Director, Finance Transformation

Strategic Vision & Roadmap Development (Own the Future): 

Develop and lead the comprehensive Finance Transformation strategy and roadmap, directly aligning with Ford's strategic pillars and Ford+ initiatives, including lean principles 

• Translate high-level organizational goals into actionable transformation objectives, including financial targets and key process outcomes. 

• Proactively identify emerging trends, technologies (e.g., AI, RPA), and best practices to inform the future state of Ford Finance, ensuring a data-driven culture. 

2. Program Leadership & Execution (Deliver What Matters): 

• Lead the end-to-end execution of multiple high-impact, cross-functional finance transformation programs and projects, ensuring delivery on time, within budget, and exceeding defined KPIs. 

• Establish robust governance frameworks and methodologies for all transformation initiatives. 

• Identify, assess, and proactively manage risks, developing effective mitigation strategies to ensure successful outcomes and regulatory compliance (e.g., SOX, IFRS, and GAAP). 

3. Change Management & Adoption (Team Up): 

• Develop and implement comprehensive change management strategies to ensure seamless adoption of new processes, tools, and technologies across global finance teams. 

• Clearly articulate the "from-to" state of changes, earning the buy-in and commitment of employees by communicating compelling benefits and providing effective training and support. 

• Lead initiatives to embed new practices and behaviors that align with Ford's culture and values. 

4. End to End Process Optimization & Innovation (Be Curious): 

• Lead deep-dive analyses of current financial operations to identify inefficiencies, bottlenecks, and opportunities for end to end process optimization, leveraging lean principles 

• Drive the adoption and integration of emerging technologies such as AI, Robotic Process Automation (RPA), and advanced ERP systems to drive efficiency and enable better data-driven decision making 

• Continuously generate and champion new ideas and programs, pushing the art of the possible, to build a robust pipeline of transformation opportunities. 

5. Stakeholder Engagement & Collaboration (Team Up): 

• Cultivate strong, collaborative relationships with senior leaders, finance teams, IT, and other business units to ensure alignment, secure buy-in, and drive successful project delivery. 

• Act as a trusted advisor, translating complex technical concepts into clear, impactful messages for diverse audiences. 

• Influence and partner with business segments to identify and implement prioritized revenue and expense initiatives. 

• Resulted oriented and comfortable addressing difficult issues head-on, facilitating tough problem-solving conversations, and advocating for necessary changes to achieve long-term success 

6. Performance Measurement & Data Analytics (Deliver What Matters): 

• Establish, monitor, and report on key performance indicators (KPIs) to track the progress, success, and return on investment (ROI) of transformation initiatives. 

• Enhance the use of data analytics within the finance function to provide more insightful reporting, enable evidence-based decision-making, and identify new opportunities for improvement. 

7. Team Leadership & Development (Built to Lead): 

• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing, highly engaged team of finance transformation professionals, fostering a culture of continuous improvement, innovation, and agility. 

• Be a role model of the targeted cultural behaviors – lead by example and inspire others to be early adopters and change accelerators  

Minimum Qualifications: 

• Bachelor’s degree in finance, Accounting, Business Administration, Engineering, or a related analytical field. 

• 12 years of progressive experience in finance, consulting, or operations, with a strong focus on large-scale process improvement and transformation initiatives within global finance organizations. 

• 5 years of experience leading and developing high-performing teams. 

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Master of Business Administration (MBA) or equivalent advanced degree. 

• Demonstrated expertise in leading significant finance transformation programs, ideally within a large, complex global organization. 

• Proven experience working closely with executive leadership, demonstrating exceptional executive-level stakeholder management and influencing skills. 

• Strong knowledge of change management principles and methodologies. 

• Deep understanding and practical experience with digital finance technologies, including AI, Robotic Process Automation (RPA), advanced analytics, and modern ERP systems. Experience implementing AI a plus 

• Familiarity with lean and agile methodologies and their application in finance transformation. 

• Understanding of financial regulatory compliance standards such as SOX, IFRS, and GAAP. 

• Exceptional strategic thinking capabilities with a proven ability to understand the big picture, anticipate future trends, and translate vision into actionable plans. 

• Superior presentation, negotiation, and communication skills, with the ability to simplify complex information and make compelling recommendations to all levels of the organization. 

• Ability to manage multiple competing priorities with a strong sense of urgency and deliver results on time and within budget in a fast-paced, rapidly changing environment. 

• Understanding of lean principles and tools. 

What You'll Receive in Return