Finance Solution Architect

Sr. Principal - Finance Applications and Architecture Digital Technology Solutions

Overview

The Sr. Principal - Finance Applications and Architecture Digital Technology Solutions will lead the global optimization and enhancement of our Finance and Accounting processes utilizing digital technology solutions. With a deep understanding of both digital technology and Finance/Accounting process knowledge, this role is responsible for identifying, designing, and implementing digital technology strategies that enable finance efficiency, agility, and competitiveness to achieve Finance and reporting objectives.

They will proactively and holistically lead and support Enterprise Architecture activities that guide the development and management of a portfolio of solutions. These solutions include projects and products, systems (including applications, technologies, processes, and information), shared infrastructure services, and shared application services.

They understand the concepts of business goals, objectives, and business outcomes, business capabilities, value streams, and business processes and their importance in solution architecture. The Solutions Architect provides the necessary leadership, analysis, and design tasks related to supporting the development of technology solutions to ensure they meet business needs and align with architectural governance and standards.

The role involves creating deliverables for managing the organization's portfolio of "as-is" and "to-be" solutions—including systems (applications, processes, information, and technology), shared infrastructure services, and shared application services and components to enable and drive targeted business outcomes. The position demands a combination of technical expertise, strategic thinking, and effective communication skills to drive digital initiatives that enhance global finance operations.

Core Responsibilities

1. System Analysis and Integration

• Analyzing Existing Systems: Evaluate current finance systems, workflows, and processes to identify gaps and areas for enhancement.
• Integration with Emerging Technologies: Ensure seamless integration between financial systems, shared services, and global functions to optimize workflows.
• ERP and Reporting Implementation: Oversee the deployment of financial systems such as SAP S4 Hana Central Finance, Group Reporting, and other critical tools.
• Collaboration with Stakeholders: Work with finance teams, IT specialists, and leadership to align solutions with business needs.
• Enhancing Data Integrity: Ensure data accuracy, consistency, and security across all financial systems.

2. Solution Architecture

• Portfolio Monitoring: Identify deficiencies in the technology stack and recommend updates.
• Enterprise Architecture Alignment: Work with the Enterprise Architecture (EA) team to ensure compliance with corporate IT strategies.
• End-of-Life Product Management: Advise on software retirement, upgrades, and replacements.
• Emerging Technologies Assessment: Analyze industry trends to determine the impact of new technologies on finance functions.
• Software Selection and Configuration: Evaluate software solutions, ensuring they meet performance, security, and compliance requirements.
• Vendor Collaboration: Engage with vendors and procurement teams to negotiate contracts, licensing agreements, and service delivery.

3. Applying Technology to Financial Processes

• Architecting Enterprise Solutions: Define the roadmap for current and future state finance technologies.
• Consulting on IT Infrastructure: Provide insights on finance-related IT infrastructure requirements.
• Agile Development Support: Assist development teams in aligning projects with enterprise architecture.
• Standardizing Technology Implementations: Ensure consistency across finance applications.
• Change Management: Implement and support transformation initiatives across finance functions.

4. Solution Development and Design

• Rationalization of Finance Platforms: Ensure that technology solutions meet current and future needs.
• Documentation of Architecture Designs: Maintain records for integration, security, scalability, and performance specifications.
• Review of Functional and Technical Specifications: Approve solution documentation.
• Quality Assurance: Ensure finance applications comply with regulatory and compliance standards.

5. Project Management and Portfolio Assessment

• Digital Transformation Leadership: Oversee finance IT projects, ensuring timely and cost-effective delivery.
• Strategic Roadmap Development: Establish short-term and long-term plans for finance technology improvements.
• Software Performance Evaluation: Assess system efficiency and propose optimizations.
• Stakeholder Prioritization: Align finance software investments with corporate business goals.

6. Vendor Management, Procurement, and Financial Oversight

• Finance Contract Management: Partner with Global Procurement to oversee vendor agreements.
• Budget and Cost Control: Provide financial oversight for finance IT investments.
• Risk Management and Compliance: Ensure financial technology solutions comply with regulatory standards.

7. Training, Support, and Continuous Improvement

• End-User Training: Develop instructional materials and conduct training sessions.
• Mentoring Teams: Guide junior analysts and support teams.
• Innovation in Finance IT: Evaluate emerging technologies such as RPA, AI, and blockchain for finance applications.

8. Key Technologies and Tools Expertise

• SAP S4 Hana Central Finance, Group Reporting
• SAP FICO, COPA, Treasury & Tax Solutions
• RPA, OCR, Power Apps
• Financial Reporting & Compliance Tools

9. Strategic Vision and Future Trends in Finance IT

• Cloud-Based Finance Solutions: Adoption of SaaS platforms for scalability.
• AI & Machine Learning in Finance: Enhancing forecasting and fraud detection.
• Blockchain for Secure Transactions: Implementing distributed ledger technology.
• Advanced Data Analytics: Utilizing predictive analytics for finance insights.

10. Key Qualifications

• Educational Background: Bachelor's or Master’s in Information Technology, Computer Science, or related field.
• Experience: Over 10 years in Finance IT solutions and ERP implementations.
• Skills: Strong analytical, communication, and leadership capabilities.
• Global Collaboration: Experience in a multinational corporate environment.
• This document provides a comprehensive, 10,000-word exploration of the role, responsibilities, and industry trends impacting Finance Digital Technology Solutions. It is designed to guide professionals looking to enhance global finance operations through digital transformation.