.jpeg)
Leads the strategy, governance, administration, and transformation of the organization’s financial systems ecosystem, including SAP S/4HANA Public Cloud and related ERP applications. Oversees implementations, upgrades, integrations, reporting, data governance, controls, compliance, process optimization, vendors, budgets, and cross-functional project portfolios. Partners with Finance, Accounting, Technology, auditors, and business leaders while managing and developing financial systems professionals.
Grant Thornton is seeking an Associate Director of Financial Systems to join the team in Downers Grove, IL.
The Associate Director of Financial Systems provides strategic leadership for the organization’s financial technology ecosystem, including financial applications, ERP platforms, integrations, and reporting solutions. This role partners across Finance, Accounting, Technology, and business operations to ensure financial systems support business objectives, regulatory requirements, operational efficiency, and scalability.
The Associate Director leads financial systems governance, administration, process optimization, data management, and transformation initiatives, including SAP S/4HANA Public Cloud.
Key Responsibilities
Financial Systems Leadership
- Develop and execute the strategic roadmap for financial systems and related technologies.
- Establish the governance framework, operating standards, and best practices for financial applications and platforms.
- Partner with senior Finance and Technology leaders to align system capabilities with business objectives.
- Evaluate emerging technologies and recommend solutions that improve operational effectiveness.
ERP and SAP S/4HANA Ownership
- Provide strategic and operational leadership for SAP S/4HANA Public Cloud and related financial applications.
- Oversee system configuration, testing, enhancements, upgrades, and release management.
- Ensure ERP functionality supports accounting, billing, project accounting, procurement, revenue management, and financial reporting.
- Define requirements and priorities for major ERP initiatives and transformation programs.
- Manage external consultants and vendors delivering financial system improvements.
Business Process Optimization
- Lead finance and accounting process improvement, automation, and control-enhancement initiatives.
- Partner with stakeholders to redesign and standardize processes across business units and geographic locations.
- Maximize financial system capabilities to improve efficiency, scalability, and business value.
Financial Data and Reporting
- Establish governance standards for the integrity, availability, and management of financial and operational data.
- Oversee financial systems support for management reporting, regulatory reporting, and analytics.
- Partner with Finance leadership to define reporting requirements and performance metrics.
- Lead financial systems participation in enterprise data governance and master data management.
Program and Project Leadership
- Lead cross-functional delivery of major financial system implementations, upgrades, and enhancement projects.
- Manage project portfolios, budgets, timelines, risks, dependencies, and resource allocation.
- Establish project governance, decision-making, and executive reporting structures.
- Deliver strategic initiatives while managing operational risk and business disruption.
Internal Controls and Compliance
- Ensure financial systems support internal controls, audit requirements, and regulatory compliance.
- Partner with Internal Audit, Risk, Compliance, and external auditors to address system-related requirements.
- Oversee segregation of duties, security access controls, and related financial system controls.
- Implement monitoring controls that support auditability and regulatory compliance.
Team Leadership and Development
- Lead, mentor, and develop financial systems professionals, analysts, and system administrators.
- Establish clear objectives and development plans for team members.
- Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, innovation, and continuous learning.
- Build effective cross-functional partnerships that support financial systems strategy and delivery.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Information Systems, Business Administration, or a related field.
- 10+ years of experience with financial systems, ERP platforms, or finance technology solutions.
- 5+ years of progressive leadership experience managing teams and cross-functional initiatives.
- Experience leading enterprise financial system implementations or large-scale transformation programs.
- Strong knowledge of financial processes, accounting principles, billing operations, and reporting requirements.
- Demonstrated project, stakeholder, and third-party vendor management skills.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with SAP S/4HANA Public Cloud and cloud ERP modernization.
- Experience supporting professional services, consulting, project-based accounting, or shared-services organizations.
- Knowledge of finance transformation, process redesign, and change management methodologies.
- Experience with financial controls, reporting, analytics, data governance, or master data management.
- PMP, CPA, SAP, CBAP, or a related certification preferred.
