Manager GBS Finance Solution

Purpose & Overall Relevance for the Organisation:

GBS, the engine that designs, builds and operates consistent adidas end-to-end business services & solutions globally to drive the transformation TO ONE ADIDAS enabling our Business Partners to focus on core business.

GBS prioritizes executing transitions, process and solution roadmaps. Implementing one service framework, performance measurements and GBS customer board. Furthermore GBS is driving the implementation of robotics process automation (RPA).

It is the overarching goal to move the adidas Group to a much more consistent, standardized and automated operating model with solid governance, architecture and operating model

The R2R stream is one of several global streams who is designing and implementing end to end services & solutions as Global Process Owner (GPO). GPO’s can effectively cross-collaborate with multiple stakeholders to define the current and future state of adidas business and its processes, identifying issues and risks, suggesting mitigation strategies and driving towards technology solutions.

GBS Operations operate by executing Global Process Owner services and solutions.

R2R drives innovations to secure operational and timely processing in the GBS centers in line with global accounting standards and other regulatory requirements.

Scope of R2R:

5. General ledger Accounting
6. Retail & E-COM Accounting
7. Inventory Accounting (WS)
8. Fixed Assets
9. Statutory compliance
10. Direct tax*
11. Indirect tax*
12. Intercompany Reconciliation

Key Responsibilities and General Accountabilities:

• Analyze, develop new and adjust existing end to end processes/ services, standards or operational plans, and deliver results with direct impact on R2R stream, other streams and markets.
• Work towards the GBS priorities, KPI’s, OKR and overall GBS roadmap
• Manage and execute transformation initiatives including GAP analysis related to the GBS operation centers/markets and provide process competency with a specific focus on R2R
• Develop and implement process standardization, harmonization and automation by applying the 6-2-1 Methodology
• Manage and execute process improvement initiatives on demand (e.g. fast close new IFRS regulations, Data Analytics, chart of account and masterdata harmonization)
• Manage and execute new R2R systems/ technology/methodology roadmap and process change, upskill, train and execute (i.e. BSR, ARIBA and Highradius, Concur)
• Support and Contribute at selection of tools, techniques and systems according to architectural requirements and demands
• Provide input to identify improvement potential, problems and feasibility of process change with stakeholders through variance analysis and effective usage of data, create transparency on priorities, develop options / solutions and facilitate recommendations for preparing fact-based decisions ending into regular continuous improvements.  
• Support standardized reporting, measurements, KPI and ad hoc analysis in line with SLA’s together with Delivery Excellence team securing quality, timeliness, compliance and productivity of services and processes
• Lead medium sized projects with the respective profound process and technical knowledge within the boundaries of time, cost & quality, focusing on the customers expectations, implement results and support sustainability of solution.
• Provide expertise for R2R areas in line with latest taxonomy/ activity split, processes and technology towards operational and market finance teams
• Possess ownership of R2R processes and act as a subject matter expert.
• Support to the definition of policies, accounting standards and guidelines for process improvement
• Manage and execute adaption of Group Finance Manual (including IFRS) into GBS operations centers and non GBS markets to secure standardization while ensuring compliance
• Support the internal controls process and advice on improvement areas
• Partner and collaborate as business partner with operations center, Corporate Finance, Management and market finance within the assigned area of responsibility, understanding customer needs and requirements (i.e. accounting, financial reporting, policy group finance manual interpretation, data governance/principles)
• Get understanding of stakeholder requirements, collecting data, delivering analysis, problem resolution and support recommending options
• Support R2R change management through design and delivery of prototype tools, with other functions and streams to operationalize accordingly
• Ensure standardized data management processes and drive data quality improvement actions
• Support business process stakeholders on the analysis of master data processes, proposing relevant improvements and facilitating the successful implementation
• Provide expertise for operational processes or (master) data related queries with your expert knowledge
• Develop and implement adequate communication packages to present derived results, recommendations and solutions
• Manage compliance and global process guidance

Key Relationships:

• GBS VP’s
• GBS R2R Director
• Global GPO O2C, S2P, Controlling and Reporting, H2R
• Operational R2R Teams in Operations Centers
• GBS Global Governance
• Corporate Finance, Corporate Accounting, Corporate Treasury & Taxes
• Support Functions, i.e. IT
• Other business function: Global Operations, Brand Marketing, Sales (Wholesale/Retail/e-com), HR
• Finance markets
• External system providers/ consulters
• External contacts/ corporates for knowledge sharing and trends

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Experience and understanding of GBS / Shared Services environments
• Understanding of GBS processes
• Understanding of the consumer goods industry
• Understanding of financial, procurement/ travel processes
• Experience in process design, process mapping, improving process quality, process review and compliance
• Very good understanding of Accounting rules (IFRS), NTP and T&E procedures and processes
• Broad SAP FI/CO knowledge
• Ability to apply continuous process improvement concepts and tools
• Willingness to travel
• High degree of customer orientation
• Fluent in English (verbal and written)
• Very good Communication skills and an international mindset
• Ability to think strategically as well as tactically
• Very good analytical mindset
• Cross functional and cross GPO mindset
• Familiarity with project management, strong planning and organization skills, and ability to work and deliver in changing environments, under limited guidance while adhering to specified deadlines
• Ability to work independently
• Understand the purpose and benefits of modelling as subject matter expert and contributes to usage of knowledgebase
• Ability to coach, guide and manage teams in a trustful and proficient manner
• Result orientation and pro-activity

Requisite Education and Experience / