Manager, Finance Systems

Appian; McLean (VA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) with company match

Flexible time off

Paid parental leave

Medical, dental, and vision plans

Life and disability insurance

Wellness programs

FSAs/HSA contributions

Employee referral bonus program

Learning and development resources

Equity awards eligibility

Job summary

Appian is seeking an experienced finance systems leader to own and optimize core finance platforms, ensuring SOX controls and data integrity across ERP, planning, and billing. You will collaborate with Accounting, FP&A, Sales Ops, and IT to align system changes with business needs and drive faster, cleaner closes.

The role emphasizes multi-entity consolidation, real-time reporting, and strong vendor management, with a focus on governance and audit readiness in a fast-growth environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, IS, or related field.
• 5–10 years configuring finance ERP systems in a corporate setting.
• Deep understanding of SOX controls, access governance, and change management for financial apps.
• Knowledge of GL, revenue recognition, billing, AR, and FP&A processes.
• Hands-on experience with NetSuite ERP, Xactly, Anaplan, or Zone Billing/CPQ tools.
• Able to troubleshoot issues and protect data integrity.

Responsibilities

• Lead configuration and optimization of core finance systems (NetSuite ERP, Anaplan, Zone Billing/CPQ).
• Enforce SOX-compliant controls across financial systems with internal/external audits.
• Manage change processes; ensure tests, documentation, and stakeholder communication.
• Translate system changes into business impact for month-end close and reporting.
• Manage vendor relationships and integrations to ensure data quality and timely feeds.
• Drive continuous improvement to reduce manual work and accelerate closes.

Skills

Finance ERP experience

SOX controls

Data integrity

Troubleshooting

Accounting principles

Education

Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, IS, or related field

Tools

NetSuite ERP

Xactly

Anaplan

Zone Billing/CPQ

Job description

Here at Appian, our values of Intensity and Excellence define who we are. We set high standards and live up to them, ensuring that everything we do is done with care and quality. We approach every challenge with ambition and commitment, holding ourselves and each other accountable to achieve the best results. When you join Appian, you’ll be part of a passionate team dedicated to accomplishing hard things, together. Build core finance systems that streamline month-end closes, numbers are accurate, and leadership can move with confidence.

ABOUT THE TEAM

The Business Technology team serves as the bridge between Finance and technology at Appian, translating business requirements into system capabilities that power our AI-Powered Process Automation business. This team protects the integrity of financial data across the order-to-cash lifecycle, enabling Finance leaders to make confident decisions during rapid growth. You will own the technical backbone of financial operations, ensuring systems evolve in lockstep with business needs while maintaining SOX compliance and audit readiness.

THE OPPORTUNITY

As Appian scales its Enterprise-Grade Orchestration platform globally, our finance systems must evolve to support increasingly complex revenue models, multi-entity consolidation, and real-time reporting demands. This role exists to ensure our ERP, billing, and planning infrastructure can handle that growth without sacrificing control, accuracy, or speed. You will have direct influence over how Appian's finance organization operates—building systems that enable faster closes, cleaner audits, and better business insights.

WHAT YOU'LL DO

• Lead the configuration and ongoing optimization of core finance systems including NetSuite ERP, Anaplan planning platform, and Zone Billing/CPQ to support accurate financial reporting and streamlined close processes
• Enforce SOX-compliant controls across financial systems, partnering with internal audit and external auditors to maintain defensible data integrity throughout the order-to-cash lifecycle
• Execute change management processes that balance business agility with control rigor, ensuring system updates are properly tested, documented, and communicated to Finance stakeholders
• Partner with Accounting, FP&A, Sales Operations, and IT teams to translate technical system changes into business impact, enabling Finance leaders to understand how infrastructure decisions affect month-end close and reporting accuracy
• Manage vendor relationships and system integrations, ensuring third-party tools and data feeds maintain the quality and timeliness Finance requires for decision-making
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives that reduce manual workarounds, accelerate close timelines, and increase confidence in financial data across the organization

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelors degree in Finance, Accounting, Information Systems, or related business field
• 5 to 10 years of experience managing and configuring Finance ERP systems in a corporate environment
• Deep understanding of SOX audit controls, system access governance, and change management protocols for financial applications
• Demonstrated knowledge of core Accounting and Finance disciplines including general ledger, revenue recognition, billing, accounts receivable, and financial planning processes
• Hands-on experience with NetSuite ERP, Xactly, Anaplan, or similar enterprise finance platforms including Zone Billing or CPQ tools
• Proven ability to troubleshoot system issues, analyze data discrepancies, and implement sustainable solutions that protect data integrity

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience managing vendor relationships and negotiating SLAs for mission-critical finance applications
• Exceptional communication skills with the ability to bridge technical and financial language, translating system architecture into business outcomes for executive stakeholders
• Demonstrated stakeholder diplomacy across IT, Accounting, Sales Operations, FP&A, and external audit teams
• Background in fast-growth SaaS or technology companies navigating scaling challenges and evolving revenue models

The base salary range represents a good faith and reasonable estimate of the range at the time of posting. Actual compensation will be dependent on a number of factors (including, but not limited to, the candidate's relevant work experience, qualifications, internal peer equity, and market and business conditions that exist when extending an offer). A discretionary bonus may be awarded in recognition of individual and company performance. In addition, Appian provides generous benefits offerings that include a 401(k) plan with company match, flexible time off, paid parental leave, medical, dental, and vision plans, life insurance, disability insurance, wellness programs, flexible spending accounts, health savings account contributions, an employee referral bonus program, and learning and development resources. Certain positions may be eligible for equity awards. Pay and benefits are subject to change at any time, consistent with the terms of any applicable compensation, commission, bonus, or benefit plans.

Base Salary Range $100,000-$200,000 USD

Tools and Resources

Training and Development: During onboarding, we focus on equipping new hires with the skills and knowledge for success through department-specific training. Continuous learning is a central focus at Appian, with dedicated mentorship and the First-Friend program being widely utilized resources for new hires.

Growth Opportunities

Appian provides a diverse array of growth and development opportunities, including our leadership program tailored for new and aspiring managers, a comprehensive library of specialized department training through Appian University, skills based training, and tuition reimbursement for those aiming to advance their education. This commitment ensures that employees have access to a holistic range of development opportunities.

Community

We’ll immerse you into our community rooted in respect starting on day one. Appian fosters inclusivity through our 8 employee-led affinity groups. These groups help employees build stronger internal and external networks by planning social, educational, and outreach activities to connect with Appianites and larger initiatives throughout the company.

Benefits Appian offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your health, wellbeing, and financial future.

Benefits may include health coverage, Employee Assistance Program (EAP) with free mental health support, life and disability insurance, an Employee Stock Purchase Program (ESPP), a retirement/pension plan, wellness dollars, tuition reimbursement, family-forming benefits and more. Benefits vary by country—please ask your Talent Acquisition contact for details specific to the location you are applying to.

About Appian

Appian provides AI automation for mission-critical work. We automate complex processes in large enterprises and governments. Our platform is known for its unique reliability and scale. We’ve been automating processes for more than 25 years and understand enterprise operations like no one else. For more information, visit appian.com. [Nasdaq: APPN] Follow Appian: LinkedIn, Youtube, Instagram, Facebook Appian is an equal opportunity employer that strives to attract and retain the best talent. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to any characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. Appian provides reasonable accommodations to applicants in accordance with all applicable laws. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please contact us by email at [e-mail]. Please note that only inquiries concerning a request for reasonable accommodation will be responded to from this email address. Appian's Applicant & Candidate Privacy Notice