The base salary range for this position is between $136,000 and $175,000. Placement within the pay range is at Grant Thornton’s discretion, and it is based on multiple factors, including but not limited to, job-related knowledge/skills, experience, business needs, progression within the role, geographic location, and internal equity. At Grant Thornton, compensation decisions are dependent upon the facts and circumstances of each position and candidate.
About UsAt Grant Thornton, we believe in making business more personal and building trust into every result – for our clients and you. Here, we go beyond your expectations of a career in professional services by offering a career path with more: more opportunity, more flexibility, and more support. It’s what makes us different, and we think being different makes us better.In the U.S., Grant Thornton delivers professional services through two specialized entities: Grant Thornton LLP, a licensed, certified public accounting (CPA) firm that provides audit and assurance services ― and Grant Thornton Advisors LLC (not a licensed CPA firm), which exclusively provides non-attest offerings, including tax and advisory services.
In 2025, Grant Thornton formed a multinational, multidisciplinary platform with Grant Thornton Ireland. The platform offers a premier Trans-Atlantic advisory and tax practice, as well as independent American and Irish audit practices. With $2.7 billion in revenues and more than 50 offices spanning the U.S., Ireland and other territories, the platform delivers a singular client experience that includes enhanced solutions and capabilities, backed by powerful technologies and a roster of 12,000 quality-driven professionals enjoying exceptional career-growth opportunities and a distinctive cross-border culture.
Grant Thornton is part of the Grant Thornton International Limited network, which provides access to its member firms in more than 150 global markets. About the TeamThe team you’re about to join is ready to help you thrive. Here’s how:
• Whether it's your work location, weekly schedule, or flex time off, we empower you with the options to work the way that it best serves your clients and your life. Consistent with the firm's hybrid work model, this position will require in-person attendance at least three days per week, either at a GT office or client site.
• Here, you are supported to prioritize your overall well-being through work-life integration options that work best for you and those in your household.
• We understand that your needs, responsibilities and experiences are different — and we think that’s a good thing. That’s why we support you with personalized and comprehensive benefits that recognize and empower all the identities, roles and aspirations that make you, well, you. See how at www.gt.com/careers
• When it comes to inclusion, we are committed to doing more than checking boxes. Explore all the ways we’re taking action for diversity, equity & inclusion at www.gt.com/careers
Here’s what you can expect next:
If you apply and are selected to interview, a Grant Thornton team member will reach out to you to schedule a time to connect. We encourage you to also check out other roles that may be a good fit for you or get to know us a little bit better at www.gt.com/careers.
Benefits:
We understand that your needs, responsibilities and experiences are different, and we think that’s a good thing. That’s why we support you with personalized and comprehensive benefits that recognize and empower all the identities, roles and aspirations that make you, well, you. For an overview of our benefit offerings, please visit: https://www.grantthornton.com/careers/rewards-and-benefits
- Benefits for internship positions: Grant Thornton interns are eligible to participate in the firm’s medical, dental and vision insurance programs and the firm’s employee assistance program. Interns also receive a minimum of 72 hours of paid sick leave and are paid for firm holidays that fall within their internship period.
- Benefits for seasonal employee positions: Grant Thornton seasonal employees are eligible to participate in the firm’s medical, dental and vision insurance programs and the firm’s employee assistance program. Seasonal employees may also be eligible to participate in the firm’s 401(k) savings plan and employee retirement plan in accordance with applicable plan terms and eligibility requirements. Seasonal employees receive a minimum of 72 hours of paid sick leave.
Grant Thornton employees may be eligible for a discretionary, annual bonus based on individual and firm performance, subject to the terms, conditions and eligibility criteria of the applicable bonus plan or program. Interns and seasonal employees are not eligible for bonus compensation.
Additional Details:
It is the policy of Grant Thornton to promote equal employment opportunities. All personnel decisions (including, but not limited to, recruiting, hiring, training, working conditions, promotion, transfer, compensation, benefits, evaluations, and termination) are made without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital or civil union status, pregnancy or pregnancy-related condition, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, citizenship status, veteran status, disability, handicap, genetic predisposition or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.
Consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and applicable state and local laws, it is the policy of Grant Thornton to provide reasonable accommodation when requested by a qualified applicant or employee with a disability, unless such accommodation would cause an undue hardship. The policy regarding requests for reasonable accommodation applies to all aspects of employment, including the application process. To make an accommodation request, please contact [email protected].
For Los Angeles Applicants only: We will consider for employment all qualified Applicants, including those with Criminal Histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles’ Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance.
For Massachusetts Applicants only: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability. Grant Thornton does not require or administer lie detector tests as a condition of employment or continued employment.
Grant Thornton LLP (US) Chicago, Illinois, USA Office
171 N. Clark Street, Suite 200, Chicago, IL, United States, 60601
Grant Thornton LLP (US) Downers Grove, Illinois, USA Office
3333 Finley Rd, Ste 700, Downers Grove, United States, 60515
Similar Jobs
Professional Services • Financial Services
Leads the strategy, governance, administration, and transformation of the organization’s financial systems ecosystem, including SAP S/4HANA Public Cloud and related ERP applications. Oversees implementations, upgrades, process optimization, data governance, reporting, internal controls, compliance, vendors, and cross-functional project portfolios. Partners with Finance, Accounting, Technology, Audit, and business leaders while managing and developing financial systems teams.
Top Skills:
ErpMaster Data ManagementSap S/4Hana Public Cloud
Artificial Intelligence • Healthtech • Machine Learning • Natural Language Processing • Biotech • Pharmaceutical
Supports Pfizer CentreOne’s inside sales and marketing activities by reviewing and routing marketing-qualified leads, executing outreach sequences, documenting activity in Salesforce, and assisting with campaigns, content, meetings, reporting, and marketing projects. The role develops commercial expertise across marketing, inside sales, and business development while progressing leads toward initial meetings and BD handoff.
Top Skills:
HubspotExcelMicrosoft OutlookMicrosoft PowerpointMicrosoft SharepointMicrosoft TeamsMicrosoft WordSalesforce
Artificial Intelligence • Healthtech • Machine Learning • Natural Language Processing • Biotech • Pharmaceutical
Direct performance analytics and reporting for Pfizer’s oncology precision medicine portfolio. Lead secondary-data analysis across sales, market share, patient segments, geographic performance, and treatment trends. Translate complex insights into strategic recommendations for senior commercial leaders, standardize methodologies, oversee dashboards and data quality, manage vendors, and collaborate with marketing, market access, data science, and commercial excellence teams. Drive adoption of AI-enabled analytics and coach colleagues across the organization.
Top Skills:
ClaudeIqviaPower BIPythonRSnowflakeSQLSymphony HealthTableau
What you need to know about the Chicago Tech Scene
With vibrant neighborhoods, great food and more affordable housing than either coast, Chicago might be the most liveable major tech hub. It is the birthplace of modern commodities and futures trading, a national hub for logistics and commerce, and home to the American Medical Association and the American Bar Association. This diverse blend of industry influences has helped Chicago emerge as a major player in verticals like fintech, biotechnology, legal tech, e-commerce and logistics technology. It’s also a major hiring center for tech companies on both coasts.
Key Facts About Chicago Tech
- Number of Tech Workers: 245,800; 5.2% of overall workforce (2024 CompTIA survey)
- Major Tech Employers: McDonald’s, John Deere, Boeing, Morningstar
- Key Industries: Artificial intelligence, biotechnology, fintech, software, logistics technology
- Funding Landscape: $2.5 billion in venture capital funding in 2024 (Pitchbook)
- Notable Investors: Pritzker Group Venture Capital, Arch Venture Partners, MATH Venture Partners, Jump Capital, Hyde Park Venture Partners
- Research Centers and Universities: Northwestern University, University of Chicago, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Illinois Institute of Technology, Argonne National Laboratory, Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory
