VP/LFO, Rewards Finance

American Express•New York, NY

About The Position

At American Express, our culture is built on a 175-year history of innovation, shared values and Leadership Behaviors, and an unwavering commitment to back our customers, communities, and colleagues. As part of Team Amex, you'll experience this powerful backing with comprehensive support for your holistic well-being and many opportunities to learn new skills, develop as a leader, and grow your career. Here, your voice and ideas matter, your work makes an impact, and together, you will help us define the future of American Express. The VP/LFO, Rewards Finance will lead a team responsible for the planning, reporting, forecasting, modelling, governance, and analytics for one of the largest P&L items at American Express. This role will lead all planning and forecasting, decision support, predictive modelling and governance efforts pertaining to US Rewards and Global URR models, working closely with business partners and senior leaders across Finance and the business. The ideal candidate will bring a unique balance of strong analytical, communication and people leadership skills and comfort with ambiguity. They must be able to build solid, trust-based relationships with business partners, technology, and controllership, as well as with governance and oversight agencies to deliver outstanding reward programs to our Card Members while maintaining robust levels of financial rigor.

Requirements

Highly motivated leader with an ability to drive results independently and solve complex problems
Exceptional relationship and collaboration skills, including the ability to work in a highly matrixed environment across marketing, finance, technologies, and compliance
Strong analytics skillset paired with exemplary communication skills with the ability to break down complex ideas into understandable/actionable messages and tailor messages to non-technical audiences
Strong business acumen, strategic thinking, and a point of view on the evolution of Rewards
Demonstrated ability to manage multiple, disparate projects concurrently without sacrificing quality
Track record of effectively coaching and developing colleagues
Ability to make well-reasoned recommendations, from financial, academic, and strategic points of view
Knowledge of data mining and analytics languages/techniques [e.g., SQL and / or SAS] preferred
10+ years of relevant work experience
Bachelor’s Degree required, advanced degree in relevant field preferred

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of data mining and analytics languages/techniques [e.g., SQL and / or SAS] preferred
advanced degree in relevant field preferred

Responsibilities

Lead a team responsible for end-to-end ownership of the Rewards planning, forecasting, and results analysis processes, which include the annual plan, monthly R&Os, and Long-Range Plan.
Ensure financial rigor and integrity each quarter for Rewards Expense, in partnership with Controllership.
Build strong relationships with internal and external governance agencies, including internal audit, external auditors, and Model Risk Management teams, in addition to presenting to external oversight agencies, as needed, on model-related matters.
Drive decision support activities across US market relating to all rewards constructs, including Membership Rewards and cash rebates [e.g., product construct / design, points, product accelerators and redemption patterns]
Continue momentum to migrate rewards-related data into big data environment to harness the potential of next-generation modelling and analytics capabilities
Oversee and manage team which owns the global Ultimate Redemption Rate models and governance processes
Develop and present materials at quarterly Finance Rewards Committee, Membership Rewards Liability Committee, and Model Risk Aggregate Committee meetings
Provide thought leadership and creativity in solving challenging business problems relating to decision support and/or URR modelling
Lead and develop a team with strong analytical, technical, and financial skills

Benefits

Competitive base salaries
Bonus incentives
6%25 Company Match on retirement savings plan
Free financial coaching and financial well-being support
Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and disability benefits
Flexible working model with hybrid, onsite or virtual arrangements depending on role and business need
20+ weeks paid parental leave for all parents, regardless of gender, offered for pregnancy, adoption or surrogacy
Free access to global on-site wellness centers staffed with nurses and doctors (depending on location)
Free and confidential counseling support through our Healthy Minds program
Career development and training opportunities