Process Improvement Specialist – Finance Transformation

Overview

We are seeking a high-impact Process Improvement Specialist – Finance Transformation to support the modernization of finance processes through end-to-end process discovery, data-driven analysis, and low-code / no-code automation to join our Phoenix, Arizona (AZ) office! This is not a remote position. 

Responsibilities

This role sits within a broader Finance Transformation effort focused on: Standardizing and simplifying core finance processes Enabling scalable operations through automation and AI Improving data quality and decision-making Evolving the Finance operating model to support growth The Process Improvement Specialist plays a critical role in ensuring transformation efforts are process-led, not tool-led, and that improvements are sustainable, scalable, and adopted.  Scope & Impact 

• Supports process improvement across a ~400-person Finance organization 
• Works across all major finance value streams (AP, AR, FP&A, Payroll, etc.) 
• Leads 2–4 concurrent, cross-functional initiatives with enterprise visibility 
• Directly partners with Finance leadership, process owners, and transformation teams 
• Establishes repeatable process improvement methods and standards for Finance

Key Responsibilities 

• Process Discovery & Redesign 
• Lead structured discovery of end-to-end finance processes 
• Facilitate workshops to document current-state (as-is) and design future-state (to-be) processes 
• Identify root causes of inefficiency, rework, delays, and control gaps 
• Redesign processes to improve flow, clarify ownership, and reduce complexity 
• Define standard work, controls, and measurable performance indicators

Improvement Execution & Sustainment 

• Lead initiatives from problem definition through implementation and stabilization 
• Develop implementation plans, metrics, and control frameworks 
• Ensure improvements are documented and transitioned to business ownership 
• Monitor post-implementation performance and intervene as needed 
• Drive sustained adoption through practical tools, job aids, and training  

Data, Automation & AI Enablement 

• Partner with analytics teams to support data-driven diagnosis and prioritization 
• Use data to validate hypotheses and quantify improvement impact 
• Collaborate with automation and technology teams to define requirements 
• Ensure automation and AI solutions are applied to well-designed processes, not broken ones  

Stakeholder Engagement 

• Act as a trusted advisor to Finance leaders and process owners
• Facilitate working sessions with both leadership and frontline teams 
• Translate complex process concepts into clear, practical business language
• influence without authority to drive alignment and adoption

 

Qualifications

• 4+ years of professional experience in finance transformation, process improvement, automation, analytics, or related roles 
• Hands on experience with end-to-end process discovery and documentation 
• Working knowledge of Lean and/or Six Sigma methodologies (Green Belt strongly preferred) 
• Strong data analysis skills, including:  
• Advanced Excel (Power Query, PivotTables, formulas) 
• Experience working with structured finance data sets 
• Experience building low-code / no-code automation solutions (e.g., workflow tools, RPA, scripting within platforms) 
• Ability to translate business problems into process, data, and automation solutions 
• Strong communication and facilitation skills 

Preferred Qualifications 

• Exposure to finance processes (R2R, O2C, P2P, FP&A) 
• Specific Experience with:  
  • Power Platform (Power Automate, Power Apps) 
  • RPA and Data Analysis tools (e.g., UiPath, Alteryx) 
  • SQL or basic scripting (Python, VBA) 
• Experience supporting enterprise transformation initiatives 
• Experience utilizing process mining tools for discovery and analysis 
• Change management or stakeholder enablement experience 

Why Kimley-Horn?

At Kimley-Horn, we do things differently. People, clients, and employees are at the forefront of who we are. Clients know we prioritize achieving their goals and growing their success. Employees know our culture and approach to business are built on a desire to provide an environment for everyone to flourish. Our commitment to quality is only as good as the people behind it— that’s why we welcome and develop passionate, hardworking, and proactive employees. We take pride in how our employee retention, robust benefits package, and company values have led to Kimley-Horn’s placement on the Fortune “100 Best Companies to Work” list for 19 years!

 

Key Benefits at Kimley-Horn

• Exceptional Retirement Plan: 2-to1- company match on up to 4% of eligible compensation (salary + bonus) and additional profit-sharing contribution.
• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Low-cost medical, dental, and vision insurance options.
• Time Off: Personal leave, flexible scheduling, floating holidays, and half-day Fridays.
• Financial Wellness: Student loan matching in our 401(k), and performance-based bonuses.
• Professional Development: Tuition reimbursement and extensive internal training programs.
• Family-Friendly Benefits: New Parent Leave, family building benefits, and childcare resources.