Senior Program Manager

Denso • Southfield, MI

6d • Onsite

About The Position

Under no regular supervision, this role serves as the overall program owner and decision-maker for Finance and Accounting program initiatives. The Senior Program Manager is responsible for providing decisions and direction to program team(s), ensuring deliverables are met, and implementing corrective actions based on identified risks and issues. This position promotes and drives financial systems improvements to enhance the quality and efficiency of financial operations. The role involves tracking and meeting program profitability, technical, and schedule commitments, recognizing potential issues and implementing necessary corrective actions. The Senior Program Manager provides technical and programmatic direction and judgment to other staff and program personnel, leading projects with significant resource requirements, risk, and complexity. This role interfaces with all departments working on assigned programs, both internal and other group companies, to maintain awareness of project status and ensure timely completion. Key responsibilities include creating and delivering regular program status reports to management, including mitigation/resolution plans for identified risks, and collaborating with the program team to provide regular status updates on program goals and objectives to the customer. Additionally, the Senior Program Manager determines training needs for program staff, collaborates with other departments to develop and deliver training, and actively seeks and recommends potential improvements to processes and project tools. This role also manages and leads payroll-related projects, acting as the primary decision-maker and owner, providing strategic direction, collaborating with cross-functional teams, ensuring timely delivery, conducting progress reviews, and fostering a collaborative environment. The role also involves staying updated on industry trends, mentoring team members, ensuring compliance, and maintaining strong relationships with stakeholders.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance or computer science
• 10 + years of related experience
• Experienced in navigating the complexity of multi-plant manufacturing environment ensuring efficiency, quality, and alignment across varied operations
• Excellent written and oral communication skills and good presentation skills
• Advanced knowledge of accounting practices and principles
• Advanced capability to use MS Project or other project management software
• Advanced project management skills
• Advanced analytical skills
• Strong customer service and negotiation skills
• Ability to organize and work within a cross-functional team
• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Finance, or a related field, with a preference for a Master's degree.
• Minimum of 8 years of experience in project management, with a proven track record in payroll or finance projects.
• Strong leadership and decision-making skills, with the ability to inspire and guide a diverse project team.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build relationships at all levels of the organization.
• Proficiency in project management methodologies and tools, such as Agile or Scrum.
• Experience in managing complex projects with multiple stakeholders and cross-functional teams.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, with a data-driven approach to decision-making.
• Knowledge of payroll systems and processes, including payroll software and reporting.
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and meet tight deadlines.
• A proactive and results-oriented mindset, with a commitment to continuous improvement and innovation.

Nice To Haves

• Project Management Certificate preferred

Responsibilities

• Overall program owner and decision maker on Finance and Accounting program initiatives and is responsible for providing decisions and direction to program team(s).
• Ensures deliverables are met and implements corrective actions based on identified risks and issues.
• Promotes and drives financial systems improvements to improve quality and efficiency of financial operations.
• Tracks and meets program profitability, technical and schedule commitments, recognizing potential issues/concerns and corrective actions needed towards meeting program goals.
• Provides direction and judgement, both technical and programmatic, to other staff and program personnel.
• Leads projects with considerable resource requirements, risk and/or complexity.
• Interfaces with all departments working on assigned programs, both internal and other group companies, to keep up to date on status of current projects and ensure timely completion.
• Creates and delivers regular program status reports to management and any mitigation/resolution plans for identified risks.
• Collaborating with the program team, provides regular status updates on program goals and objectives to the customer.
• Determines what training may be needed by program staff to ensure success of the program and collaborates with other departments to develop and deliver the required training.
• Actively seeks and recommends potential improvements to processes and/or project tools.
• Manage and lead payroll-related projects, acting as the primary decision-maker and owner of these initiatives.
• Provide strategic direction and guidance to the project team, ensuring alignment with organizational goals.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to gather requirements, define project scope, and develop project plans.
• Ensure timely and accurate delivery of project milestones, managing risks and resolving issues effectively.
• Conduct regular progress reviews and provide status updates to stakeholders, including senior leadership.
• Foster a collaborative and innovative work environment, encouraging open communication and idea sharing.
• Stay updated with industry trends and best practices in payroll management, implementing process improvements.
• Mentor and develop team members, providing feedback and support to enhance their skills and performance.
• Ensure compliance with legal and regulatory requirements related to payroll and finance.
• Maintain strong relationships with internal clients and external partners to ensure smooth project execution.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, Vision, Prescription Drug plans
• 401K with 4% Company Match
• Vacation/PTO and 13 paid Holidays
• Bonus Program
• FSA/HSA and Dependent Care Programs
• Company provided Life, Disability, ADD and Business Travel Insurance
• Various No Cost Wellness & Chronic Condition Management Programs
• Various Optional Insurance programs such as legal, identity theft, critical illness, etc.
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Career Development and Ongoing Training
• Employee Assistance Program
• Employee Spotlight and Recognition Program
• Volunteer Opportunities
• Onsite Fitness Center (vary by location)
• Cafeteria and food markets (vary by location)
• Onsite Health Clinic and Pharmacy (vary by location)

What This Job Offers

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