Work with the AIT leadership team and finance functions on the vision for improving and expanding finance transactional shared services and lead execution of that vision. Maintain a strong focus on best-in-class execution, process improvements and delivery of effective customer service and near-term results while progressing the long-term vision. Maintain an understanding of existing policies, processes, and systems with a focus on simplifying, standardizing and implementing best practices while... more details
The Financial Shared Services Director leader will provide strategic and business leadership for Applied’s US and Canadian Financial Shared Services functions (Accounts Payable, Credit & Collections and Cash Application and Company Credit Card Program management). This position leads an organization encompassing ~75 associates, reports to the CFO and will interface extensively with the AIT Finance and Executive Leadership teams to set direction, drive efficiency gains and ensure timeliness, accuracy and compliance in the execution of shared-services responsibilities.
The ideal incumbent will partner with his or her internal customers to deliver value through delivery of performance improvements and enhanced analytics to support effective decision making, while helping the business optimize working capital levels. This is an impactful, high-profile role which will offer the right candidate the opportunity to be recognized for driving significant value for the business in the form of further efficiencies and enhanced performance via the expansion of Applied’s financial shared services model, leverage of technology and application of on-going process improvements.
Summary Responsibilities:
- Work with the AIT leadership team and finance functions on the vision for improving and expanding finance transactional shared services and lead execution of that vision.
- Maintain a strong focus on best-in-class execution, process improvements and delivery of effective customer service and near-term results while progressing the long-term vision.
- Maintain an understanding of existing policies, processes, and systems with a focus on simplifying, standardizing and implementing best practices while further leveraging technology as an enabler.
- Ensure adherence to established accounting practices, financial controls and compliance as it relates to transactions processed by the various shared services functions. Drive improvements in the internal control environment to more efficiently monitor transaction risk and financial exposure.
- Oversee and deliver effective talent management for financial shared service functions, including attracting, developing and retaining diverse talent.
- Develop and maintain relationships with third-party suppliers for financial systems and services and interface effectively with internal and external customers, auditors and other parties.
Preferred Experience and Qualifications:
- Minimum of 5 years of leadership experience in a multi-national finance organization, preferably one supporting manufacturing, distribution and/or a shared service-focused business. Corporate or Plant Controllership experience a plus.
- Strong technology focus and financial systems and process improvement acumen.
- Demonstrated comfort level in building partnerships in a matrixed organization, engaging in constructive conflict to drive improvement and working collaboratively with others to meet shared objectives.
- Excellent Communications skills and the ability to effectively engage with key stakeholders.
- Sound business acumen and the ability to think analytically, distill root cause and implement effective countermeasures and to drill into the details when required.
- Understanding of dependent upstream and downstream activities that impact and are impacted by Finance.
- Developer of talent – Attracts, develops, engages and retains the best talent for the organization helping to attain both associate career goals and the organization’s goals.
- Change management leadership – Implements needed change while maintaining organizational cohesiveness and meeting near-term operational goals.
- Knowledge of accounting / integrated ERP systems (SAP experience a strong plus) and proficiency with Microsoft Office 365 products and database software.
Education, Licenses, Certifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance or related field or equivalent work experience (Finance / Accounting degree, CPA and/or MBA preferred).
Applied Industrial Technologies (NYSE: AIT) is a leading value-added distributor and technical solutions provider of industrial motion, fluid power, flow control, automation technologies, and related maintenance supplies. Our leading brands, specialized services, and comprehensive knowledge serve MRO and OEM end users in virtually all industrial markets through our multi-channel capabilities that provide choice, convenience, and expertise.
We are an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, protected veteran status, marital status, medical condition or any other characteristic protected by law.
If you need accommodation for any part of the employment process because of a disability, please send an email to hiring@applied.com or call 216-426-4389 to let us know the nature of your request.
