Program Manager, Finance Transformation

This role is responsible for the successful planning, execution, and delivery of specific finance transformation projects and initiatives at Ford. The Finance Transformation Program Manager will work within the broader Finance Transformation strategy, ensuring assigned projects align with Ford's overall strategic objectives, including Ford+. This individual will drive process improvements, facilitate technology adoption, and contribute to enhancing financial efficiency and productivity. They will collaborate closely with various finance teams, IT, and cross-functional partners to deliver tangible business value and support Ford's ongoing digital transformation within the finance function.

. Project Planning & Alignment (Own the Future):

• Support the development and refinement of project plans and roadmaps for specific finance transformation initiatives, ensuring alignment with the overall Finance Transformation strategy and Ford+ initiatives.
• Translate strategic objectives into clear, actionable project goals, deliverables, and timelines.
• Contribute to identifying opportunities for leveraging emerging technologies (e.g., AI, RPA) and best practices within assigned projects to enhance financial processes.

2. Program/Project Leadership & Execution (Deliver What Matters):

• Lead the end-to-end execution of assigned high-impact, cross-functional finance transformation projects, ensuring delivery on time, within budget, and meeting defined KPIs.
• Manage project scope, schedule, resources, and budget effectively, utilizing established project management methodologies.
• Identify, track, and manage project risks and issues, developing and implementing mitigation strategies to ensure successful project outcomes and adherence to regulatory compliance (e.g., SOX, IFRS, and GAAP) within project scope.

3. Change Management & Adoption Support (Team Up):

• Execute change management plans for assigned projects, facilitating the smooth adoption of new processes, tools, and technologies by impacted finance teams.
• Develop and deliver clear communications, training materials, and support mechanisms to ensure user readiness and commitment to project changes.
• Actively work to embed new practices and behaviors that align with Ford's culture and values within project teams and affected business units.

4. Process Optimization & Innovation Implementation (Be Curious):

• Conduct detailed analysis of current financial processes within project scope to identify inefficiencies and opportunities for optimization, leveraging lean principles.
• Support the implementation and integration of new technologies such as AI, Robotic Process Automation (RPA), and enhancements to ERP systems to drive efficiency and enable better data-driven decision-making.
• Continuously seek and propose improvements within assigned projects, contributing to a pipeline of transformation opportunities.

5. Stakeholder Collaboration & Relationship Management (Team Up):

• Build and maintain strong working relationships with project stakeholders across finance teams, IT, and other relevant business units to ensure alignment and facilitate effective project delivery.
• Act as a key liaison, translating technical concepts into understandable terms for project stakeholders and ensuring their active participation and buy-in.
• Facilitate problem-solving discussions and address project-related issues proactively, advocating for necessary changes to achieve project success.

6. Performance Tracking & Reporting (Deliver What Matters):

• Establish and track key performance indicators (KPIs) for assigned projects, regularly monitoring progress and reporting on project status, risks, and achievements.
• Contribute to data analysis efforts to measure the success and Return on Investment (ROI) of project initiatives, providing insights for continuous improvement.

7. Team Coordination & Development Support (Built to Lead):

• Coordinate and guide project team members, fostering a collaborative and productive project environment.
• Support the development of junior team members or less experienced project participants, sharing knowledge and best practices.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, Engineering, or a related analytical field.
• 8 years of progressive experience in finance, consulting, or operations, with a focus on process improvement and transformation projects.
• 2 years of experience leading projects or managing small teams.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master of Business Administration (MBA) or equivalent advanced degree.
• Demonstrated experience managing finance transformation projects within a large, complex organization.
• Solid understanding of project management principles and methodologies (e.g., Agile, Waterfall).
• Familiarity with change management principles and their application in project delivery.
• Understanding of digital finance technologies, including AI, Robotic Process Automation (RPA), advanced analytics, and ERP systems.
• Experience with lean principles and tools.
• Knowledge of financial regulatory compliance standards such as SOX, IFRS, and GAAP.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to translate complex information into actionable plans.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and collaborate with diverse stakeholders.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver results in a fast-paced environment.