Project Manager - Finance Operations

Job Description

Role Overview

This role is a strategic addition to the Finance Operations Enablement team at NIQ, designed to drive transformation and optimization initiatives across the organization . As the dedicated Project Manager for Finance Operations, you will lead complex projects, support business leaders, and bring structure and rigor to transformation and optimization efforts as part of business-as-usual operations. You will be the go-to expert for project delivery using waterfall methodology with traditional phase-gate processes, working across all towers and functions, and supporting senior leadership in achieving operational excellence . The position requires collaboration across all major Finance Operations sites including Pune (India), Bucharest (Romania), Sofia (Bulgaria), Bogota (Colombia), and Guangzhou (China) .

This is NOT a typical technology rollout role but rather a finance operations transformation position focusing on process improvement, compliance, and organizational development within a Global Business Services (GBS) environment

Core Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end delivery of transformation and optimization projects from initiation through execution to closure.

• Develop and implement project governance frameworks ensuring projects are delivered on time, within scope, and aligned to strategic business objectives.

• Drive multiple concurrent projects, managing resources, risks, and dependencies across global teams.

• Run weekly cadence calls with workstream leads to track progress, identify blockers, and ensure alignment across all project streams.

• Set up and facilitate regular steering committee meetings, along side our PMO, providing executive visibility into project status, decision-making forums for critical issues, and governance oversight for portfolio-level priorities.

• Partner with our functional leaders, Global Process Owners (GPOs), and Service Delivery teams to identify, prioritize, and execute transformation initiatives across all finance operations towers including Record to Report (RTR), Procure to Pay (P2P), and Order to Cash (O2C).

• Establish and maintain project management standards, templates, and reporting mechanisms.

• Utilize advanced project management tools such as Smartsheet, MS Project, and Jira to track progress, manage risks, and report outcomes.

• Maintain a central repository of project documentation, lessons learned, and best practices.

• Act as a change agent supporting business leaders in the adoption of new processes, technologies, and ways of working.

• Lead transition projects including migrations, process redesigns, and system implementations.

• Support the rollout and adoption of automation (RPA, GenAI) and digital initiatives, collaborating with RPA CoE and EIT teams

Key Sample Project Areas

• Talent Development initiatives including workforce capability building, career progression frameworks, and organizational development programs tailored to finance operations teams

• Training and Competency programs involving structured learning pathways, certification programs, and skills assessments to elevate team performance

• Accounting Projects including balance sheet health initiatives focused on improving accuracy and completeness of financial reporting, plus accounting reconciliation projects that streamline month-end close processes and reduce reconciliation cycle times

• Process improvement and continuous improvement activities leveraging Lean, Six Sigma, and other methodologies

• Digital enablement through automation and innovation programs

• Compliance and Controls enhancement projects that strengthen governance frameworks and ensure regulatory adherence across global operations

While some technology projects will play a supporting role, the primary emphasis remains on finance operations transformation rather than heavy detailed technology implementation work

Qualifications

The following details outlines mandatory requirements and preferred qualifications for this position.

Experience

• Must-Have Requirements: 7+ years in project management, transformation, or transition roles within Finance Shared Services or GBS environments
• Preferred/Nice-to-Have: Experience in specific finance domains (RTR, P2P, O2C)

Certifications

• Must-Have Requirements: PMP, PRINCE2, or similar project management credentials. Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt
• Preferred/Nice-to-Have: Advanced certification in Change Management or Organizational Development

Methodology

• Must-Have Requirements: Waterfall project management with traditional phase-gate processes, structured planning and execution
• Preferred/Nice-to-Have: Familiarity with Agile practices for hybrid approaches

Additional Skills

• Must-Have Requirements: Kaizen, Value Stream Mapping (VSM), RPA technologies (UiPath, SAP scripting, MS Automation tools)
• Preferred/Nice-to-Have: Change management and training program development experience

Tools

• Must-Have Requirements: Strong proficiency in MS Project, Jira, and Smartsheet
• Preferred/Nice-to-Have: Advanced tool expertise and data analysis platforms

Track Record

• Must-Have Requirements: Proven track record leading multiple large-scale projects and transitions in multinational finance organizations
• Preferred/Nice-to-Have: Experience leading digital transformation initiatives

Core Skills

• Must-Have Requirements: Excellent stakeholder management, communication, facilitation skills. Ability to drive consensus and manage diverse global teams. Strong analytical skills, attention to detail, results-oriented mindset
• Preferred/Nice-to-Have: Multilingual abilities for global stakeholder engagement

CRITICAL

• Must-Have Requirements: GBS or multinational finance environment experience is essential
• Preferred/Nice-to-Have: Deep knowledge of compliance frameworks and internal controls

Additional Information

Our Benefits

• Flexible working environment
• Volunteer time off
• LinkedIn Learning
• Employee-Assistance-Program (EAP)

NIQ may utilize artificial intelligence (AI) tools at various stages of the recruitment process, including résumé screening, candidate assessments, interview scheduling, job matching, communication support, and certain administrative tasks that help streamline workflows. These tools are intended to improve efficiency and support fair and consistent evaluation based on job-related criteria. All use of AI is governed by NIQ’s principles of fairness, transparency, human oversight, and inclusion. Final hiring decisions are made exclusively by humans. NIQ regularly reviews its AI tools to help mitigate bias and ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations. If you have questions, require accommodations, or wish to request human review were permitted by law, please contact your local HR representative. For more information, please visit NIQ’s AI Safety Policies and Guiding Principles: https://nielseniq.com/global/en/info/niqs-ai-safety-policies/

About NIQ

NIQ is the world’s leading consumer intelligence company, delivering the most complete understanding of consumer buying behavior and revealing new pathways to growth. In 2023, NIQ combined with GfK, bringing together the two industry leaders with unparalleled global reach. With a holistic retail read and the most comprehensive consumer insights—delivered with advanced analytics through state-of-the-art platforms—NIQ delivers the Full View™. NIQ is an Advent International portfolio company with operations in 100+ markets, covering more than 90% of the world’s population.

For more information, visit NIQ.com

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Our commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

At NIQ, we are steadfast in our commitment to fostering an inclusive workplace that mirrors the rich diversity of the communities and markets we serve. We believe that embracing a wide range of perspectives drives innovation and excellence.  All employment decisions at NIQ are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws. We invite individuals who share our dedication to inclusivity and equity to join us in making a meaningful impact. To learn more about our ongoing efforts in diversity and inclusion, please visit the https://nielseniq.com/global/en/news-center/diversity-inclusion