Ensure programs are delivered on time, within scope, and aligned with strategic objectives.
Monitor program performance, resource allocation, risks, dependencies, and outcomes.
Present portfolio status updates and strategic recommendations to executive leadership.
Lead enterprise Finance process improvement programs across all functional areas.
Promote a culture of continuous improvement, operational excellence, and innovation.
Oversee identification, evaluation, and implementation of process optimization opportunities.
Drive standardization, automation, controls enhancement, and operational efficiency initiatives.
Ensure process redesign efforts align with regulatory, risk, and governance requirements.
Work closely with Technology division to develop and execute the Finance AI strategy and adoption roadmap.
Identify opportunities to leverage artificial intelligence, machine learning, automation, and advanced analytics to improve business outcomes.
Partner with Technology, Risk, Legal, Compliance, and enterprise stakeholders to establish responsible AI governance practices.
Evaluate emerging technologies and their applicability to Finance operations and reporting.
Lead organizational readiness and change management efforts supporting technology adoption.
Build strong partnerships across Finance, Technology, and business units.
Collaborate with executive leadership to align transformation initiatives with strategic priorities.
Engage stakeholders to identify opportunities, remove barriers, and drive successful implementation of initiatives.
Influence organizational change through strong communication, executive presence, and strategic leadership.
Lead multiple leaders responsible for systems, PMO, and transformation functions.
Develop organizational capabilities, succession plans, and leadership pipelines.
Establish performance expectations and accountability measures.
Foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, inclusion, and continuous learning.
Attract, develop, and retain top talent.