Overview
SSOE is seeking a highly strategic and operationally strong Global Shared Services & Corporate Operations Leader to build and scale our India-based shared services and corporate support functions.
This role will bold-line report to the US CFO and maintain a dotted-line reporting relationship to the India Country Leader. In addition to leading the India Finance Shared Services team (Billing, AR, AP, Payroll), this individual will provide dotted-line oversight and strategic coordination for HR, IT, and Central Services functions in India, supporting the continued globalization of our corporate workforce model. This position is integral to executing a global workforce strategy designed to enhance operational scalability, improve service delivery, and reduce corporate overhead as the organization grows internationally. Experience serving in a similar global shared services leadership capacity is required. AEC industry experience is preferred but not required.
AI and Innovation
At SSOE, we don't just talk about the future, we build it. As a leader in industry AI adoption, we empower our team to work smarter by providing responsible access to the industry leading AI Large Language Models, vibe-coding platforms, and securely integrating advanced tools into every role. From day one, you'll receive the training and support needed to leverage AI as a core tool for enhancing productivity, sparking creativity, and streamlining complex workflows.
Responsibilities
Global Shared Services Leadership (Finance Operations)
- Oversee day-to-day operations of Billing, Accounts Receivable, Accounts Payable, and Payroll shared services teams.
- Ensure timely and accurate processing of invoices, collections, vendor payments, employee payroll, and related financial transactions.
- Monitor workflow, capacity planning, and workforce allocation to optimize productivity.
- Establish, track, and report KPIs and SLAs across all finance shared services functions.
- Drive operational excellence while supporting US-based leadership during US hours of operation.
- Ensure all financial transactions comply with GAAP, internal controls, and company policies.
- Develop and optimize rate schedules for company and client engagements.
- Monitor and enhance tools for cash control and forecasting.
- Review general ledger balances for accuracy and appropriateness.
- Maintain strong internal controls related to billing accuracy, vendor setup, payroll processing, and approval workflows.
- Support internal and external audits, including remediation plans.
- Oversee payroll and vendor tax compliance requirements
Corporate Services Workforce Strategy (Expanded Scope)
- Serve as India-based strategic leader for the expansion of global corporate services teams.
- Provide dotted-line oversight and coordination for: Human Resources, Information Technology, and Central / Administrative Services.
- Partner with US corporate leadership to design and execute a scalable global workforce strategy.
- Identify opportunities to transition, build, or expand corporate capabilities in India to improve efficiency and cost structure.
- Develop multi-year workforce planning models aligned with global growth projections.
- Ensure alignment between India-based teams and global corporate standards, policies, and service expectations.
- Support change management initiatives related to organizational scaling and global integration.
Process Standardization & Optimization
- Develop and maintain standardized global processes, policies, and documentation.
- Identify and lead continuous improvement initiatives, including automation and ERP enhancements.
- Implement best practices to improve accuracy, reduce cycle times, and enhance internal stakeholder satisfaction.
- Champion AI-driven productivity tools across shared services functions.
Executive Partnership & Stakeholder Leadership
- Act as the senior India-based corporate services liaison to US corporate leadership.
- Provide regular operational reporting, performance dashboards, and workforce strategy updates.
- Serve as escalation point for cross-functional operational issues.
- Collaborate closely with Finance, HR, IT, and Operations leadership globally.
- Support the India Country Leader in aligning corporate growth initiatives with local execution capabilities.
Team Leadership & Talent Development
- Build, mentor, and scale a high-performing, multi-disciplinary shared services organization.
- Establish performance goals and career progression frameworks.
- Develop future leaders within India corporate functions.
- Foster a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and innovation.
- Ensure teams are effectively leveraging technology and AI tools to enhance productivity.
Reporting Structure
- Direct (Bold-Line) Reporting: Chief Financial Officer (US).
- Dotted-Line Reporting: India Country Leader.
- Dotted-Line Functional Coordination: HR, IT, and Central Services Leaders.
Shift Timings
12:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. IST (India evening shift to ensure overlap with the U.S.).
Qualifications
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field, Master's degree preferable.
- Minimum of 20 years of total experience, including substantial exposure to Shared Services, Global Business Services (GBS), or Corporate Operations. Should include 5+ years of leadership experience managing multi-functional or cross-border teams.
- Demonstrated experience scaling or transforming a global shared services model.
- Strong understanding of ERP systems and financial controls.
- Experience supporting global workforce strategy or offshore/nearshore expansion initiatives.
- Ability to work US hours of operation.
Preferred Qualifications
- AEC industry experience (preferred but not required).
- Certifications such as CPA, CMA, CPP, or equivalent.
- Experience in global workforce planning and cost optimization strategy.
- Lean, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement certification.
- Experience implementing automation and AI-enabled operational solutions.
Key Competencies
- Strategic global mindset with operational execution capability
- Executive presence and cross-cultural leadership skills
- Strong financial acumen and business partnership orientation
- Change management and transformation leadership
- Data-driven decision making
- High accountability and ownership mentality
- Ability to balance long-term strategy with hands-on operational leadership
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Benefits
Compensation & Benefits- Compensation – as per market standards
- Eligibility for performance-based bonuses, incentives, and recognition programs.
- As an employee-owned firm, we offer ownership opportunities to all employees at the associate level and above. This senior associate-level role will allow you to become a shareholder of SSOE.
- Comprehensive health insurance (Employee, spouse, two children and one set of parents and accident coverage, Employee Assistance Program, Parental leave, Paid time off, retirals - Provident Fund and gratuity)
Additional Perks
- Flexible and hybrid work options (role-dependent).
- Opportunities for international exposure and travel.
- Structured mentorship and leadership access.
- Learning and development support, including certification reimbursement.
- Employee engagement initiatives, clubs, and collaborative culture.
