Director, Global Accounting AI Transformation

About the role

In this strategic leadership position, you will be responsible for guiding the global accounting organization through a comprehensive AI-driven transformation. Your primary focus will be on designing and implementing innovative AI solutions across key accounting functions, including Group Accounting, Record-to-Report processes, Group Tax, and Revenue Recognition. The role involves developing a clear roadmap to transition traditional manual and semi-automated workflows into fully automated, scalable, and intelligent processes. You will work closely with cross-functional teams to embed AI technologies into existing systems, ensuring that the transformation aligns with regulatory standards, internal controls, and audit requirements. Your leadership will be instrumental in fostering a culture of innovation within the finance organization, enabling the company to realize significant efficiency gains, improve compliance, and enhance decision-making capabilities through advanced AI solutions.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Develop and lead the execution of a comprehensive AI transformation strategy tailored for the Global Accounting functions, including Record-to-Report, consolidation, tax, and revenue recognition processes.
• Redesign core accounting workflows to incorporate AI solutions, moving beyond basic automation to intelligent, end-to-end process transformations that improve accuracy, speed, and compliance.
• Transition manual tasks and simple automation efforts into sophisticated AI-enabled workflows that can handle complex accounting activities and reduce manual intervention.
• Integrate AI technologies such as Generative AI, AI agents, and intelligent automation tools into critical processes like month-end closing, reconciliation, financial reporting, tax compliance, and revenue validation.
• Manage the entire lifecycle of AI projects - from initial planning, design, and development to deployment, monitoring, and continuous improvement - ensuring seamless integration with existing systems and processes.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders, including finance, IT, compliance, and audit teams, to ensure AI initiatives adhere to internal controls, regulatory standards, and external audit requirements.
• Enhance internal controls through automated validation, audit trail improvements, and real-time monitoring enabled by AI solutions.
• Build and develop a high-performing team capable of designing, deploying, and managing AI workflows within the accounting function.
• Promote AI adoption across the finance organization by providing targeted training, developing best practices, and establishing standardized workflows that maximize AI benefits.
• Work closely with broader finance transformation initiatives and operational model changes to ensure alignment and maximize impact.
• Develop business cases and frameworks to demonstrate the value of AI investments, including cost savings, efficiency improvements, and risk mitigation.
• Stay abreast of emerging AI technologies, trends, and regulatory considerations relevant to finance and accounting, ensuring the organization remains at the forefront of innovation.
• Foster a culture of responsible AI use, ensuring models and automation adhere to governance standards, ethical principles, and risk management policies.
• Engage with senior leadership, including CFOs, CAOs, Group Controllers, and CIOs, to influence strategic decisions and secure buy-in for AI initiatives.
• Establish metrics and KPIs to measure the success and ROI of AI transformation projects, providing regular updates to executive management.

Requirements

• Qualified Accountant (ACA, ACCA, CPA, or equivalent) is preferred, with a strong understanding of accounting principles and standards.
• Proven experience leading global accounting, controllership, or shared services teams within large, complex organizations.
• Extensive experience working in publicly traded, multi-entity international organizations, with a solid grasp of international accounting standards such as IFRS and US GAAP.
• Deep knowledge of internal controls, SOX compliance, and external audit processes, ensuring AI solutions support audit readiness and compliance.
• Demonstrated success managing complex month-end and quarter-end closing processes across multiple jurisdictions, with a focus on process improvement and automation.
• Experience deploying AI, Generative AI, Agentic AI, or Intelligent Automation within finance functions, with an understanding of how these technologies can transform accounting workflows.
• Familiarity with AI tools such as Copilot, Large Language Models (LLMs), AI agents, Robotic Process Automation (RPA), and workflow automation platforms.
• Knowledge of AI governance frameworks, model risk management, and Responsible AI principles to ensure ethical and compliant AI deployment.
• Ability to develop compelling business cases and frameworks that articulate the value and ROI of AI investments in finance.
• Strong understanding of finance data architecture, master data management, and how these underpin AI-driven automation and analytics.
• Excellent project management skills, with the ability to lead cross-functional teams and manage multiple initiatives simultaneously.
• Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills, capable of influencing senior executives and technical teams alike.
• Experience in change management, driving adoption of new technologies, and fostering a culture receptive to innovation.

Nice to have

• Experience leading enterprise-wide finance transformation initiatives across multiple regions or business units, demonstrating broad strategic impact.
• Background in designing and implementing Finance Target Operating Models that incorporate AI and automation.
• Proven ability to influence and collaborate with senior leadership, including CFOs, CAOs, Group Controllers, and CIOs, to align AI initiatives with organizational goals.
• Familiarity with ITAR regulations and considerations related to deploying advanced technology solutions in finance environments.
• Experience working in a fast-paced, global environment with diverse teams and stakeholders.

Skills & tools

• Expertise in AI, Generative AI, Agentic AI, and Intelligent Automation within finance and accounting functions.
• Familiarity with RPA, workflow automation platforms, and AI governance frameworks.
• Strong project management and leadership capabilities, with a track record of delivering complex transformation projects.
• Excellent communication skills for engaging with both technical teams and senior business leaders.
• Ability to develop and articulate business cases, ROI models, and strategic roadmaps for AI adoption.
• Knowledge of finance data architecture, master data management, and how these support AI-driven automation.

Practical notes

We offer flexible and hybrid work arrangements designed to support diverse lifestyles and needs, fostering an inclusive and collaborative workplace culture. IFS is a global company with over 7,000 employees, generating billion-dollar revenue, and our AI technology underpins our award-winning enterprise software solutions. We are committed to internal AI adoption, ensuring our teams can maximize creativity, productivity, and innovation. Our environment encourages continuous learning and development, with opportunities to work on cutting-edge AI projects that impact global finance operations. We value diversity and inclusion, reflecting the varied cultures and perspectives of our clients and communities worldwide. By joining IFS, you will be part of a forward-thinking organization dedicated to sustainability, innovation, and positive impact. If you are an innovative leader passionate about transforming finance through AI, we invite you to become part of Team Purple at IFS.