Senior Managing Consultant - Finance Transformation (f/m/x)

International Business Machines Corporation; Köln; On-site; EUR 100,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

IBM Consulting in Cologne is seeking an experienced Finance Transformation Lead to drive end-to-end finance processes, operating models and value-based change across client organizations. You will lead workstreams, collaborate with technology teams on SAP S/4HANA, Oracle and EPM platforms, and guide cross-functional teams including near- and offshore consultants.

Fluent German and English are required. Join IBM's global network to deliver measurable benefits such as faster close, improved

Qualifications

• Deep, hands-on knowledge of at least two core end-to-end finance processes and working knowledge of the others.

Responsibilities

• Lead Finance Transformation Workstreams: Lead workstreams across Financial Planning & Analysis, Source-to-Pay and Record-to-Report, from as-is assessment through target-state design to implementation.
• Design Finance Operating Models: Design target operating models for finance covering processes, organization, governance, shared services / GBS and internal controls.
• Deliver AI-, Data- and Workflow-Driven Change: Identify and implement use cases such as intelligent invoice processing, automated reconciliations, continuous close, predictive forecasting, AI-assisted variance commentary and agentic workflows in procure-to-pay.
• Translate Requirements into Solutions: Work with technology teams to implement solutions on finance platforms such as SAP S/4HANA, Oracle, Anaplan, OneStream, Coupa and BlackLine, as well as process-mining and workflow tools.
• Build Business Cases and Track Value: Develop business cases and value-tracking frameworks that make benefits measurable, e.g. close days, cost per transaction and forecast accuracy.
• Lead Clients and Teams: Manage client stakeholders up to CFO level and steer project teams of 3-10 consultants, including near- and offshore delivery.
• Grow the Business and the Practice: Contribute to proposals, solution design and orals, develop reusable assets and points of view, and coach and develop consultants.

Skills

Finance process expertise

Finance transformation track record

AI/data/workflow transformation

Technology & data understanding

Consulting & leadership experience

Education

University degree in business, finance, economics, business informatics or related field

Tools

SAP S/4HANA

Oracle Fusion

Anaplan

OneStream

Coupa

BlackLine

Job description

Introduction

A career in IBM Consulting is built on long-term client relationships and close collaboration worldwide. You’ll work with leading companies across industries, helping them shape their hybrid cloud and AI journeys. With support from our strategic partners, robust IBM technology, and Red Hat, you’ll have the tools to drive meaningful change and accelerate client impact. At IBM Consulting, curiosity fuels success. You’ll be encouraged to challenge the norm, explore new ideas, and create innovative solutions that deliver real results. Our culture of growth and empathy focuses on your long-term career development while valuing your unique skills and experiences.

A career in IBM Consulting is built on long-term client relationships and close collaboration worldwide. You’ll work with leading companies across industries, helping them shape their hybrid cloud and AI journeys. With support from our strategic partners, robust IBM technology, and Red Hat, you’ll have the tools to drive meaningful change and accelerate client impact. At IBM Consulting, curiosity fuels success. You’ll be encouraged to challenge the norm, explore new ideas, and create innovative solutions that deliver real results. Our culture of growth and empathy focuses on your long-term career development while valuing your unique skills and experiences.

Your Role And Responsibilities

Your primary responsibilities will include:

• Lead Finance Transformation Workstreams: Lead workstreams across Financial Planning & Analysis, Source-to-Pay and Record-to-Report, from as-is assessment through target-state design to implementation.
• Design Finance Operating Models: Design target operating models for finance covering processes, organization, governance, shared services / GBS and internal controls.
• Deliver AI-, Data- and Workflow-Driven Change: Identify and implement use cases such as intelligent invoice processing, automated reconciliations, continuous close, predictive forecasting, AI-assisted variance commentary and agentic workflows in procure-to-pay.
• Translate Requirements into Solutions: Work with technology teams to implement solutions on finance platforms such as SAP S/4HANA, Oracle, Anaplan, OneStream, Coupa and BlackLine, as well as process-mining and workflow tools.
• Build Business Cases and Track Value: Develop business cases and value-tracking frameworks that make benefits measurable, e.g. close days, cost per transaction and forecast accuracy.
• Lead Clients and Teams: Manage client stakeholders up to CFO level and steer project teams of 3-10 consultants, including near- and offshore delivery.
• Grow the Business and the Practice: Contribute to proposals, solution design and orals, develop reusable assets and points of view, and coach and develop consultants.

Required Technical And Professional Expertise

• Finance Process Expertise: Deep, hands-on knowledge of at least two core end-to-end finance processes - Financial Planning & Analysis, Source-to-Pay / Procure-to-Pay or Record-to-Report - and working knowledge of the others; Order-to-Cash, Treasury or Tax is a plus.
• Finance Transformation Track Record: Proven experience redesigning finance processes and operating models in large organizations with measurable results, including shared services / GBS, internal controls and governance.
• AI-, Data- and Workflow-Driven Transformation: Delivered at least two engagements in which AI, data or workflow technology changed how a finance function or process works beyond the pilot stage, including assessing feasibility, value and risk as well as regulatory and audit requirements.
• Technology and Data Understanding: Practical understanding of generative and agentic AI, machine learning for forecasting, intelligent document processing, process mining, RPA and workflow orchestration, and of the finance data foundation behind them (data models, master data, data quality and governance).
• Consulting and Leadership Experience: 8-12 years of professional experience, at least 5 of them in management or technology consulting or in a corporate transformation role, including leading workstreams, teams and senior client stakeholders.
• Education and Languages: University degree in business, finance, economics, business informatics or a related field; business-fluent German and English.

Preferred Technical And Professional Experience

• Finance Platform Experience: Implementation experience with SAP S/4HANA Finance, Oracle Fusion, an EPM platform (Anaplan, OneStream, Oracle EPM) or a close / S2P platform (BlackLine, Coupa, Ariba).
• AI Technology Stack: Experience with IBM technology such as watsonx, Cloud Pak for Business Automation or Planning Analytics, or with comparable hyperscaler AI stacks.
• Industry Depth: Experience in financial services, industrials, consumer or public sector.
• Professional Qualifications: CPA, ACCA, CIMA, CFA or a German equivalent (e.g. Bilanzbuchhalter, Controller IHK); certifications in process mining (e.g. Celonis), automation or agile delivery are a plus.
• Thought Leadership: Publications, conference talks or reusable assets on the future of the finance function.