IT Architect - SAP Finance

Illumina • San Diego, CA

2d • Hybrid

About The Position

What if the work you did every day could impact the lives of people you know? Or all of humanity? At Illumina, we are expanding access to genomic technology to realize health equity for billions of people around the world. Our efforts enable life-changing discoveries that are transforming human health through the early detection and diagnosis of diseases and new treatment options for patients. Working at Illumina means being part of something bigger than yourself. Every person, in every role, has the opportunity to make a difference. Surrounded by extraordinary people, inspiring leaders, and world changing projects, you will do more and become more than you ever thought possible. Location San Diego, CA Position Summary The Assoc Principal IT Architect - SAP FICO, within the Illumina Digital Services function, will lead and direct transformational Finance projects within a global framework. This pivotal role involves defining and executing the strategic direction, architecture, and roadmap for efficient, scalable, and innovative finance systems and processes, primarily focused on the SAP FICO domain. Responsibilities include leading a team (potentially including internal staff, contractors, and vendor partners), managing relationships with senior business stakeholders, ensuring alignment with global business objectives, and driving continuous improvement. This position reports to the Director, IT Finance and Legal, and serves as a key strategic partner to the Company’s Research to Release Organization and senior Finance leadership.

Requirements

• 12-15 years of progressive experience working in SAP FICO areas, including extensive experience in leading multiple full-cycle implementations and managing complex support operations.
• Proven experience in a leadership or management role (minimum 3-5 years preferred), directly overseeing SAP FICO teams, managing vendor resources, or leading large-scale, complex projects/programs.
• Deep functional and technical expertise with configuration in SAP ECC backend systems, specifically in: SAP Finance (FI - GL, AR, AP, AA, Banking) SAP Controlling (CO - CCA, PCA, IO, Product Costing, COPA)
• OpenText Vendor Invoice Management (VIM)
• Vertex Tax or similar indirect tax solutions (Strongly preferred)
• Strong understanding and experience integrating with SAP MM Materials Management and SAP SD Sales and Distribution modules.
• Expertise in translating complex business requirements into effective, strategic system solutions and process designs.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to present complex technical information clearly and persuasively to both technical teams and senior non-technical leadership/executives.
• Demonstrated ability to manage a portfolio of projects, balance multiple competing priorities, and deliver results with minimal supervision.
• Proven ability to navigate ambiguity, influence stakeholders, and thrive in a dynamic, rapidly changing global business environment.
• Strong strategic thinking and problem-solving capabilities.
• Typically requires a minimum of 15 years of related experience with a Bachelor’s degree; or 12 years and a Master’s degree; or a PhD with 8 years experience; or equivalent experience.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s Degree (MBA, MS) is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead the strategic design, development, and implementation of robust, scalable Record-to-Report solutions within the SAP FICO landscape.
• Define and champion the SAP FICO roadmap, aligning technology solutions with evolving business strategies and requirements.
• Articulate and present the functionality, features, benefits, and strategic impact of financial accounting and management accounting solutions to senior business stakeholders and technical teams.
• Oversee the creation and ensure the quality of system blueprints, configuration documentation, functional specifications, and testing strategies for RICEFW objects and system enhancements.
• Provide leadership and expert oversight for troubleshooting complex issues and ensuring timely technical resolution across the FICO space, including General Ledger, Accounts Receivable, Accounts Payable, Fixed Assets, Indirect Taxation, Inter-company settlement, Consolidation, Cost Center Accounting, Product Costing, and Profitability Analysis.
• Direct and facilitate coordination with SD, MM, PP analysts, ABAP developers, infrastructure teams, and personnel from cross-integration modules and boundary systems.
• Manage the relationship and escalation processes with SAP Support (OSS) and other technology vendors.
• Lead, mentor, and develop team members (internal and/or external resources) fostering a collaborative and high-performance environment.
• Drive strategy and manage execution across organizational, regional, and global boundaries; effectively manage a portfolio of projects and competing priorities in a cross-divisional and cross-functional environment.
• Direct and manage Application Management Support (AMS) partners, ensuring adherence to agreed SLAs, managing budgets, and driving service improvement initiatives.
• Establish and maintain strong governance frameworks for system changes, enhancements, and support within the FICO domain.
• Partner with Finance leadership to identify opportunities for process optimization and leverage technology to achieve business goals.

Benefits

• We offer a wide range of benefits as innovative as our work, including access to genomics sequencing, family planning, health/dental/vision, retirement benefits, and paid time off.
• We are a company deeply rooted in belonging, promoting an inclusive environment where employees feel valued and empowered to contribute to our mission.
• Built on a strong foundation, Illumina has always prioritized openness, collaboration, and seeking alternative perspectives to propel innovation in genomics.
• We are proud to confirm a zero-net gap in pay, regardless of gender, ethnicity, or race.
• We also have several Employee Resource Groups (ERG) that deliver career development experiences, increase cultural awareness, and offer opportunities to engage in social responsibility.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees