Director, Finance Systems Strategy and Transformation

Worldwide Clinical Trials; Durham (NC); On-site; USD 146,000 - 289,000; Full time

Job summary

Worldwide Clinical Trials seeks a Director of Finance Systems Strategy and Transformation to lead global finance technology modernization, AI adoption, and data governance. This role partners with FP&A, AP, AR, procurement, and IT to deliver measurable improvements in efficiency, controls, and insights.

You will own the multi-year transformation roadmap, drive vendor selections, and mentor a small team of analysts/architects in a fast-paced, matrixed environment.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of finance transformation or enterprise technology leadership
• Deep experience evolving finance tech stacks for AI/automation
• Hands-on with core finance platforms (NetSuite, Certinia, Concur) and ecosystem tools
• Proven ability to drive process re-engineering with Finance operations
• Strong data governance and modern data architectures knowledge
• Experience evaluating AI-enabled finance solutions and vendor selections
• Excellent project management, communication, and executive presentation skills
• Bachelor’s degree in IT, Finance, Accounting, or related field

Responsibilities

• Lead the transformation across front, middle, and back-office Finance domains
• Own multi-year Finance Transformation roadmap with AI/automation focus
• Manage cross-functional programs from concept through hypercare with measurable outcomes
• Partner with process engineers to streamline finance processes and reduce manual effort
• Translate business needs into technology-based solutions and governance
• Evaluate build vs. buy and select commoditized platforms where appropriate
• Define operating models with Finance leads and ensure solution adoption
• Collaborate with data engineers on governance, master data, and data quality
• Lead AI initiatives: predictive forecasting, intelligent document processing, anomaly detection
• Ensure governance and controls for AI and automation in Finance tech
• Architect scalable, integrated Finance technology stack
• Drive vendor evaluations, RFPs, and value realization with vendors
• Engage with security and enterprise architecture to meet standards
• Lead stakeholder communications and present to executives
• Track KPIs and benefits realization for each initiative
• Provide day-to-day guidance to 1–3 direct reports

Skills

Finance transformation leadership

AI in finance

Enterprise architecture

Data governance

Vendor management

Strategic thinking

Executive communication

Project management

Cross-functional collaboration

Mentoring

Education

Bachelor's degree in IT/Finance

Experience in large enterprise systems

Tools

NetSuite

Certinia

Concur

Job description

Who we are We’re a global, midsize CRO that pushes boundaries, innovates and invents because the path to a cure for the world’s most persistent diseases is not paved by those who play it safe. It is built by those who take pioneering, creative approaches and implement them with quality and excellence. We are Worldwide Clinical Trials, and we are a global team of over 3,500+ experts, bright thinkers, dreamers and doers and, together, we are changing the way the world experiences CROs – in the best possible way. Our mission is to work with passion and purpose every day to improve lives and we are looking for others who value this same pursuit.

Why Worldwide We believe everyone plays an important role in making a world of difference for patients and their caregivers. From our hands‑on, accessible leaders, to our cohesive and supportive teams, we are committed to enabling professionals from all backgrounds and experiences to succeed. We prioritize cultivating a diverse and inclusive environment that continues to promote collaboration and creativity. We are proud to be a workplace where people thrive by being themselves and are inspired to do their best work every day. Join us!

What The Director, Finance Systems Strategy and Transformation does at Worldwide

Serves as the enterprise leader responsible for evolving the Finance technology stack and data architecture in alignment with the shift to Artificial Intelligence (AI) and intelligent automation. This role acts as a senior advisor and transformation leader to Finance leadership across Accounts Payable, Procurement, Accounts Receivable, Accounting, Tax, Project Finance, Treasury, and Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A). The Director owns the multi-year Finance transformation roadmap, leads programs and projects focused on delivering measurable business outcomes, and partners closely with process engineers, data engineers, and enterprise architecture to modernize systems, streamline operations, and embed AI-driven capabilities across the finance function. Success in this role requires deep expertise in finance systems architecture, a strong command of AI and automation trends, and the ability to translate complex business requirements into scalable, governed, and high-impact technology solutions within a complex, global enterprise environment.

