Vice President, Finance Change (Data Strategy Lead)

To support SMBC Americas' business growth strategy, SMBC Finance is executing a major initiative to review and enhance critical Finance processes within its US operations, including financial planning, reporting, and data management. Working with core Finance teams and other key colleagues (Technology, Risk, Compliance, etc.).

Finance Change is primarily responsible for establishing and managing large-scale programs focused on implementation of processes, methodologies, and systems that meet regulatory requirements and industry best practices.

Within the larger Finance Change team, Data Strategy team is focused on developing and executing on a long-term vision of Data Management capabilities (Data Sourcing and Governance) across all finance functions (e.g., Treasury, FP&A, Controllers etc.).

The Vice President will be responsible for rigorously executing upon and managing a portfolio of prioritized finance data strategy and data management (including setting up adequate data governance), working closely with senior stakeholders across SMBC Americas, as well as guiding junior staff.

• Manage a portfolio of prioritized finance data strategy and data management initiatives / workstreams and produce executive management updates and presentations.
• Lead the data sourcing and data discovery initiative as it pertains to reference data which includes determining requirements across the finance function
• Drive adoption of various strategic technological solutions and manage transformation of related finance business processes
• Contribute to the overall design and implementation of programs and/or technology strategy to establish projects that deliver sustainable, scalable solutions.
• Lead all phases on finance data management and governance cycle, including identification of data elements and critical data elements
• Lead gap assessments against data policies and standards and reporting (management or regulatory) requirements to identify gaps and determine remediation plans
• Partner with finance SMEs, Chief Data Office, IT, and other stakeholders in implementing target state data controls and data governance framework
• Analyze business and functions stakeholders' data management and governance processes and controls, identify gaps, and propose enhancements in line with SMBC's strategic data strategy vision
• Set overall objectives and targets to measure project execution delivery and success criteria of critical milestones and deliverables.
• Perform ongoing monitoring and provide transparent reporting to impacted stakeholders and senior management.
• Build relationships with key internal/external stakeholders centered on collaboration, flexibility, and thoughtfulness
• Support other finance transformation programs under the Finance Change team inclusive of stakeholder assessment, impact analysis, and the development and execution of key strategies and plans

• Minimum of 3-5 years experience in controllers, regulatory reporting, data office, data management, change management, finance team at a financial services firm, or related experience.
• Experience with data projects involving concepts and processes related to reference data, data management, such as critical data elements, data architecture, data models, data lineage, data quality, data dictionary etc.
• Comfortable working with ambiguity and skillset to understand and define the "problem statement"; ability to think strategically and execute tactically, be solutions focused, and solve problems.
• Strong capability to manage complex projects independently, coordinating across multiple stakeholder groups, with a rigorous attention to detail.
• Significant knowledge of financial operations and planning, risk and controls management, IT processes, and data management.
• Ability to strategically develop and implement complex process and technology change management initiatives.
• Ability to prioritize efforts across multiple projects and manage competing deadlines with stakeholders.
• Excellent interpersonal skills; ability to successfully influence and build effective partnerships with all levels of team members and colleagues.
• Ability to manage a team of resources and monitor a large book of work comprised of multiple initiatives.
• Ability to work independently in ambiguous environments that are not clearly defined.
• Ability to be flexible and follow tight deadlines.
• Excellent verbal and written communication and presentation skills commensurate with production and presentation of management-ready materials. Proficiency in Word, PowerPoint, and Excel applications.

D&I Commitment

Responsible for fostering a culture of diversity and inclusion, holding leaders accountable for creating an inclusive environment through awareness and practice of equity in recruiting, developing, and promoting diverse talent.