Associate Director, Financial Planning Excellence – Governance

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in Ireland, +1 more country.

📋 Description

• Develop and enhance the Planning Excellence function within the FP&A Operations.

• Create and integrate sustainable governance, operational rhythms, and execution standards for planning.

• Define roles, responsibilities, handoffs, and collaborative practices across FP&A Operations, Corporate FP&A, and Finance Business Partnering.

• Construct a scalable operating model and a roadmap aimed at capability maturation and ongoing improvement.

• Oversee enterprise-wide In-Year Budget Management and Rolling Forecast governance.

• Set up planning cadence, Working Day structures, freeze management procedures, and exception governance.

• Manage and enhance forecasting methodologies, planning assumptions, drivers, and standards.

• Establish and uphold governance over FP&A actuals processes, including accruals and allocations.

• Support SOX-related controls and governance requirements to ensure planning and reporting integrity.

• Lead the evolution of planning capabilities, adoption of Oracle EPM, process optimization, simplification, standardization, and automation.

• Collaborate with FP&A Data & Technology to enhance planning tools, data quality, and processes.

• Identify opportunities to utilize technology and AI effectively.

• Guide, mentor, and develop a team of approximately ten finance professionals.

• Recognize potential successors and create developmental opportunities.

• Contribute as a senior leader within FP&A Operations and support the Global Finance operating model.

• Report directly to the Head of FP&A Operations within Global Finance.

⛳️ Requirements

• Professional accounting qualification (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, CPA, or equivalent) along with strong relevant Finance experience.

• Extensive experience in FP&A, planning governance, forecasting excellence, finance operations, or finance transformation.

• Proven track record in building, transforming, or enhancing planning capabilities, Centres of Excellence, finance operations, or shared services within intricate global organizations.

• Preferred experience leading initiatives in Planning Excellence, Forecasting Excellence, Planning Governance, or Finance Transformation.

• Solid understanding of budgeting, forecasting, planning governance, and driver-based planning methodologies.

• Experience in implementing planning frameworks, governance standards, and operating models.

• Demonstrated leadership capabilities during organizational change and transformation phases.

• Proven skill in coaching and developing future leaders while building sustainable organizational capacity.

• Strong stakeholder management and influencing abilities.

• Experience working within complex, matrixed global organizations.

• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to simplify complex concepts and translate strategy into actionable plans.

• Track record of driving improvements in planning processes, automation, and operational excellence initiatives.

• Ability to balance governance, control, delivery, and continuous improvement goals.

• Detailed knowledge of financial systems, including Oracle and SAP.

• Willingness to travel internationally, including visits to headquarters in Dublin.

🏝️ Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.

• Retirement savings plan.

• Flexible paid vacation.