Role Summary
We are seeking a seasoned Finance Transformation consultant specializing in Accounts Payable (AP) to spearhead process optimization, automation, and strategic efficiency initiatives. This role requires consulting expertise, stakeholder engagement, and operational leadership to drive transformative financial improvements while ensuring seamless business continuity.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Finance Transformation
- Develop and execute a roadmap for AP process transformation, ensuring efficiency, compliance, and scalability.
- Analyze existing workflows to identify cost-saving opportunities through automation and process re-engineering.
- Champion Lean and Six Sigma methodologies to drive operational excellence.
Technology & Automation Leadership
- Oversee digital transformation initiatives, including AI-driven invoice processing, OCR integration, and ERP automation.
- Evaluate and implement AP automation tools, optimizing reconciliation, approvals, and payment cycles.
- Stay up-to-date with emerging financial technologies to ensure a future-ready AP function.
Stakeholder & Vendor Management
- Build strong relationships with senior finance leaders, procurement heads, and external partners to align AP transformation goals.
- Collaborate with global finance teams to ensure standardization and compliance with international payment regulations.
- Lead vendor negotiations to drive cost-effective payment solutions.
Operational Excellence & Compliance
- Establish and maintain KPIs for AP performance, tracking invoice processing times, payment accuracy, and vendor satisfaction.
- Ensure adherence to financial governance policies and regulatory frameworks.
- Conduct periodic audits to assess fraud risks, AP controls, and financial integrity.
Consulting & Change Management
- Drive AP process improvement initiatives, collaborating with consulting firms and internal finance teams.
- Develop a structured change management approach to minimize disruption during transformation efforts.
- Conduct training and upskilling sessions for finance teams on new AP technologies and methodologies.
Leadership & Communication
- Lead a high-performing finance transformation team, mentoring junior professionals in AP strategy.
- Present AP transformation insights, recommendations, and financial impact reports to senior leadership and board members.
- Foster a culture of continuous innovation, cost efficiency, and accountability in finance operations.
Qualifications & Experience
Required Education
- Bachelor's Degree in Finance, Accounting, Business, or a related field.
Preferred Education
- Master's Degree (MBA or equivalent) is preferred.
Required Technical & Professional Expertise
- Deep expertise in AP processes, procurement finance, and shared services environments.
- Consulting experience in finance transformation, automation, and process reengineering.
- Ability to engage and influence senior stakeholders in finance, operations, and procurement.
- Hands-on experience with ERP systems (SAP, Oracle, Workday) and AP automation tools (RPA, AI-driven AP solutions).
- Strategic mindset with the ability to drive sustainable cost efficiencies.
- Exceptional communication skills, capable of translating complex financial strategies into actionable insights.
Preferred Technical & Professional Experience
- MBA, CA, or CPA qualification is an advantage.
- Certification in Lean Six Sigma, Financial Process Automation, or Agile Finance.
- Experience in global finance transformation and shared service center environments.
