Finance Master Data Design & Governance Architect

Summary:

This position is responsible for leading the redesign and governance of finance master data and reporting dimensions for a large-scale finance data modernization initiative. The role involves close collaboration with accounting and financial planning leaders, as well as ERP and EPM system teams, to deliver scalable and sustainable solutions for global finance operations in the life sciences sector.

Responsibilities:

• Lead the redesign of key finance reporting dimensions, including Chart of Accounts, Cost Centers, Profit Centers, Product hierarchies, and WBS structures.
• Develop and implement governance frameworks for finance master data, including ownership, stewardship, and approval workflows.
• Collaborate with accounting and financial planning teams to define and document implementation-ready requirements for future system deployments.
• Facilitate stakeholder negotiations and guide decision-making on complex finance data and reporting design issues.
• Advise on best practices and proven design patterns for finance master data transformation in global organizations.
• Support the operationalization of master data governance processes and the establishment of governance councils.
• Ensure alignment of finance master data design with accounting requirements, consolidation, and financial reporting needs.
• Act as a trusted advisor and design lead, helping to shape the future-state operating model for finance data management.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in computer science, finance, or information technology.
• Specialized certificates and practical work history in database management, systems analysis, financial accounting, or corporate finance.
• Experience leading multiple end-to-end finance reporting transformation and master data initiatives.
• Strong understanding of accounting requirements, consolidation, and financial reporting.
• Hands-on experience designing and operationalizing master data governance, including frameworks, ownership models, and approval workflows.
• Familiarity with ERP and EPM systems, preferably SAP ECC and/or S/4HANA, and TM1.
• Experience in the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, or life sciences industries, especially with global operations including R&D, clinical trials, manufacturing, and commercial functions.