Chief Finance Strategist

Job DescriptionDrive RateGain's Finance Strategy and Transformation AgendaRateGain is a global provider of AI-powered SaaS solutions for travel and hospitality. The company has 3,200+ customers and 700+ partners in 100+ countries.The Finance Strategy & Transformation Office will lead the company's multi-year financial efficiency roadmap, focusing on optimizing IT and operating costs, embedding automation, and building a governance framework that delivers measurable efficiency and long-term financial excellence.Key ResponsibilitiesDesign and Implement RateGain's Multi-Year Financial Efficiency RoadmapLead Enterprise-Wide Initiatives in Cost Optimization, Automation, and Process Transformation Across All Business UnitsTranslate Financial Insights into Actionable Programs That Enhance Profitability and Cash FlowIT, Cloud, and Vendor OptimizationAudit IT and SaaS Spend; Deliver 20-30% Annual Reduction Through Rightsizing, Contract Renegotiation, and Vendor ConsolidationBuild and Govern the Tech Spend Framework for Visibility, Control, and ROI TrackingExplore AI-Based Cloud Cost Optimization Tools and Evaluate Startup PoCs to Drive Smarter Technology UtilizationAutomation and Process ExcellenceIdentify and Automate 3-5 High-Effort, Low-Value Workflows Across Finance, Operations, and ContentDeploy AI and Analytics to Drive Efficiency, Standardization, and Faster Decision CyclesEstablish a Process Excellence Function Under the CFO to Ensure Sustained GainsWorkforce Productivity and Operating Model DesignConduct Workforce Productivity Mapping (''Who Does What'') to Optimize Global Cost StructuresReallocate or Outsource Transactional Work to India/SEA Hybrid Delivery HubsPartner with HR to Integrate Performance and Productivity AnalyticsGovernance, Reporting, and Transformation OfficeCreate and Manage the Finance Strategy Office, Acting as the CFO's Program Management HubDevelop Dashboards and Savings ScorecardsInstitutionalize Reporting Cadence and Quarterly Reviews with All Business UnitsFunctional KPIsDeliver Annualized $2M-$5M in Verified Cost SavingsReduce Cloud/IT Spend by 20-30% YoYConsolidate Redundant Tools/Vendors by >=30%Achieve >=25% Productivity Uplift in Identified FunctionsBuild Enterprise-Wide Automation Playbooks Deployed Across at Least 3 Business UnitsStrategic KPIsOperationalize a Finance Strategy & Transformation Office Under CFO Within 6 MonthsEmbed AI-Based Cost Visibility and Reporting Across RateGain's EcosystemPartner with BU Heads to Reorient Global Cost Structures Using Outsourcing/AutomationInstitutionalize a Quarterly Financial Efficiency Review CadenceDeliver Sustainable YoY Improvement in EBITDA Margins Through Structural Cost DisciplineKey CompetenciesStrategic Finance & Business Acumen: Connects Financial Metrics with Operational Efficiency and Growth DriversTech & Automation Fluency: Understands Cloud, SaaS, and AI Optimization FrameworksAnalytical Rigor: Uses Data-Led Insights to Identify Value and Measure ROIProgram Leadership: Runs Multi-Functional Transformation Projects with PrecisionInfluence & Collaboration: Builds Strong Partnerships with CFO, CHRO, and CTOChange Leadership: Drives Transformation with Empathy, Clarity, and PaceExecution Discipline: Balances Strategy with Measurable, Bottom-Line OutcomesEducation and Work ExperienceMBA from Tier-1 Institute (IIM/ISB) or Chartered Accountant with Strong Analytical Foundation12-18 Years of Progressive Experience in Finance Strategy, Business Transformation, or Shared Services within SaaS or Tech-Driven Global OrganizationsProven Success in Delivering Multi-Million-Dollar Savings Through Automation, Process Redesign, and OutsourcingStrong Exposure to AI/Automation Tools, Cloud Spend Management, and Digital Finance TransformationExperience in Influencing Senior Leadership and Managing High-Impact, Cross-Functional ProgramsEqual Opportunity StatementWe are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on grounds of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, non-disqualifying disability, or any other basis covered by law. All employment is decided based on qualifications, merit, and business needs.