Director, Finance Operations

WHO WE ARE: Saks Global is the largest multi-brand luxury retailer in the world, comprising Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus, Bergdorf Goodman, Saks OFF 5TH, Last Call and Horchow. Its retail portfolio includes 70 full-line luxury locations, additional off-price locations and five distinct e-commerce experiences. With talented colleagues focused on delivering on our strategic vision, The Art of You, Saks Global is redefining luxury shopping by offering each customer a personalized experience that is unmistakably their own. By leveraging the most comprehensive luxury customer data platform in North America, cutting-edge technology, and strong partnerships with the world's most esteemed brands, Saks Global is shaping the future of luxury retail. Saks Global Properties & Investments includes Saks Fifth Avenue and Neiman Marcus flagship properties and represents nearly 13 million square feet of prime U.S. real estate holdings and investments in luxury markets. ABOUT THE ROLE: The Director of Finance Operations is a strategic and operational leader responsible for driving excellence across key finance functions including Accounts Payable, Payroll, and Sales Audit. This role ensures timely, accurate financial operations and reporting while supporting decision-making, compliance, and continuous improvement initiatives. Key areas of focus in this role - Talent Management, Partnership building, Strategizing, Innovation and Cross team collaboration. RESPONSIBILITIES: - Lead and develop teams across Accounts Payable, Payroll, Vendor Control, Import operations, Reporting & Analytics and Sales Audit functions. - Serve as a strategic partner to the CFO and senior leadership team, driving excellence in finance operations and delivering process, systems, and service improvements across Accounts Payable, Payroll, and Sales Audit. - Partner with IT and transformation teams to enhance finance systems (e.g., ERP, AP automation, reconciliation tools). - Champion the use of data and analytics in operational reporting and decision-making. - Lead strategic transformation programs to optimize end-to-end finance processes, focusing on efficiency, standardization, and automation. - Shape the vision and roadmap for finance operations aligned with business priorities, scalability needs, and digital transformation goals. - Embed a data-driven mindset by leveraging analytics, AI, and RPA to enhance performance, predict trends, and drive continuous improvement. - Develop a leadership pipeline, mentor high-potential talent, and foster a culture of accountability and performance. - Design and implement scalable financial processes, controls, and systems to support business growth and operational efficiency. - Lead and oversee core finance operations, driving accuracy, efficiency, and continuous improvement across Accounts Payable, Payroll, and Sales Audit. - Ensure timely and accurate processing of payroll and vendor payments while maintaining strong internal controls. - Manage the FP&A function to deliver forecasts, budgets, and variance analyses that drive strategic decision-making. - Direct sales audit processes to ensure revenue accuracy, compliance with internal policies, and identification of anomalies or fraud. - Oversee robust process controls and compliance standards to support operational accuracy and mitigate risk across Accounts Payable, Payroll, and Sales Audit. - Collaborate with IT, HR, Procurement, and other departments to optimize end-to-end financial processes. - Partner with business units to streamline finance operations, strengthen controls, and enhance process efficiency across Accounts Payable, Payroll, and Sales Audit. - Drive process automation, system upgrades, and the implementation of best practices across all finance operations. - Foster a culture of continuous learning, performance accountability, and operational excellence. - Building a world class team and developing talent across various positions. QUALIFICATIONS: - Bachelor's degree in Commerce, Business Administration, or a related field. - 15–20 years of progressive experience in finance operations, with a strong record of leading large teams and transformation initiatives within a GCC/GBS or global enterprise. - Proven expertise in global finance processes, particularly in Accounts Payable, Payroll, and Sales Audit, with exposure to shared services or centralized operating models. - Demonstrated success in process re-engineering, automation, and digital enablement (AI/ML, RPA, workflow tools). - Strong understanding of ERP and finance systems (e.g., Oracle, Workday) and operational controls frameworks (e.g., SOX or internal audit standards). - Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills with the ability to manage complexity and prioritize effectively. - Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence across multiple functions and geographies. - Proven experience in project and change management within finance operations. PREFERRED SKILLS: - MBA or equivalent advanced degree in Business or Operations Management. - Experience in retail or consumer-facing industries with complex, high-volume transaction environments. - Prior experience in setting up or scaling global finance operations or shared services. - Exposure to service delivery metrics, governance models, and continuous improvement frameworks (Lean, Six Sigma, etc.).