The VP, Financial Systems provides strategic leadership to ensure Finance products, systems, services and procedures meet the strategic and tactical objectives of the business. This position works toward continuous improvement, innovation and enhanced operational efficiencies by staying abreast of industry trends and best practices.
Organization
This position reports to the SVP, FP&A and Operational Execution and leads the Financial Systems team with direct reports and indirect reports. This position interacts with the Senior Leadership of the Finance business functions as well as IT. This position will work closely with IT and Project Management to facilitate the technology needs and request of the business. The position will also work at all levels of business and technology staff as it strives to coordinate the partnership to successfully implement new/enhanced technology.
Duties and Responsibilities
Provide strategic leadership to ensure Finance products, systems, services and procedures meet the strategic and tactical objectives of the business.
Lead the strategy and execution of Finance Systems with Finance business units and IT to select, implement, integrate, rationalize and maintain finance tools and systems
Strategically engage in discussions throughout the product life cycle to advise on development, implementation and/or ongoing administration
Establish and road map financial systems and data strategies in support of key finance goals
Identify gaps and targeted improvements to organizational system capabilities. Build out and execute a plan to address any identified areas.
Work closely with executives and senior business leaders to facilitate an environment optimizing the use of reporting products, systems, services, and procedures to meet the strategic and tactical objectives of the business
Lead the strategy to innovate existing processes and system functionality
Regularly communicate and review progress toward objectives and goals with key business stakeholders
Identify opportunities to improve overall control environment through use of system analytic tools and best practices. Develop and implement plans as appropriate.
Responsible to facilitate impasses between the technology team and the business team
Lead the partnership with IT to discuss potential solutions that align with the business and technology strategies
Coordinate the development and maintenance of Service Level Agreements between the business and IT
Lead the strategy with the Financial Systems team to facilitate lessons learned following implementation of new technology/process
Work closely with IT, Risk and business leaders to ensure appropriate governance roles, policies, and representation are in place
Educate key business stakeholders on emerging technologies
Experience and Education Requirements
15+ years' experience managing stakeholder relationships. 5+ years in technology preferably in Oracle. Microsoft focused experience. Other financial tool experience a plus.
S. or B.A. degree required, advanced degree or CPA a plus
Financial Services experience a plus.
Experience leading business analysis support, including strategy and business case development (requirements, scope and timeline).
Experience leading a working relationship with IT staff and Third Party Administrators to maintain efficient and stable Finance IT environments.
Experience in leading, developing and managing cross-functional teams
Proven track record of successful innovation, articulation and execution of that innovation as it relates to financial systems and processes
Experience partnering and influencing senior leadership management and key stakeholders
Experience in managing a large team (e.g. will need to be hands on while setting vision and direction for the team)
Familiarity with System Development (SDLC methodologies, Change Control Process)
Experience in Risk Management
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Excellent accounting/business and technology acumen and knowledge. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Includes ability to interact with external customers with tact, respect and appropriate representation of company capabilities
Excellent facilitation, advisory, presentation and negotiation skills
Strong project management skills with proven track record leading large, successful projects
Ability to handle multiple complex tasks and prioritize them in a fast-paced environment
Adept at requirements gathering, design, business case construction, project monitoring and reporting, and testing
Proficient in Disaster Recovery and Business Continuity concepts
Strong understanding of system infrastructure models and reporting environments
Ability to develop RFPs, RFQs and evaluate products and vendors
Knowledge of how to work with PMO functions
Proactive in maintaining state-of-the-art knowledge of information technology and trends
Excellent management and leadership qualities (remote employee management)
Strong understanding of Business Process Re-Engineering (or 6 Sigma/Lean equivalent)
Good knowledge of Service Level Agreement creation and monitoring
Innovative and creative
Adept at preparing presentation that provides technical concepts clearly to a non-technical audience.
Excellent documentation skills
Politically savvy. Ability to communicate at all levels of the organization
Adept at strategic and technical planning
Experienced with tools supporting documentation and analysis of requirements, design and testing.
Team player, excellent collaborator, consensus builder and leader
Leader in advising on technology solutions that streamline business processes
Ability to provide solutions for conflicting requirements and priorities across business segments and establish agreement on priorities when necessary
Strong analytical, problem-solving and conceptual skills
Other Requirements
Perform other functions, duties and projects as assigned
Regular and punctual attendance
Some travel may be required (less than 10%)
Additional Information
Work Environments
F&G believes in an employee-centric flexible environment, which is why we offer the ability for in-office, hybrid and remote work arrangements. During the hiring process, you'll work with your leader to decide what works best for your role.
F&G complies with federal and state disability laws and makes reasonable accommodations for applicants and candidates with disabilities, unless such accommodation would cause an undue hardship for F&G. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, please contact talentacquisition@fglife.com.
Join our employee-centric hybrid work environment: F&G Careers
About F&G
Since 1959, Fidelity & Guaranty Life Insurance Company (F&G) has offered annuity and life insurance products to those who are seeking security in retirement and protection during life's unexpected events.
As a national Top Workplace1, an Iowa Top Workplace2 and a proud equal opportunity employer, F&G team members are empowered, collaborative, dynamic and authentic. We believe that by embracing these values, we will continue to build and strengthen the company while continuing to be a great place to work.
1Top Workplaces USA 2022 - 2023
2Des Moines Register Top Workplaces 2018 - 2022
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