In this role you will be responsible for the governance and proactive development and enhancement of the company’s end-to-end Record-to-Report (R2R) processes. An essential part of this role will be to define and communicate a clear vision and strategy for all R2R end-to-end processes and help translate this strategy into operational goals, objectives, and roadmaps. You will need to make key decisions related to R2R processes including target setting, process performance management and financial management with a focus on reducing process costs, increasing efficiency, and maximising investment returns. You will be required to use your expertise and previous experience to contribute to and influence strategic direction for the company’s R2R function. This role will require you to manage multiple resources (internal & external), coordinate and motivate others. You must collaborate with the Head of Finance Operations, Shared Service Centre (SSC) R2R Global Delivery Lead, R2R Process Experts and peer Global Process Owners (GPOs) to ensure effective and efficient streamlining of process operations and identification of cross-process synergies About Group Finance In joining RWS’s Finance team you will be a critical part of supporting a listed world-leading provider of technology-enabled language, content, and intellectual property services. RWS has growing revenues of over £750m through a combination of value accretive acquisitions and organic growth. Group finance, led by our Group CFO; Candy Davies, includes diverse teams across the globe operating in functions including business partnering, operational finance, specialist, and group functions. We cover a footprint of over 100 legal entities in 43 different countries worldwide. It’s a very exciting time to join RWS Finance for an individual who enjoys change and making an impact As part of the overall RWS business strategy we are making a significant investment in upgrading our financial systems and processes to deliver enhanced reporting and control, more efficient processing enabling great value through enhanced business partnering and decision support. Key Responsibilities Set Strategic Direction and Establish R2R Process Vision Define and communicate a clear vision and strategy for end-to-end R2R processes Define, communicate, and drive adoption of policies and procedures Develop and translate strategy into operational goals, objectives, and R2R process roadmap Design the end-to-end R2R processes Lead ERP process design and implementation activities for R2R processes Support and drive change management efforts to ensure colleague behaviour change when required Drive Continuous Improvement of R2R Processes Drive R2R standardisation and continuous improvement initiatives Develop prioritised pipeline of R2R process improvements Build business cases to obtain funding for R2R process improvement opportunities considering cost and value Anticipate needs and assess R2R company function and processes and manage business risk taking Identify, capture and escalate issues that may impact R2R end-to-end process globally Support continuous improvement programmes with Programme Delivery Leads Monitor R2R Process Performance and Ensure Compliance Inform the definition of R2R service level agreements (SLA) Develop analytics-driven reporting to measure efficiency of end-to-end R2R processes Ensure compliance and accuracy of R2R process activities with all policies, procedures, and regulations including updating for changes in accounting guidance and regulatory requirements Handle R2R policy and controls ownership and ensure process documentation is regularly reviewed and kept up to date Participate in governance forums to provide input on items such as R2R process scope and service delivery and assist in resolving operational issues Manage retained organisation to execute specific or localized activities performed outside of Shared Service Centre (SSC) or controllership Coordinate Stakeholder Engagement Promote a process-oriented culture with a focus on R2R process excellence and collaboration with R2R process stakeholders Collaborate with the Programme Delivery Leads, Head of Finance Operations, SSC R2R Global Delivery Lead, R2R Process Experts and peer Global Process Owners (P2P GPO and O2C GPO) to set the R2R vision, develop the roadmap and support execution Collaborate with corporate functions across the board to ensure any required changes to policies, procedures, and R2R processes are implemented Collaborate with Master Data team to align on best practices and standards and data issues Communicate effectively as a spokesperson and leader for the end-to-end R2R processes, aiding stakeholders as the eyes and ears of the process Manage R2R system and process interfaces with external partners Share Leading Practice Develop strong relationships with all stakeholders in the company and influence process culture Chair global process community calls to share leading practices and leverage cross-process opportunities for improvement Stay abreast of process trends and leading practices occurring in the marketplace to inform strategic direction and process enhancement Ensure the integration of new acquisitions into RWS process Provide authority and subject matter expertise on process-related issues Initiate and support implementation of solutions across the enterprise Skills & Experience Previous leadership experience with demonstrable global operational delivery experience Qualified accountant (CIMA/ACCA) or qualified by experience with minimum 5 years PQE Expert knowledge and functional experience in R2R processes such as general ledger accounting, intercompany accounting, fixed assets, reconciliations, period end activities, and others Strong understanding of internal controls requirements, accounting policies and statutory accounting principles to ensure compliant R2R processes Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration or similar discipline Knowledge, expertise, or certifications in process optimisation Working knowledge of core finance systems, ERP and specialist R2R systems, frameworks, and functionality Proven ability to effectively work across geographies and resolve conflicts as necessary Strong stakeholder management skills, able to lead by example and hold teams, customers, and partners to account Entrepreneurial approach to seize opportunities and problem-solve for improvement Ability to develop continuous improvement and innovation process mechanisms Ability to suggest innovative perspectives and approaches to bring improvements to ways of working and processes Excellent verbal and written skills with an ability to work and communicate with various levels within the company Experience in working with multicultural and multifunctional teams Ability to travel when necessary Beneficial to have: Experience in business transformation and/or outsourcing models Experience in process mapping Six Sigma Green or Black Belt certification Knowledge of and/or experience with Microsoft Dynamics 365 Experience working with analytics tools At RWS, we’re here for one purpose: unlocking global understanding. As a unique, world-leading provider of technology-enabled language, content, and intellectual property services, we remove the barriers to communication to make global connection possible. Our unrivalled experience and deep understanding of language have been developed over more than 60 years. As we look to shape the future, our ambition is to create a world where understanding is universal for everyone. We work with over 80% of the world’s top 100 brands, more than three-quarters of Fortune’s 20 ‘Most Admired Companies’ and almost all the top pharmaceutical companies, investment banks, law firms and patent filers. Our client base spans Europe, Asia Pacific and North and South America. Our 65 global locations across five continents service clients in the automotive, chemical, financial, legal, medical, pharmaceutical, technology and telecommunications sectors. Over the past 20 years we’ve been evolving our own AI solutions as well as helping clients to explore, build and use multilingual AI applications. With 45 AI-related patents and more than 100 peer-reviewed papers, we have the experience and expertise to support clients on their AI journey. If you like the idea of working with smart people who are passionate about breaking down language barriers and giving back to their communities, then you’ll love life at RWS. Our work fundamentally recognizes the value of every language and culture. So, we celebrate difference, we are inclusive and believe that diversity makes us strong. We want every employee to grow as an individual and excel in their career. In return, we expect all our people to live by the values that unite us: to partner with colleagues and clients, to adopt a pioneering spirit, to be positive in progressing the work we do, and always to deliver what we promise. RWS Values Get the 3Ps right – Partner, Pioneer, Progress – and we´ll Deliver together as One RWS. For further information, please visit: RWS RWS embraces DEI and promotes equal opportunity, we are an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind. RWS is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all employees and to providing employees with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All employment decisions at RWS are based on business needs, job requirements and individual qualifications, without regard to race, religion, nationality, ethnicity, sex, age, disability, or sexual orientation. RWS will not tolerate discrimination based on any of these characteristics Recruitment Agencies: RWS Holdings PLC does not accept agency resumes. Please do not forward any unsolicited resumes to any RWS employees. Any unsolicited resume received will be treated as the property of RWS and Terms & Conditions associated with the use of such resume will be considered null and void.