Director, Global Accounting AI Transformation

IFS; Staines-upon-Thames; On-site; GBP 140,000 - 230,000; Full time

Job summary

IFS seeks a Director, Global Accounting AI Transformation to lead end‑to‑end AI‑driven transformation across Global Accounting, spanning consolidation, R2R, tax, and revenue recognition.

You will partner with Global Accounting leadership, IT, and the AI Business Unit to embed AI into core processes, improving efficiency and controls. Strong governance and stakeholder engagement are essential.

Qualifications

• Experience leading Global Accounting, Controllership or Shared Services functions.
• Experience operating within a publicly listed, multi‑entity international organisation.
• Deep knowledge of IFRS and US GAAP; SOX/internal controls; audit requirements.
• Understanding of global tax and transfer pricing environments.
• Experience managing complex month‑end and quarter‑end close across multiple jurisdictions.

Responsibilities

• Define and own the AI transformation roadmap across R2R, consolidation, tax, and revenue recognition.
• Lead redesign of core accounting processes to become AI‑first (close, reconciliations, tax filings).
• Move beyond incremental automation to end‑to‑end workflow transformation.
• Embed AI agents and automation into closing, reconciliation, tax reporting, and revenue recognition.
• Own end‑to‑end delivery of AI initiatives: from idea → design → deployment → adoption.
• Align AI solutions with accounting controls, audit requirements, and compliance standards.
• Strengthen controls through automated validation, audit trails, and risk monitoring.
• Build capability within teams to design, use, and scale AI workflows.

Education

Qualified Accountant (ACA, ACCA, CPA or equivalent)

Tools

Copilot/LLMs

RPA platforms

Automation platforms

Job description

Job Description

As Director, Global Accounting AI Transformation, you will lead the end‑to‑end design and delivery of AI‑enabled transformation across the Global Accounting function, spanning:

• Group Accounting (Consolidation & Statutory Reporting)
• Record‑to‑Report (R2R) across all entities
• Group Tax (including global compliance and filings)
• Revenue Recognition (including deal support and review processes)

This role will drive the shift from manual, process‑heavy accounting operations to scalable, AI‑enabled workflows.

You will partner closely with Global Accounting leadership, IT, and the AI Business Unit to embed AI into core accounting processes, ensuring improved efficiency and stronger controls.

Key Responsibilities

• Define and own the AI transformation roadmap across R2R, consolidation, tax, and revenue recognition
• Lead redesign of core Accounting processes to become AI‑first (e.g. close, reconciliations, tax filings, rev rec reviews)
• Move beyond incremental automation to end‑to‑end workflow transformation
• Embed AI agents and automation into:
  • Close & consolidation processes
  • Reconciliation and control frameworks
  • Tax compliance and reporting
  • Revenue recognition and deal validation
• Own end‑to‑end delivery of AI initiatives: from idea → design → deployment → adoption
• Ensure all AI solutions align with Accounting control frameworks, audit requirements, and compliance standards
• Strengthen controls through:
  • Automated validation and exception handling
  • Improved audit trails and transparency
  • Risk detection and monitoring
• Build capability within teams to design, use, and scale AI workflows
• Drive adoption through:
  • Training and AI fluency programmes
  • Workflow standardisation
  • Clear ownership and accountability
• Align with broader Finance transformation programmes and operating model changes

Qualifications

Ideal Experience

• Qualified Accountant (ACA, ACCA, CPA or equivalent) preferred
• Experience leading Global Accounting, Controllership or Shared Services functions
• Experience operating within a publicly listed, multi‑entity international organisation
• Deep knowledge of:
  • IFRS and US GAAP
  • SOX / Internal Controls
  • External Audit requirements
  • Global tax and transfer pricing environments
• Experience managing complex month‑end and quarter‑end close processes across multiple jurisdictions

AI & Technology Experience

• Experience deploying AI, Generative AI, Agentic AI or Intelligent Automation solutions within Finance functions
• Experience leveraging Copilot, LLMs, AI agents, RPA, workflow orchestration and automation platforms
• Understanding of AI governance, model risk management and Responsible AI principles
• Experience building business cases and value realisation frameworks for AI investments
• Strong understanding of Finance data architecture and master data management

Additional Leadership Requirements

• Proven experience leading enterprise‑wide Finance transformation programmes exceeding multiple regions or business units
• Experience designing and implementing Finance Target Operating Models
• Track record of driving adoption and behavioural change in complex organisations
• Ability to influence executive stakeholders including:
  • CFO
  • CAO
  • Group Controller
  • CIO etc

Additional Information

We embrace flexibility and hybrid work opportunities to support diverse needs and lifestyles, while also valuing inclusive workplace experiences. By fostering a sense of community, we drive innovation, strengthen connections, and nurture belonging. Our commitment ensures you can work in a way that suits you best, while also engaging with colleagues to share ideas and build meaningful relationships.