Senior Manager - Core Projects (Finance Transformation)

As part of the Group Finance Transformation department, the Core Projects Team Member will lead Finance process improvement and transformation initiatives, with a strong focus on process optimization, standardization and automation across transactional Finance activities. 

The role involves coordinating cross-functional initiatives across Finance, IT, Operations and other departments, while collaborating with stakeholders across regions and Business Units. 

The incumbent will report to the Head of Core Projects, Finance based in India. 

Essential Duties & Responsibilities: 

1. Strategic Finance Process & Transformation Delivery: process optimization & automation expertise 

• Lead Finance transformation and process improvement initiatives with a focus on end-to-end transactional processes optimization (P2P, O2C, R2R), process standardization and operational efficiency.
• Drive Finance projects and continuous improvement initiatives in alignment with Finance priorities, ensuring timely and high-quality delivery. 
• Coordinate cross-functional stakeholders across regions and Business Units to support process improvements and change management. 
• Identify process inefficiencies, risks and automation opportunities, and contribute to scalable improvement initiatives. 
• Support the implementation and enhancement of Finance systems and workflows (e.g. procurement). 
• Ensure data quality, process integrity and compliance throughout transformation and optimization initiatives. 
• Define project scope, objectives and success metrics in collaboration with Finance stakeholders 

2. Governance & Risk Management: 

• Ensure implementation and maintenance of governance frameworks and reporting standards.
• Monitor project performance, manage dependencies, and escalate risks or delays when needed. 

3. Stakeholder Engagement & Change Leadership: 

• Act as a key point of contact for project sponsors and executive stakeholders. 
• Drive alignment across business functions and geographies. 
• Participate with other Finance transformation initiative through internal communication and stakeholder engagement across projects.

4. Change & Communication Strategy: 

• Ensure effective change management practices are embedded into all core projects. 
• Collaborate with the Change Management team to support training, communication, and user adoption activities. 
• Champion a culture of continuous improvement and innovation.

Must have: 

• Experience: 8 - 10 years in project or program management, ideally within a Finance Transformation or Consulting environment (Big 4). 
• Strong understanding of Finance processes (P2P, O2C, R2R and FP&A) and finance systems (e.g. accounting, budgeting) 
• Six sigma certification & PMP certification is a plus 
• Strong experience in Finance process optimization, standardization and automation, with the ability to identify inefficiencies and drive scalable operational improvements. 
• Knowledge of process automation tools and AI-enabled solutions (e.g. Alteryx, N8N, AI tools) to support operational efficiency and process optimization. 

● Project Skills: 

• Strong experience in Finance process optimization, automation and standardization, with the ability to identify inefficiencies and implement scalable improvements across transactional processes. 
• Proven experience driving process improvement and automation initiatives in complex Finance environments. 
• Familiarity with project management methodologies and tools (Agile, PMP, PRINCE2) is a plus.
• People Skill: Demonstrated ability to manage multiple stakeholders across international and matrixed operational structures. 
• Mindset: Strategic thinker with strong operational execution; thrives in dynamic, fast-paced settings.
• Communication: Strong interpersonal and influencing skills; 
• Fluency in English