Head of Finance Transformation and Systems

Job Description Summary
Under executive direction, leads the strategic vision, governance, and execution of Finance technology, data, operational transformation, and process excellence initiatives. In close partnership with other Finance areas, responsible for driving the modernization of the Finance organization through optimization of financial systems, enterprise data management, business process transformation, and emerging technology adoption, including artificial intelligence.
Oversees the Finance Systems Solutions and Finance Process Innovation teams, ensuring the alignment of technology, processes, data, and organizational capabilities with business objectives. Serves as a key strategic partner to the Chief Accounting Officer, Chief Financial Officer, senior Finance leadership, Technology leadership, and enterprise stakeholders to deliver scalable, efficient, and future-ready financial operations. Leads enterprise-wide initiatives that improve operational effectiveness, strengthen data integrity, enhance decision-making, increase automation, and support the organization's long-term growth strategy.

Job Description

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership & Transformation

- Establish and execute the long-term Finance transformation strategy, roadmap, and operating model.
- Align finance technology, data, process improvement, and organizational initiatives with enterprise and Finance strategic objectives.
- In partnership with other teams across Finance, lead large-scale transformation programs impacting the finance functions.
- Identify opportunities to simplify operations, improve scalability, and enhance the overall effectiveness of the Finance organization.
- Serve as a trusted advisor to executive leadership on finance modernization opportunities, challenges, and investments.

Financial Systems Solutions Leadership

- Provide executive oversight of all Finance systems and applications.
- Establish system governance, ownership models, and strategic system roadmaps.
- Ensure financial systems support current and future business requirements.
- Partner with Technology teams to prioritize system enhancements, integrations, upgrades, and platform modernization efforts.
- Oversee financial reporting systems, accounting systems, close and consolidation platforms, budgeting tools, and supporting technologies.
- Ensure optimal system performance, risk management, and operational resiliency.

Finance Program Management Office (PMO)

- Provide executive oversight of the Finance PMO.
- Establish governance frameworks for prioritization, execution, monitoring, and reporting of strategic initiatives.
- Ensure programs are delivered on time, within scope, and aligned with strategic objectives.
- Monitor program performance, resource allocation, risks, dependencies, and outcomes.
- Present portfolio status updates and strategic recommendations to executive leadership.

Transformation & Process Excellence

- Lead enterprise Finance process improvement programs across all functional areas.
- Promote a culture of continuous improvement, operational excellence, and innovation.
- Oversee identification, evaluation, and implementation of process optimization opportunities.
- Drive standardization, automation, controls enhancement, and operational efficiency initiatives.
- Ensure process redesign efforts align with regulatory, risk, and governance requirements.

Artificial Intelligence & Emerging Technology

- Work closely with Technology division to develop and execute the Finance AI strategy and adoption roadmap.
- Identify opportunities to leverage artificial intelligence, machine learning, automation, and advanced analytics to improve business outcomes.
- Partner with Technology, Risk, Legal, Compliance, and enterprise stakeholders to establish responsible AI governance practices.
- Evaluate emerging technologies and their applicability to Finance operations and reporting.
- Lead organizational readiness and change management efforts supporting technology adoption.

Stakeholder Engagement

- Build strong partnerships across Finance, Technology, and business units.
- Collaborate with executive leadership to align transformation initiatives with strategic priorities.
- Engage stakeholders to identify opportunities, remove barriers, and drive successful implementation of initiatives.
- Influence organizational change through strong communication, executive presence, and strategic leadership.

Organizational Leadership

- Lead multiple leaders responsible for systems, PMO, and transformation functions.
- Develop organizational capabilities, succession plans, and leadership pipelines.
- Establish performance expectations and accountability measures.
- Foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, inclusion, and continuous learning.
- Attract, develop, and retain top talent.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

- Finance and accounting operating models.
- Financial systems, ERP and EPM platforms, and reporting technologies.
- Data governance frameworks and data management practices.
- Program and project management methodologies.
- Business process improvement methodologies.
- Artificial intelligence, automation technologies, and advanced analytics.
- Internal controls, regulatory requirements, and governance practices.
- Financial services industry operations and accounting processes.

Skill in

- Enterprise transformation leadership.
- Strategic planning and execution.
- Technology and business alignment.
- Organizational change management.
- Process optimization and redesign.
- Executive communication and presentations.
- Stakeholder management and influence.
- Portfolio and program governance.
- Building high-performing teams.
- Data-driven decision making.

Ability to

- Develop and execute long-term transformation strategies.
- Lead complex, enterprise-wide initiatives.
- Influence executive leaders and key stakeholders.
- Translate business needs into technology and operational solutions.
- Balance strategic priorities with operational execution.
- Drive innovation while maintaining strong governance and controls.
- Manage multiple large-scale initiatives simultaneously.
- Build consensus across diverse stakeholder groups.

Educational/Previous Experience Requirements

- Bachelor's Degree in Accounting, Finance, Information Systems, Business Administration, or related field required.
- Minimum 15 years of progressive experience in finance transformation, financial systems, process improvement, technology, consulting, or related functions.
- Minimum 8 years of leadership experience managing large teams and senior leaders.
- Demonstrated experience leading enterprise technology implementations, process transformation initiatives, and organizational change programs.
- Experience overseeing large project portfolios and PMO functions.
- Experience within financial services or a highly regulated industry preferred.

Education
Bachelor’s: Accounting, Bachelor’s: Business Administration, Bachelor’s: Finance

Work Experience
General Experience - More than 15 years, Manager Experience - 10 to 15 years

Certifications

Travel
Less than 25%

Workstyle
Hybrid

The total compensation for this position includes base salary or wages, and may include components such as additional compensation (cash or equity), discretionary bonuses, or commissions. This position is eligible for a benefits package that may include medical, dental, and vision; life insurance; critical illness insurance and accident insurance; disability benefits; retirement savings; paid time off (including vacation, holidays, and sick leave); and parental leave.  Eligibility for benefits and specific offerings may vary based on position and employment status. To view more details of the benefits offered, visit Myrjbenefits.com.

At Raymond James our associates use five guiding behaviors (Develop, Collaborate, Decide, Deliver, Improve) to deliver on the firm's core values of client-first, integrity, independence and a conservative, long-term view.

We expect our associates at all levels to:
•  Grow professionally and inspire others to do the same
•  Work with and through others to achieve desired outcomes
•  Make prompt, pragmatic choices and act with the client in mind
•  Take ownership and hold themselves and others accountable for delivering results that matter
•  Contribute to the continuous evolution of the firm

At Raymond James – as part of our people-first culture, we honor, value, and respect the uniqueness, experiences, and backgrounds of all of our Associates.  When associates bring their best authentic selves, our organization, clients, and communities thrive. The Company is an equal opportunity employer and makes all employment decisions on the basis of merit and business needs.