Director, Strategy, Finance Transformation - job 18 of 20

The Director of Strategy for Finance Transformation plays a critical role in shaping our finance transformation strategy by working closely with the leadership team to evolve strategic priorities. This includes conducting detailed analysis, developing recommendations, and facilitating stakeholder engagement with key executives like the CEO and Finance Leadership Team. The director will also focus on problem-solving to drive decision-making on strategic topics, helping to define governance structures and maintaining communication throughout the transition process.

To succeed as the Director of Strategy for Finance Transformation, significant experience in developing and operationalizing strategy is essential, alongside a proven track record in leading transformational change. Candidates should possess a high degree of analytic rigor and exceptional attention to detail. A strong capability to influence and mobilize cross-functional teams is crucial, as well as experience in stakeholder management and change management processes.

In the role of Director of Strategy for Finance Transformation, you will proactively engage with various departments within the Finance Velocity Office, partnering particularly with teams in Communications, HR, and across all finance functions. Your goal is to create a seamless coordinating effort that aligns with the overall enterprise transformation initiatives, ensuring consistent communication and collaboration across all stakeholders.

The Director of Strategy for Finance Transformation operates in a hybrid model, requiring at least three days a week in the office, as determined by leadership. This allows for a blend of remote flexibility with the dynamic interaction that comes from in-person collaboration with your team, which is fundamental to driving the strategic objectives of the Finance Velocity Office.

As the Director of Strategy for Finance Transformation, your impact on the company’s finance operations will be significant. You will lead the development of KPIs and metrics, ensuring that all transformation efforts are measurable and aligned with strategic company goals. Your leadership in project management and implementation strategies will directly influence the operational efficiency and effectiveness of finance functions, ultimately contributing to the organization's growth and adaptability in a changing business landscape.

When tasked with developing a transformational strategy for finance operations, I would start by conducting a thorough analysis of current processes and areas for improvement. Engaging with cross-functional teams to gather insights and feedback is essential. Following that, creating a clear roadmap with defined milestones and KPIs helps to track progress and ensures alignment with broader organizational goals.

In a previous role, I led a major restructuring of the finance department, which involved redefining roles and integrating new technologies. The key to success was transparent communication with stakeholders at all levels and regularly updating them on progress. This helped alleviate resistance to change and foster a collaborative environment that embraced the new direction.

Engaging stakeholders effectively during transformation projects involves regular communication, creating inclusive forums for feedback, and ensuring their input is valued. I often set up steering committees with stakeholders from various levels to discuss updates and gather insights, thus ensuring a wide range of perspectives are considered throughout the process.

Success measurement for a transformation initiative is critical. I typically define clear KPIs at the outset that align with the overall organizational goals. Regular tracking against these KPIs, combined with qualitative feedback from team members and stakeholders, helps to gauge success and identify areas for continuous improvement.

My experience leading cross-functional teams has taught me the value of building trust and respect among team members. To ensure collaboration, I prioritize open communication and establish common goals that everyone understands and is committed to. I also encourage team-building activities to strengthen relationships, fostering a cooperative work environment.

Staying current on trends in finance transformation requires ongoing education and networking. I regularly attend industry conferences, participate in webinars, and engage with professional organizations. Additionally, I read industry publications and follow thought leaders on social media to keep informed of best practices and innovative strategies.

In my past roles, I've developed and implemented KPIs that are integral to tracking finance performance. This involves working collaboratively with stakeholders to identify what metrics are most relevant to success, ensuring those metrics are easily measurable, and integrating them into regular reporting mechanisms to facilitate visibility and accountability.

Handling resistance requires empathy and effective communication. I take the time to understand the concerns of team members and address them through transparent discussions and clear rationale for the change. Offering training and involving team members in the transformation process can also ease apprehension and foster buy-in.

I prefer using tools like Asana and Trello for project management as they allow for clear visualization of tasks and timelines. These tools facilitate collaboration across teams, making it easier to track progress, assign responsibilities, and meet deadlines effectively during complex transformation initiatives.

Culture plays a crucial role in the success of finance transformation. A positive culture that embraces change and encourages innovation fosters engagement and collaboration among team members. To ensure transformation efforts are successful, it’s important to cultivate an environment that values openness, continuous improvement, and shared success.