Director of Finance Transformation - Chicago - Zs Associates

Description

ZS is a place where passion changes lives. As a management consulting and technology firm focused on improving life and how we live it, we transform ideas into impact by bringing together data, science, technology and human ingenuity to deliver better outcomes for all. Here you'll work side‑by‑side with a powerful collective of thinkers and experts shaping life‑changing solutions for patients, caregivers and consumers worldwide. ZSers drive impact by bringing a client‑first mentality to each and every engagement. We partner collaboratively with our clients to develop custom solutions and technology products that create value and deliver company results across critical areas of their business. Bring your curiosity for learning, bold ideas, courage and passion to drive life‑changing impact to ZS.

At ZS, we partner with our clients to transform how they work and deliver lasting impact. To support our own continued growth, we're evolving our internal finance technology ecosystem—and we're looking for a Director of Finance Transformation to lead that journey.

This role brings together finance expertise, systems leadership, and strategic technology thinking to shape the future of ZS's global finance operations. You'll guide our finance systems roadmap, with a particular focus on SAP S/4HANA for Professional Services, and ensure we're enabling efficient, scalable, and insight‑driven financial processes across the firm.

What you'll do:

• Lead Our Finance Systems Strategy
  • Partner to solve business problems by translating business requirements into technological and process improvement solutions;
  • Serve as the global product owner for our finance systems landscape, including SAP S/4HANA and key connected applications;
  • Define and evolve the long‑term systems roadmap aligned with ZS's strategic priorities and growth;
  • Partner with Finance, IT, and HR and external vendors to design processes and solutions that deliver meaningful business value;
• Drive SAP S/4HANA Migration from SAP ECC
  • Provide leadership and expertise for SAP S/4HANA, especially FI/CO and Professional Services (PS) capabilities;
  • Oversee system enhancements, upgrades, and new functionality—ensuring we leverage best practices while supporting ZS-specific needs;
  • Collaborate closely with technical teams and implementation partners to ensure a stable, scalable, and well‑architected platform;
• Enable Strong Corporate Finance Processes
  • Translate the needs of FP&A, controllership, project finance, and other finance teams into system solutions that improve accuracy, efficiency, and insights;
  • Strengthen processes and drive adoption of best practices for forecasting, revenue recognition, month‑end close, project financials, and financial reporting;
  • Champion data quality, governance, and effective financial controls;
• Connect the Enterprise Ecosystem
  • Guide integrations between S/4HANA and surrounding tools—CRM, HR, reporting and analytics platforms, and internal workflow systems;
  • Identify opportunities to streamline work, automate processes, and improve visibility across the firm;
  • Help ZS adopt modern digital capabilities, including automation, analytics, and emerging technologies;
• Lead With Purpose and Partnership
  • Work cross‑functionally with global stakeholders, building trust and alignment along the way;
  • Translate complex system concepts into clear, actionable recommendations for leaders and teams;
  • Lead change management, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and collaborative problem solving.

What you'll bring:

• 12-15+ years of progressive experience in corporate finance, financial operations, or finance systems leadership;
• Direct experience leading or playing a key role in SAP S/4HANA implementation, preferably in a professional services organization;
• Strong understanding of core finance processes and accounting principles and compliance requirements;
• Experience working with enterprise systems and leading cross‑functional technology projects;
• Ability to operate at both strategic and hands‑on levels in a global, matrixed environment;
• Experience working with India and/or shared service environments a plus;
• Excellent communication, problem‑solving, and stakeholder engagement & influence skills;
• Demonstrated ability to effectively collaborate with others, lead actions and adapt to change;
• Ability to travel as needed;
• Fluency in English;
• Intense work ethic;
• Collaborative spirit and problem‑solving approach.

How you'll grow:

• Cross‑functional skills development & custom learning pathways;
• Milestone training programs aligned to career progression opportunities;
• Internal mobility paths that empower growth via s‑curves, individual contribution and role expansions.

Perks & Benefits:

ZS offers a comprehensive total rewards package including health and well‑being, financial planning, annual leave, personal growth and professional development. Our robust skills development programs, multiple career progression options and internal mobility paths and collaborative culture empowers you to thrive as an individual and global team member.

Hybrid working model:

We are committed to giving our employees a flexible and connected way of working. A flexible and connected ZS allows us to combine work from home and on‑site presence at clients/ZS offices for the majority of our week. The magic of ZS culture and innovation thrives in both planned and spontaneous face‑to‑face connections.

Travel:

Travel is a requirement at ZS for client‑facing ZSers; business needs of your project and client are the priority. While some projects may be local, all client‑facing ZSers should be prepared to travel as needed. Travel provides opportunities to strengthen client relationships, gain diverse experiences and enhance professional growth by working in different environments and cultures.

Considering applying?

At ZS, we honor the visible and invisible elements of our identities, personal experiences, and belief systems—the ones that comprise us as individuals, shape who we are, and make us unique. We believe your personal interests, identities and desire to learn are integral to your success here. We are committed to building a team that reflects a broad variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences. Learn more about our inclusion and belonging efforts and the networks ZS supports to assist our ZSers in cultivating community spaces and obtaining the resources they need to thrive.

ZS is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing equal employment and advancement opportunities without regard to any class protected by applicable law.

To complete your application: Candidates must possess or be able to obtain work authorization for their intended country of employment. An online application, including a full set of transcripts (official or unofficial), is required to be considered.

NO AGENCY CALLS, PLEASE.

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