What You Will Do

• Serve as the primary transformation leader across the Finance front, middle, and back-office Finance domains
• Own and maintain the multi-year Finance Transformation roadmap, with a clear focus on evolving the technology stack and data architecture to support AI and automation
• Lead complex, cross-functional programs and projects from concept through hypercare, ensuring measurable outcomes tied to efficiency, accuracy, controls, and business impact
• Partner closely with process engineers to identify improvement opportunities, eliminate manual effort, reduce cycle times, and re-engineer end-to-end finance processes
• Develop and document business requirements, translating Finance leader pain points and strategic objectives into actionable technology-based solutions
• Evaluate build versus buy decisions across Finance domains, with a preference for commoditized, proven platforms where appropriate and a clear rationale where custom builds deliver differentiated capability
• Partner with Finance leads across the domains to define target operating models, align solution design, and ensure adoption
• Collaborate with data engineers and the enterprise data team on data governance, master data management, and data quality standards required to enable trusted analytics, reporting, and AI use cases
• Lead forward-thinking AI initiatives across the Finance function, including agentic Finance use cases, predictive forecasting, intelligent document processing, anomaly detection, and automated reconciliations
• Ensure alignment to governance, explainability, and control frameworks for AI and automation deployed within the Finance technology landscape
• Architect the evolution of the Finance technology stack to ensure scalability, integration, and resilience
• Drive vendor evaluations, Requests for Proposal (RFPs), and assessments for new Finance platforms
• Work closely with the Finance Systems team to manage relationships with strategic vendors and ensure value realization through renewals and roadmap alignment
• Partner with enterprise architecture, integration, and security teams to ensure all solutions adhere to architectural standards, data protection, and compliance requirements
• Lead stakeholder communications, executive updates, and steering committee forums, translating technical strategy into clear, business-ready language for Finance leaders and the broader executive team
• Define and track Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and benefit realization metrics for each transformation initiative, ensuring measurable outcomes are delivered and reported
• Provide day-to-day guidance, coaching, and mentoring for 1-3 direct reports (business analysts/architects)
• Perform other duties as assigned. The duties and responsibilities listed above are representative of the nature and level of work assigned and are not necessarily all-inclusive.

What You Bring To The Role

• Deep understanding of Finance operations across the various domains, including upstream and downstream process dependencies
• Strong working knowledge of AI, machine learning, and intelligent automation applied to Finance, including agentic AI, Robotic Process Automation (RPA), and embedded platform capabilities
• Proven ability to architect and evolve enterprise Finance technology stacks and data architectures
• Ability to build trusted partnerships with Finance, Information Technology (IT), Data, and business process leaders
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to translate complex technology and data concepts into executive-ready language
• Strategic mindset combined with strong systems-thinking and architectural capabilities
• Strong program leadership skills, with a track record of delivering measurable outcomes on large, complex initiatives
• High attention to detail with a strong focus on governance, data quality, controls, and auditability
• Comfortable operating in a global, matrixed organization with multiple stakeholders and competing priorities
• Strong problem-solving skills and comfort managing ambiguity in evolving transformation environments

Your Experience

• 10+ years of experience in finance transformation, finance systems, or enterprise technology leadership roles
• Demonstrated experience evolving finance technology stacks and data architectures in support of AI and automation strategies
• Deep hands‑on experience with one or more core finance platforms (e.g., NetSuite, Certinia, Concur) and supporting ecosystem tools
• Proven experience leading process re‑engineering efforts in partnership with process engineers and Finance operations
• Strong understanding of data governance, master data management, and modern data architectures (data warehouse, lakehouse, integration patterns)
• Experience evaluating, selecting, and implementing AI-enabled and agentic Finance solutions
• Proven success developing business requirements and delivering technology-based solutions across multiple Finance domains
• Excellent project management, communication, and executive presentation skills
• Ability to work independently and serve as the design authority for Finance transformation initiatives
• Bachelor's Degree in Information Technology (IT), Finance, Accounting, or a related field

Promotion to the next level is not automatic based on years of experience. Personnel are evaluated on proven competency, level of responsibility, and ability to work independently.

At Worldwide Clinical Trials, we are committed to fostering an inclusive and equitable workplace by providing transparent compensation.

The salary range for this position is annually (For hourly paid positions, the stated salary range reflects hourly rates): United States of America - $145,500.00 - $288,500.00

The salary range provided is intended to give candidates an understanding of potential earnings. Compensation will fall within the provided range, and it not a guarantee of exact salary. The final salary will be determined based on relevant experience, performance, education, and internal equity. In addition to base salary, we offer a competitive benefits package depending on location. We ensure pay equity and transparency and comply with all applicable labor laws. Salary information will be discussed during the interview process, and we encourage candidates to inquire about compensation at any stage.

We love knowing that someone is going to have a better life because of the work we do.

To view our other roles, check out our careers page at Discover a world of difference at Worldwide! For more information on Worldwide, visit www.Worldwide.com or connect with us on LinkedIn.