Expense Analytics Associate Director

Jobtailor; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Jobtailor is seeking a senior leader to define and drive the expense management strategy across the firm’s Chicago footprint. You will own the end-to-end expense lifecycle, implement cutting-edge T&E tools, and standardize controls and reporting to enable data-driven decisions by leadership.

The role requires 8+ years in travel & expense, finance operations, and proven ability to manage cross-functional teams and vendor relationships in a global context.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in finance, business, or a related field.
• 8+ years of relevant experience in travel & expense, finance operations, or a related field.
• Experience leading and developing teams across expense operations and analytics, including U.S. and offshore resources.
• Experience implementing and managing T&E systems, automation tools, and reporting platforms (e.g., Emburse, SAP Concur).
• Strong understanding of corporate card programs, expense compliance, and audit best practices.
• Advanced analytical skills with the ability to translate data into actionable business insights.
• Ability to drive alignment across business units, with strong stakeholder management and executive communication skills.
• Experience managing vendor relationships, including performance oversight and service delivery.
• Strong organizational skills including critical thinking and problem-solving, attention to detail and multi-tasking.

Responsibilities

• Define and execute an expense management strategy aligned with firm growth and operating model.
• Establish and enforce consistent firmwide T&E policies with audit-defensible compliance.
• Drive standardization of processes, controls, and reporting across the firm.
• Own the end-to-end expense lifecycle, including submission, audit, approval workflows, reimbursement, and financial integration.
• Lead expense tool management, including configuration, process design, and continuous optimization.
• Collaborate with Meetings and Corporate Card teams to ensure seamless integration from pre-spend through post-spend processes.
• Oversee vendor relationships supporting expense operations, including performance management, service delivery, and alignment with firmwide objectives.
• Develop and maintain T&E policy aligned with regulatory requirements and firm objectives.
• Oversee audit program, including automated controls, exception handling, and compliance monitoring.
• Lead escalation management and ensure consistent firmwide enforcement.
• Deliver actionable insights on travel and expense spend, trends, and savings opportunities.
• Develop dashboards and reporting to support leadership decision-making, budget oversight, and cost management.
• Leverage data to enhance policy effectiveness and identify areas for improved controls or efficiency.
• Lead and develop a high-performing expense team across U.S. and offshore operations, audit, and analytics.

Skills

Expense management

Team leadership

Data analysis

Executive communication

Stakeholder management

Auditing

Policy development

Education

Bachelor’s degree in finance, business, or related field

Tools

Emburse

SAP Concur

Job description

Responsibilities

• Define and execute an expense management strategy aligned with firm growth and operating model
• Establish and enforce consistent firmwide T&E policies, ensuring audit-defensible compliance
• Drive standardization of processes, controls, and reporting across the firm
• Own the end-to-end expense lifecycle, including submission, audit, approval workflows, reimbursement, and financial integration
• Lead expense tool management, including configuration, process design, and continuous optimization
• Operate within the Travel function, collaborating with Meetings and Corporate Card teams to ensure seamless integration from pre-spend through post-spend processes
• Oversee vendor relationships supporting expense operations, including performance management, service delivery, and alignment with firmwide objectives
• Develop and maintain T&E policy aligned with regulatory requirements and firm objectives
• Oversee audit program, including automated controls, exception handling, and compliance monitoring
• Lead escalation management and ensure consistent firmwide enforcement
• Deliver actionable insights on travel and expense spend, trends, and savings opportunities
• Develop dashboards and reporting to support leadership decision-making, budget oversight, and cost management
• Leverage data to enhance policy effectiveness and identify areas for improved controls or efficiency
• Lead and develop a high-performing expense team across U.S. and offshore operations, audit, and analytics

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in finance, business, or a related field required
• 8+ years of relevant experience travel & expense, finance operations, or a related field
• Experience leading and developing teams across expense operations and analytics, including U.S. and offshore resources
• Experience in implementing and managing T&E systems, automation tools, and reporting platforms (e.g., Emburse, SAP Concur)
• Strong understanding of corporate card programs, expense compliance, and audit best practices
• Advanced analytical skills with the ability to translate data into actionable business insights
• Ability to drive alignment across business units, supported by strong stakeholder management and executive communication skills
• Experience managing vendor relationships, including performance oversight, and service delivery
• Strong organizational skills including critical thinking and problem-solving skills, as well as attention to detail and multi-tasking skills.

Core Competencies

Demonstrates expertise in expense management strategy, T&E policy development, and compliance oversight, while leveraging advanced analytical skills to drive insights and optimize processes. Proven ability to lead teams and manage vendor relationships effectively within a corporate environment.

Tools & Technologies

• Emburse
• SAP Concur