Finance Process Optimization & Automation Consultant

Vaco Recruiter Services; Santa Monica (CA); Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 131,000; Part time

Job summary

Vaco Recruiter Services in Union Square, Manhattan, is seeking a hands-on Finance Process Optimization & Automation Consultant to lead an end-to-end initiative focused on documenting, improving, and automating key accounting and finance processes.

The engagement will progress through three phases: Documentation, Process Optimization, Automation & AI, with a strong emphasis on collaboration with AP, AR, GL, Payroll, and Treasury.

Qualifications

• Strong experience in finance/accounting transformation.
• Hands-on experience improving processes across AP, AR, GL/close, Payroll, and Treasury.
• Experience implementing automation, workflow tech, RPA, AI/GenAI in Finance or Accounting.
• Experience creating SOPs, process docs, maps, and workflow diagrams.
• Ability to understand accounting processes, controls, and data flows from both functional and technical angles.
• Strong project management and the ability to drive initiatives end-to-end.

Responsibilities

• Process Documentation: document current-state processes, SOPs, policies, and procedures across finance functions.
• Process Mapping: develop end-to-end maps, flowcharts, and swimlanes using Visio or Lucidchart.
• Process Optimization: assess workflows to identify bottlenecks, redundancies, manual steps, and control gaps.
• Automation & AI: identify and implement opportunities to automate manual finance processes (RPA, AI/GenAI).
• End-to-End Implementation: translate opportunities into actionable solutions and drive implementations.
• Controls & Compliance: ensure redesigned processes maintain internal controls and audit readiness.
• Change Management: create user guides and training materials to support adoption.
• Cross-Functional Partnership: work with Accounting, Finance, Financial Systems, IT and other stakeholders.

Skills

Finance process

Process mapping

Automation AI

RPA

Project mgmt

Communication

Tools

Visio

Lucidchart

Job description

Job Title: Finance Process Optimization & Automation Consultant

Pay Rate: $80-95/hour

Location: Union Square, Manhattan- Hybrid, 3 days/week onsite

Engagement: Temporary Consulting Engagement, month-to-month with possibility of extension

Overview

We are seeking a hands-on Finance Process Optimization & Automation Consultant to lead an end-to-end initiative focused on documenting, improving, and ultimately automating key accounting and finance processes.

The engagement will progress through three phases:

Phase 1 – Documentation

Phase 2 – Process Optimization

Phase 3 – Automation & AI

The ideal consultant combines strong accounting/finance process knowledge with demonstrated experience in process improvement, workflow optimization, automation, and emerging AI capabilities. This individual must be comfortable independently assessing current-state processes, identifying opportunities for improvement, and driving solutions through implementation.

Key Responsibilities

• Process Documentation: Partner with subject matter experts across AP, AR, Payroll, General Ledger, Treasury, and other finance functions to document current-state processes, SOPs, policies, and procedures.
• Process Mapping: Develop detailed end-to-end process maps, flowcharts, and swimlane diagrams using tools such as Visio or Lucidchart.
• Process Optimization: Assess existing finance and accounting workflows to identify bottlenecks, redundancies, manual processes, control gaps, and opportunities for standardization and improvement.
• Automation & AI: Identify and implement opportunities to automate manual finance processes through workflow tools, systems enhancements, RPA, AI/GenAI, or other technology solutions.
• End-to-End Implementation: Translate identified improvement opportunities into actionable solutions and independently drive initiatives from assessment and design through implementation.
• Controls & Compliance: Ensure redesigned processes maintain appropriate internal controls, segregation of duties, and audit readiness.
• Change Management: Develop user guides, training materials, and updated procedures to support adoption of new processes, technologies, and automated workflows.
• Cross-Functional Partnership: Work closely with Accounting, Finance, Financial Systems, IT, and other stakeholders to ensure process and technology solutions are practical, scalable, and sustainable.

Ideal Background

• Strong experience in finance/accounting transformation, process optimization, or business process improvement.
• Hands-on experience assessing and improving processes across areas such as AP, AR, GL/close, Payroll, and Treasury.
• Demonstrated experience implementing automation, workflow technology, RPA, AI/GenAI, or similar process-enhancement solutions within Finance or Accounting.
• Strong experience creating SOPs, process documentation, process maps, and workflow diagrams.
• Ability to understand accounting processes, controls, systems, and data flows from both a functional and technical perspective.
• Strong project management and organizational skills with the ability to independently drive an initiative from current-state assessment through implementation.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to interview SMEs, challenge existing processes, and partner effectively with both finance and technical stakeholders.

By submitting to this position, you are agreeing to be included in our talent pool for future hiring for similarly qualified positions.