Director - Global Finance Program

Description: Assists business units, as requested, in the development of their three-year strategic plans by making them aware of the capabilities and best practices available in financial applications systems and tools. Assists and, in some cases, leads business units in the identification and documentation of financial applications process improvements and guides business units through the change effort required to implement the new business processes. Chairs the Operating Committee (or, in the absence of an Operating Committee, performs the Committee functions) and coordinates the work of in-country subject matter experts to ensure the appropriate business requirements are considered in the specification and purchase/development of financial systems and tools (note: the Operating Committee determines which features/functions are contained in each release of the software). Works with the Corporate CFO, Corporate Controller and other Steering Committee members in setting the agenda and facilitating the work of the Global Financials Steering Committee (note: the Steering Committee advises the Corporate CFO in setting the strategic direction of, and investments in, financial processes and technology.) Assists business units, as required, in the identification of benefits, costs and risks for project justification and budgeting. Works with local, regional and global information services teams to estimate the scope, costs, risks, schedule and staffing required to complete financial applications projects. Assists local country management and project leaders with consultant selection, fee negotiations and performance accountability. Works with country business and IS leaders to conduct operational assessments of existing financial processes to identify improvement opportunities. Reports status and plans of financial applications investments to business unit leaders and affected stakeholders during periodic in-country project reviews and Steering Committee reviews. Maintains an understanding of industry trends, best practices and competitive capabilities and implications for Manpower as related to financial applications, operations and technology. Promotes sharing of financial applications knowledge, best practices and resources across Manpower entities. Identifies and resolves issues between business and IS, local and global entities - escalates issues to country management or the Steering Committee as appropriate. Oversees each countrys implementation of financial applications process improvements and supporting technology to ensure a successful deployment and realization of required business benefits. Works with the Operating Committee and related subject matter experts to define and prioritize the next generation of financial applications features and functions.Qualifications:Additionally, this position assists the business units in the preparation of project proposals for management approval, including the definition, estimation, evaluation and justification of information technology related investments. This position also serves as a liaison between the business and IS (country, regional and global), ensuring that business needs are communicated to IS while also providing the business with an understanding of IS capabilities. A successful candidate for this position will take on several roles and must be comfortable operating within and quickly switching between each of these roles. These would include - strategist, consultant, project manager, financial analyst, technologist, subject matter expert, marketer, general manager, auditor and spokesperson. Bachelors of Science degree in accounting or a technical discipline (Computer Science, Management Information Science, Math, Physics, Engineering or related field) is required. This requirement can be waived in lieu of experience and demonstrated technical skills and abilities related to the application of information technology in a business setting. Advanced degree in Business Administration is a plus. Minimum of 4-5 years financial operations experience is required. Minimum of 3-4 years hands-on project management experience is required. Minimum of 1-2 years experience in business process analysis, design and improvement is a plus. Minimum of 6-8 years of accounting/financial management experience or 4-6 years of business consulting experience is required. Functional Expertise: Operational management experience (as a Corporate Controller, CFO or Finance Director) within the finance functional area of large companies with a deep understanding of best practices and world-class processes.Information Technology Expertise: Working knowledge of industry "best practices" related to the use of information technology; familiarity with technology product and service offerings by major software vendors; ability to identify and apply technology based solutions to address business problems.Leadership: Willing to "take a position vs. managing a position"; ability to drive change within the organization; ability to build consensus/coalitions amongst diverse (or divergent) interests; acts with integrity; builds confidence, track record of accomplishments that required strong leadership. Ability to manage multiple projects, tasks and initiatives simultaneously.Strategic Thinking: Familiar with related business trends, competitors strengths/weaknesses, client (internal & external) needs and other environmental forces (i.e. political, economic, social, demographic) driving change in the market; strong conceptual/creative thinking skills.Analytical/Problem Solving: Intellectual capacity; ability to gather, sort and analyze data and then develop logical conclusions; critical thinking skills; familiar with problem solving tools/techniques (Pareto, fishbone, force field, brainstorming). Engages others in a collaborative manner to resolve issues.Financial/Quantitative/Qualitative: Deep understanding of financial reports/statements (income statement, balance sheet), financial measurement (discounted cash flow analysis, EVA), cost accounting/budgeting, statistical tools; ability to identify and quantify legitimate areas of business benefit (cost savings/avoidance, client satisfaction, quality improvement, etc.).Interpersonal/Communication: Articulate and capable of conveying ideas clearly/concisely; sensitive to needs of the audience; effective communicator with all levels between senior executives and hourly employees; manages around internal politics; empathetic, good listener.Languages: Fluency in multiple languages and international experience is a plus. Requires approximately 50% international travel.Salary/Benefits: Salary commensurate with experienceWe offer all of the advantages you would expect from an industry leader including a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, and life insurance, holiday and vacation pay, 401K, stock purchase plan, and much more.Job Location: Milwaukee, ALJob Number: 3629Company Profile:Most people know Manpower as a world leader in the staffing industry. Many don't realize we offer exciting career opportunities at our headquarters in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Since our founding in 1948, Manpower has grown considerably, becoming a Fortune 500 company and home to a team of more than 20,000 full-time employees. Our home office staff provides a range of services to the corporation, including support to more than 1,200 locations in North America and over 2,600 additional offices worldwide.Manpower is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE/AA). At Manpower, our mission is to serve as trusted advisors in the changing world of work. Work with us and make a change for the better. us.manpower.com manpowerprofessional.com