Global Process Expert-Purchase to Pay (P2P), Americas Job Listing at AstraZeneca in Wilmington, DE

Biotechnology, Science/Research

  GFS has undertaken a strategic review and gap analysis to achieve best in class transactional finance over the coming years. The global process team has led development of a strategic Pearl to guide GFS through identification and appropriate prioritization of initiatives required to deliver best in class performance. The scope and breadth of the process Pearls requires a team of seasoned industry experts capable of cross-functional influence and facilitation to work with the relevant process area GPO in leading successful delivery of Pearl initiatives. Each of the following process areas will have a GPE based in the EMEA, APAC and Americas regions:  
* Record to Report Fixed Assets
* Sales Order To Cash and Banking
* Travel and Expenses
* Purchase To Pay   A separate compliance organization is also being put in place and will support the delivery of the Pearl   The incumbents will play a pivotal role in supporting the successful delivery of both the strategic Pearl initiative and the wider change projects under the direction of the relevant GPO delegating responsibility to lead a sub-set of projects / program elements.   The role holder will:   Lead the implementation of Pearl initiatives developing new processes and tools to drive process efficiencies, improve service quality and compliance, and improve cash flow maximizing the competitive advantage for the business. This is a hands-on role that will drive both consistency of deployment and compliance in use through:  
* Customer-centric application and standardization of processes
* Deployment of new and enhanced tools across the business to enable standardized effective processes
* Engagement and influence over business functions outside of GFS to enroll support and compliance with defined processes
* Driving the functional design of the relevant process elements of new and existing systems. This must be done alongside the non-system processes and controls in line with the Group's strategy on financial control.
* Ensuring that process design supports, and is supported by fit-for-purpose financial and business controls that provide AZ with appropriate control within a framework of an effective and efficient process. This will require the role holder to work extensively with the owners of these controls.
* Active involvement in quality assurance, e.g. Peer Reviews
* Clarity of standards and key performance indicators to support operational efficiency and compliance
* Active coaching of individuals on the application of these processes   Impact on business results   Significant cash flow opportunities, process efficiencies, compliance and customer service improvements will be delivered to the business by the successful leadership and implementation of identified Pearl initiatives.   Major Responsibilities:   Lead the development and implementation of identified Pearl initiatives to:  
* Develop, implement and manage new strategic processes
* Drive continuous improvement
* Benchmark processes, both internally and externally
* Facilitate the identification, promotion and management of Best Practices throughout the Finance Business Functions using the process practice networks.
* Ensure ongoing development, leverage and application of local/global Best Practice in order to continuously improve global and local processes and the supporting coaching and training
* Review and revise practices to ensure their compliance with established statutory requirements, policies, and procedures
* Standardize on best practice reporting across the group
* Provide coaching and support relative to new initiatives to process users
* Act as the critical interface and provide technical and functional support regarding the process to the relevant technology strategy and change implementation teams
* Analyze and resolve issues raised in audit reports   The role-holder is responsible for sponsoring, leading, and supporting a sub-set of projects and initiatives to change process, ensuring consistent good design supportive of the Groups Finance strategy  
Prime Areas of Complexity and Type of Problems Solved.   The prime complexity will be engaging and enrolling support across the disparate stakeholder landscape at AZ. The role holder will be required to strategically influence and drive standardization of best practices across GFS, Commercial, Operations, and other functional areas facilitating and aligning objectives of cross-functional and cross-regional project teams.  
Relationship Management  
* Manage appropriate stakeholder relationships, including Finance Leadership Teams and Commercial Leadership to ensure that appropriate Processes, Governance Frameworks, and Management Information are in place to meet local and global Business Services objectives.
* Manage cross-functional project team relationships in the delivery of Pearl objectives
* Work with relevant IS groups and Procurement Technology teams to ensure alignment between technology enabled operational processes and strategic processes
* Work with GFS operations teams to support improvement in processes driving improved performance as measured by GFSs KPI's
* Work with Compliance team members including SOX, Internal and external auditors   Leadership Capabilities   The role holder will be able to demonstrate proficiency in operating at Level 3 for:  
* Working Collaboratively
* Thinking Strategically
* Acting Decisively
* Passion for Customers   Internal and External Contacts/Customers  
* Global Finance Services Leadership Team
* AZ Finance Function
* AZ IS Function
* AZ Treasury function
* AZ Commercial organization (MC's and Regional)
* Group Internal Audit
* Finance and Performance Management Groups
* Key customer groups
* IS consulting firms providing SAP and other systems knowledge
* External auditors
* External research and benchmarking organizations   Travel Requirements  
* Overseas travel will be required. This is anticipated to be at least one business trip per quarter with ad-hoc business trips as and when required.         Minimum Requirements  
* Degree and relevant professional qualification
* Extensive experience in relevant process area (development, management and application of)
* Energetic and self motivated
* Ability to use a range of strategic influencing techniques
* Strong written and verbal communication skills in Business English
* Significant experience of global technology implementations (ERP)
* Proven ability to lead multiple projects/tasks effectively
* Proven experience in change management
* Demonstrated success working in a team environment
* Strong analytical skills
* Experience implementing significant business change across national and business boundaries