Project Manager, MIS Finance Systems

First Solar is a leader in the development and manufacturing of thin film solar modules used in grid-connected solar power plants. Our high growth and position in the renewable energy industry offers outstanding opportunities to individuals seeking an exciting work environment in one of the most important industries for the 21st century. Our culture is one where teamwork, continuous improvement, achievement of results, and environmental responsibility are core values. We are seeking new associates that are motivated to contribute their talents to making cost effective solar energy an important part of the world’s energy mix. 

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Basic Job Functions:

Drive business requirements and manage multiple financial projects across multiple businesses.  IT project manager for plant finance organization working with IT SDLC to ensure successful project schedule and budget.  Provide expertise in ERP, Business Intelligence, KPI and Governance.  Conduct project planning sessions with finance team users and IT staff to prioritize finance initiatives.

 

Experience: 

· 7+ years experience in implementation for Financial ERP software for a global organization. Must at least have 2+ years in management/lead capacity.

· Experience managing multiple concurrent Financial projects and working with SDLC.  Proven experience in establishing Project charter, scope, project team, managing status, escalating issues and managing customer expectations. (internal note:  this is very important)

· Deep knowledge in Financial and Accounting.  Experience in AR, AP, Fixed Assets, Project Costing and Inventory Costing

· Experience in working with Business Intelligence software such as ProClarity, Cognos, Hyperion or Business Objects.  Must have through understanding of Data Modeling, Cube design and developing Front end presentation layer.

· Proven Experience working with Finance Users to take Financial Concepts to Finished Business Process and System.  Must have the ability to work with Finance Users to set correct expectation, work through escalations and have proven experience working through high expectations.

· Manufacturing industry experience preferred.

· Must have excellent Presentation skills.  Must have proven experience in developing presentations to sell ideas, present root cause analysis and strategy ideas. (Must have)

· Must have experience in Functional, Technical and Project Management

· A self starter – ability to work with minimum direction.  Proven experience in achieving outstanding results within a changing environment and with minimum supervision.

· A proven track record in providing outstanding customer service

 

Education:

· 4 year degree in IT, Finance, or related field.

· PMI Project Management certification a plus.

· CPA/Advanced degree a plus.

 

Required Skills:

· Must have strong Financial and Accounting knowledge in GL, AP, AR, Fixed Assets, Project Costing & Inventory Costing

· Experience in configuring and deploying systems for medium to large corporations with an emphasis on Financial information systems.

· Proven Project Management skills in establishing Project Charter, establishing project plan, charter, executive buy in, presenting to steering committee, managing project schedule and budget, managing customer expectation, resolving escalated issues and managing user expectations.

· Ability to translate complex Accounting and Financial requirements to System Requirements.  Ability to communicate effectively both to complex Financial/Accounting and technical skills.

· Posses OLAP Analytics & Cube architecture knowledge – ProClarity, Cognos, Hyperion or Business Objects

· Strong Excel Skills to automate and streamline complex excel spreadsheets.

· Ability to work with a cross functional Finance and IT as well as ability to manage 3rd party consultants.

· Experience in working with .NET developer, infrastructure, DBA, and data warehouses

· Proven project management experience in global organization

· Excellent communication and organization skill. 

· Experience with Sarbanes-Oxley.

· Experience with multi-tiered architecture using VisualBasic, HTML, XML and SQL.

 

Essential Functions & Responsibilities

· Manage from IT to ensure proper requirements are gathered from Finance and work with other IT departments to successfully complete projects on schedule and on budget

· Participate/Lead Financial project discovery with IT and Finance management and prioritize to ensure maximum return on investment

· Work with Finance to strategize future needs, prioritize requests and execute on delivering solutions

· Lead and mentor System and Support Analysts in PBG to ensure efficient and effective task management

· Manage 3rd party consultant’s time and budget in PBG

· Work with BAS Development team to ensure Quality Projects are delivered to Finance

· Work with GIS team to ensure infrastructure and architecture of Financial applications meet current and future requirements

· Ability to work with Global internal customer base.  Need to be available to work with various time zones: Eastern, Pacific, European & Asian.

· Ensure tight security and maintain SOX compliance on all Financial Systems

· Manage entire Systems Development Life Cycle (SDLC) for new applications and enhancements affecting Financial and participate in pieces of other functional life cycles.

· Deliver global Financial system for First Solar.  This includes required local setups, ensuring users get proper training and processes are put in place.

· Lead or participate in cross functional project teams in the development and continuous improvement of business processes.

· Responsible for documenting business system software operation and troubleshooting procedures where needed.

· Manage other MIS projects as necessary.

· Exercises effective communications levels and fosters team building.

· Adheres to all safety procedures and good housekeeping standards.

· Performs other assignments as required.

  See Job Description.