Finance Digital Transformation Lead

Ankura is a team of excellence founded on innovation and growth.

Ankura Corporate Overview:

The goal of Ankura Business Services (ABS) is to provide support and assistance to Ankura’s client facing business groups. All of Ankura’s ABS groups work together to achieve a common goal, which is to create innovative solutions for our clients. ABS includes Finance, Legal, IT Services, Marketing and Communications, Real Estate, Conflict Check, Operations & Workplace Services, and the People Office. Collaborative lateral thinking, hard-earned experience, expertise, and multidisciplinary capabilities drive results. Together, Ankura’s ABS groups work in harmony to Protect, Create, and Recover Value for our clients.

Role Overview:

Ankura is seeking a seasoned FP&A professional with robust technical acumen and demonstrated experience with Alteryx process automation to become a key member of the Financial Planning & Analysis team. This position will be pivotal in leveraging technology tools to enhance data analysis and reporting capabilities. The ideal candidate has extensive experience in analyzing financial performance, tailoring bespoke management reports, and a strong understanding of accounting principles. This role demands a strategic visionary capable of collaborating with cross-functional teams and adept at utilizing technology tools to generate financial insights and facilitate informed business decisioning. Candidates must demonstrate a keen understanding of confidentiality and data protection protocols, as they will be handling sensitive compensation information. Previous experience within the Professional Services sector is a bonus. The ideal candidate for this role will be based in the New York City metro area though other major Ankura office locations (such as Washington DC or Chicago) could be suitable. Based on candidates’ experience and qualifications this role could be filled at the Senior Director or Executive Director level.

Responsibilities:

Core Responsibilities:

• Financial Acumen: A strong understanding of accounting principles, budgeting, forecasting, and financial modeling is essential. Including the ability to interpret business data into actionable insights in support of operational decisioning.

• Technical Proficiency: Expert in employing technology tools for data extraction, data wrangling, reporting outputs and financial modeling, as well as familiarity with cloud-based ERP systems (Workday). Use of technologies in the field of automation, machine learning and data analytics is also beneficial. This role will be required to maintain, and make adjustment to, existing complex reports crafted via Alteryx and Excel VBA to deliver bespoke executive packages.

• Analytical and Problem-Solving Mindset: The ability to analyze complex, varied data sets, identify trends, and develop actionable insights. Creative problem-solving abilities when dealing with challenges and implementing financial processes. Proficiency in maintaining and adapting existing Alteryx data workflows.

• Project Management: Experience in managing firmwide projects, especially those related to technology implementation and process improvement. Including planning, execution, risk management, stakeholder communication, and technical design assistance.

• Communication and Collaboration: Excellent communication skills to articulate technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders. The ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams, including IT, finance, and operations, to drive technology initiatives.

Technical Responsibilities:

• Data Analysis & Business Intelligence

  • Data Analysis and Interpretation: The ability to analyze datasets to derive meaningful informational insights using the full suite of Microsoft 365 tools such as Power BI, Excel, and Fabric.

  • Dashboard and Report Development: Expertise in designing and developing interactive dashboards and reports using Power BI, ensuring views are user-friendly, intuitive and provide actionable insights.

  • ETL Processes: Proficiency in using SQL and Alteryx to extract, transform, and load data efficiently and accurately from different data sources. Ability to identify and map relationships between disparate data systems.

  • DAX and M Language Proficiency: Writing complex DAX (Data Analysis Expressions) formulas and use M language for data manipulation and transformation in Power BI

• Large Data Models & Workflows

  • Advanced Data Modeling: Ability to design, implement, and manage large and complex local data models that can store significant volumes of data for quick access. This includes understanding normalization, denormalization, and database schema best practices.

  • Statistical and Predictive Analytics: Proficiency in applying statistical methods and predictive analytics techniques to analyze data and forecast future trends or outcomes. Involving the use of tools such as R, Python, or other specialized analytics software (Alteryx / KNIME).

  • Workflow Automation and Optimization: Skills in analyzing and optimizing business processes and workflows. This includes identifying bottlenecks, automating repetitive or manual tasks, and improving overall team efficiency using tools such as Alteryx, Power Query or Python.

  • Visualization and Reporting: Ability to create comprehensive and insightful visualizations and reports that effectively communicate the findings from workflow analytics. Proficiency in crafting aesthetic and informative visualizations in Excel, Power Point and Power BI is essential.

• Work within Workday ERP

  • Integration and Technical Skills: Experience with integrating Workday PSA with other systems and platforms, as well as a good understanding of Workday's technical architecture. This includes skills in data migration, API usage, and Workday's proprietary programming language, Workday Studio.

  • Data Analysis and Reporting: Proficiency in analyzing project and financial data within Workday PSA and creating detailed reports and dashboards to provide insights into project performance and resource utilization.

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, or Business. An advanced degree or CPA/CFA is a plus.

• Proven experience (approximately 15+ years) in financial planning and analysis (FP&A) or a similar financial role, demonstrating a strong track record of success.

• Advanced proficiency in Alteryx / KNIME experience is required.

• Required software experience includes – Microsoft Excel; Microsoft PowerPoint; Power Query & Power Pivot; Power BI; SQL

• Required language experience includes – Microsoft VBA; M Code; DAX - Ability to write complex DAX (Data Analysis Expressions) formulas and use M language for data manipulation and transformation in Power BI is preferred but not required.

• Other advantageous experience includes – Python; R; Tableau; Salesforce CRM; Intapp Time; Workday Adaptive Planning/Office Connect

• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with a methodical approach to complex financial challenges.

• Strong communication and presentation skills, capable of conveying complex information clearly and persuasively. Particularly to non-technical stakeholders.

• Ability to work collaboratively within a team environment, contributing to collective goals and initiatives.

• Experience with digital transformation in finance, keeping up to date with emerging technology trends and tools in the industry, and implementing best practices to maintain a competitive edge.

• Excellent organizational skills, capable of managing multiple priorities and responding swiftly to evolving business needs.

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For individuals assigned and/or hired to work in California, Colorado, New York or other states with relevant pay transparency laws, Ankura is required to include a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role. This compensation range is specific to the said markets and considers a broad range of factors including but not limited to skill sets, experience and training, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. The disclosed range estimate has not been adjusted for the applicable geographic differential associated with the location at which the position may be filled.  The range does not include additional benefits outside of salary. At Ankura, it is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top of the range for their role and compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each role. A reasonable estimate of the current base pay range is between $175,000 to $225,000; this range is not a promise of a particular wage.

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Ankura is an Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against based on disability. Equal Employment Opportunity Posters, if you have a disability and believe you need a reasonable accommodation to search for a job opening, submit an online application, or participate in an interview/assessment, please email [email protected] or call toll-free +1.312-583-2122. This email and phone number are created exclusively to assist disabled job seekers whose disability prevents them from being able to apply online. Only messages left for this purpose will be returned. Messages left for other purposes, such as following up on an application or technical issues unrelated to a disability, will not receive a response.