Director, Strategy, Finance Transformation - job 7 of 20

The Director, Strategy, Finance Transformation at our company is responsible for evolving and implementing our finance transformation strategy. This role includes leading detailed analyses to inform decision-making, ensuring stakeholder engagement and change management, and developing key performance indicators (KPIs) for tracking our progress. You will work closely with executive leadership and various teams to drive transformative change throughout the organization.

To be successful as the Director, Strategy, Finance Transformation, candidates should have extensive experience in strategy development and operational change implementation. Strong analytical skills, a keen attention to detail, and the ability to influence cross-functional teams are essential. Experience in finance operations and project management will further aid in transitioning our finance function towards world-class standards.

In the role of Director, Strategy, Finance Transformation, you will redefine how we engage stakeholders by creating governance structures and regularly providing updates. You'll partner with communication teams to ensure alignment of messaging, especially regarding critical changes and updates within the finance function, fostering transparency and clarity across all levels of the organization.

The Director, Strategy, Finance Transformation will work in a hybrid environment, allowing for a blend of remote and in-office collaboration. You'll interact with various teams, fostering a sense of community and collective progress within the San Francisco office and beyond. Being present in the office three or more days a week enables vital face-to-face interactions with leadership and team members, enhancing cooperation.

To thrive as the Director, Strategy, Finance Transformation, a strong mix of analytical, project management, and communication skills is crucial. You'll need to lead problem-solving initiatives, influence teams effectively, and deliver insights that drive strategic decision-making. Your ability to manage multiple stakeholders and provide clear reporting on financial metrics will also be vital for success in this role.

When answering this question, highlight specific projects where you've led or contributed to finance transformation. Detail your role, the strategies you implemented, and the outcomes achieved. Emphasize teamwork, stakeholder engagement, and any measurable improvements resulting from your efforts.

Discuss your strategies for engaging stakeholders effectively, including proactive communication, regular updates, and building trust. Offer examples of how you've navigated differing perspectives and ensured alignment within teams, emphasizing your ability to foster collaboration during change.

Talk about specific tools or software you've used to establish KPIs and track performance. Describe how you define success metrics in finance transformation initiatives and share an example of how you've reported on progress to leadership. Emphasize the importance of data-driven decision-making.

Explain your conflict resolution strategies, focusing on active listening, understanding different viewpoints, and finding common ground. Provide real-life examples where you successfully mediated disputes or disagreements and ensured the team moved forward cohesively.

Describe your process in defining and implementing an operating model, focusing on analysis, stakeholder inputs, and collaboration with team members. Share examples of how you've tailored models to meet organizational needs and ensure alignment with broader goals.

Discuss your framework for prioritizing projects based on strategic alignment, resource availability, and anticipated impact. Provide examples of how you've balanced competing priorities in previous roles while delivering results within timelines.

Detail your experience in leading change management initiatives, focusing on the models or frameworks you've used. Share a specific example that demonstrates your ability to guide teams through change effectively, overcoming resistance and fostering buy-in.

Explain your approach to breaking down complex financial information into easily understandable terms. Emphasize your ability to tailor communication based on the audience and provide an example of when you effectively communicated such concepts to a non-financial audience.

Provide an example of a challenging situation where you had to persuade stakeholders to take a particular course of action. Focus on your approach, the data or logic you used, and the eventual outcome that benefited the organization.

Express your views on the impact of technology in driving finance transformation. Discuss emerging tools, software, or methodologies that have effectively enhanced finance operations, highlighting any personal experiences applying technology in your transformation projects.