Director - Finance Tools, Process & Systems

About the role

As the Director of Finance Tools, Process & Systems at IFS, you will be a key driver in transforming the company's finance technology landscape. Your primary responsibility will be to lead the deployment of an advanced AI-enabled Enterprise Performance Management (EPM) platform, ensuring it aligns with strategic business needs. You will oversee the redesign of finance data structures, improve reporting accuracy, and establish scalable processes that support IFS's growth ambitions. This role requires a blend of finance expertise, technical acumen, and leadership skills to coordinate efforts across multiple teams and stakeholders. You will serve as a vital link between finance, IT, and executive leadership, translating complex requirements into effective solutions that enhance operational efficiency and decision-making capabilities.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Act as the finance technical authority for the enterprise EPM platform, working closely with IT teams to influence its design, configuration, and deployment.
• Lead the vendor management process, including evaluating potential vendors, managing contracts, and overseeing governance to ensure quality and compliance.
• Define detailed finance requirements and collaborate with stakeholders to design the future state of the EPM solution, focusing on key areas such as SaaS revenue recognition, workforce planning, and AI-driven scenario modeling.
• Establish the target operating model for finance processes, ensuring the integration architecture supports a unified, accurate, and accessible data environment.
• Promote user engagement by developing change management initiatives, training programs, and communication plans to facilitate adoption of new tools and processes.
• Set and uphold governance standards for the finance side of the EPM platform, working in tandem with IT to ensure compliance and data integrity.
• Lead the organization's AI initiatives within Corporate FP&A, creating a strategic roadmap that incorporates AI applications into planning, forecasting, and reporting functions.
• Drive the integration of AI capabilities into existing finance processes and reporting tools, ensuring these enhancements align with broader AI and digital transformation strategies.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to redesign finance data structures, improve data quality, and enhance reporting accuracy and timeliness.
• Gradually assume ownership of the global budgeting and forecasting processes, identifying opportunities for automation and process improvements to increase accuracy and efficiency.
• Manage multiple transformation projects simultaneously, balancing strategic oversight with hands-on involvement in project execution.
• Represent the finance function in steering committees, working closely with external partners and vendors to ensure project delivery meets quality standards and knowledge transfer is effective.
• Provide leadership and mentorship to team members involved in finance transformation initiatives, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and innovation.
• Monitor industry trends related to AI, EPM, and finance technology to ensure IFS remains at the forefront of innovation and best practices.
• Develop and maintain documentation related to finance processes, system configurations, and governance standards to ensure sustainability and knowledge sharing.

Requirements

• Extensive experience leading finance transformation initiatives, especially within software or subscription-based industries.
• Proven track record managing enterprise-level EPM platform implementations such as Anaplan, Oracle EPM, or similar solutions.
• Experience in integrating AI capabilities into finance functions, including planning, reporting, and analytics.
• Strong understanding of ERP-related data structures, finance reporting frameworks, and data governance principles.
• Background in consulting with major firms like Deloitte or PwC, focusing on finance transformation projects.
• Technical expertise in data modeling, systems design, and EPM configuration, combined with program and project management skills.
• Familiarity with SaaS financial metrics such as annual recurring revenue (ARR), total contract value (TCV), and their implications for planning and reporting.
• Exceptional communication skills, with the ability to explain complex technical concepts clearly to diverse stakeholders, including senior management.
• Degree in Finance, Accounting, Business, Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field.
• Professional qualifications such as ACA, ACCA, CPA, or relevant certifications in EPM or AI/ML are advantageous.
• Fluency in business English, with excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, multinational environment, managing multiple priorities and stakeholders.
• Demonstrated leadership skills, including team management, stakeholder engagement, and change management.

Nice to have

• Prior experience working within a global technology or enterprise software company.
• Knowledge of operational challenges faced by multinational organizations and how to address them through technology.
• Experience leading or participating in AI projects within finance functions, with a focus on automation and intelligent analytics.
• Familiarity with other finance systems and tools beyond EPM platforms, such as ERP systems, BI tools, or data warehouses.
• Understanding of the regulatory environment and compliance requirements relevant to finance data management and reporting.

Skills & tools

• Enterprise Performance Management (EPM) platforms such as Anaplan, Oracle EPM, or similar solutions.
• Data modeling and systems design expertise.
• Vendor management, evaluation, and governance.
• AI and machine learning integration into finance processes.
• Financial metrics including ARR and TCV, and their application in planning and forecasting.
• Stakeholder engagement, change management, and communication skills.
• Project management methodologies and tools to oversee multiple initiatives.
• Data governance and compliance standards related to finance data.

Practical notes

• Candidates should be prepared to navigate operational challenges and communicate effectively within a complex, multinational environment.
• Experience working in a global technology or enterprise software company is a plus.
• This role is based on-site in Dubai, requiring the candidate to work at the office location.
• The position involves managing multiple projects simultaneously, often with tight deadlines and high expectations.
• Familiarity with ITAR regulations or other compliance standards relevant to finance technology is not specified but may be beneficial.
• Candidates should demonstrate a proactive approach to innovation, continuous learning, and strategic thinking to drive impactful change within the organization.