Continuous Improvement Lead – Finance Shared Services

ROLE:                                Continuous Improvement Lead – Finance Shared Services

REPORTING TO:            Finance Shared Services Director

LOCATION:                      Dublin

 Barden is delighted to be partnering exclusively with our Client to support the appointment of an experienced Continuous Improvement Lead for their Shared Services Function.

 “We are seeking a dynamic and strategic individual for the role of ‘Continuous Improvement Lead – Finance Shared Services’. This is a pivotal position within our finance shared services function, tasked with driving transformation and operational excellence. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in leading finance-related projects, implementing cutting-edge automation solutions, and managing optimisation programs. Strong communication skills and a passion for continuous improvement are essential. The successful candidate will join our Finance Shared Services function, fostering change and enhancing efficiency across our multinational, complex B2B operations. They will also have the opportunity to be involved in non-finance related projects in due course. Relevant project management experience in similar large-scale, fast-moving industries is required. Finance Shared Services Director

 ABOUT THE ROLE:

This is a key appointment within the business. The successful candidate will have expertise in leading transformation and running projects within finance and will play a pivotal role in executing the strategic direction in the area of operational excellence, and technological advancement of our finance shared services function.

The successful candidate will be a strong communicator, and passionate about continuous improvement. They will leverage their proven experience in coordinating transformation initiatives and implementing cutting-edge automation solutions. They will be responsible for the implementation of optimisation programs, enhancing efficiency and delivering exceptional service across the organisation.

Reporting to the Finance Shared Services Director, and part of the Finance Shared Services leadership team, will provide professional leadership and manage the continuous improvement program within the team, and promote change within the organisation. Candidates will possess the relevant project management experience, ideally from an analogous industry sector with large headcount, multinational operations, dispersed operational footprint, fast moving, low margin and complex B2B business of relevant scale.

 Key Responsibilities:

• Build and execute the Finance Shared Services Centre Continuous Improvement Program (process design, development and implementation) in alignment with the organisation’s needs and goals. This person will likely have the opportunity to be involved in wide business optimisation programs driving optimisation and transformation agenda’s across the business.
• Lead and inspire cross-functional teams to embrace change and drive continuous improvement through process reengineering, digitalization and automation.
• Lead process improvement initiatives using adequate project methodologies such as Lean Six Sigma.
• Have experience rolling out optimisation solutions including RPA, AI, and data analytics and understanding their application in Finance.
• Proven experience working with and managing external stakeholders as part of the programme of work, including consultants and vendors.
• Prepare and facilitate project methodology training programs and workshops.
• Effectively communicate the vision and benefits of transformation initiatives to stakeholders at all levels, promoting a culture of innovation and continuous improvement.
• Key liaison between the business and implementation partners as they pertain to transformation implementations.
• Co-ordinate and project manage the Finance Shared Service Centres Projects.
• Collaborate with and build relationships with internal stakeholders, including Finance, IT, Operations to gather requirements, align goals and secure buy-in for transformation initiatives.
• Develop and manage performance reporting for the function (Metrics, KPIs, SLAs)

ABOUT THE PERSON:

• You will possess a robust comprehension of project management methodologies, tools, and techniques, with the capacity to customize approaches to suit project needs.
• A qualification in project and program management is required.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and strong communication ability with proven record of partnering with internal and external stakeholders.
• Proven track record of successfully leading large-scale financial transformation projects and driving process automation initiatives.
• Strong understanding of emerging technologies such as RPA, AI, data analytics and their application in a finance.
• Demonstrated experience in change management and the ability to influence others through organisational changes.
• Minimum of 5-7 years of relevant experience in Project Management roles preferably within Finance and Shared Services. Broader business wide optimisation experience will also be beneficial to this role (i.e. HR).
• BA in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration or a related field.
• An ability and confidence to challenge the status quo and promote change.