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The Role
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.
Summary Generated by Built In
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.
Skills Required
- 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
- 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
Grant Thornton LLP (US) Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Grant Thornton LLP (US) and has not been reviewed or approved by Grant Thornton LLP (US).
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Parental & Family Support — Paid, gender‑neutral parental leave, backup childcare, and adoption/surrogacy reimbursement are emphasized, with flexible options like intermittent leave and LGBTQ+‑affirming coverage. Feedback suggests these offerings are a distinctive strength and align with external recognition for family‑friendly policies.
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Retirement Support — A firm‑funded retirement plan in addition to a 401(k) match is presented as a differentiating element of the package. Feedback suggests this dual‑vehicle approach is viewed as unusually strong for the sector.
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Flexible Benefits — A firmwide Flexible Time Off policy, hybrid work arrangements, and lifestyle‑focused perks expand how people can tailor benefits to their needs. Feedback suggests this flexibility is a core part of the total‑rewards proposition.
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The Company
What We Do
Forget what you think you know about professional services. We go beyond what’s expected and help others do the same. Grant Thornton is the U.S. member firm of Grant Thornton International Ltd, one of the world’s leading independent audit, tax and advisory firms. That means our network has more than 60,000 professionals in more than 135 countries who are ready to help public and private organizations of all sizes take on today’s challenges. But what sets us apart isn’t just what we do – it’s how we do it. Here, we believe in making business more personal and building trust into every result. We’re collaborators – obsessed with quality and ready for anything – who understand the value of strong relationships. It’s how we challenge the expectations of business and empower our people and clients to do it, too. One thing we won’t do? Grant Thornton LLP will never request money or any form of payment for services via social media. Please report any concerns at 1-800-810-3503. "Grant Thornton” refers to Grant Thornton LLP, the U.S. member firm of Grant Thornton International Ltd (GTIL). GTIL and the member firms are not a worldwide partnership. Services are delivered by the member firms. GTIL and its member firms are not agents of, and do not obligate, one another and are not liable for one another’s acts or omissions. Please see grantthornton.com for further details.
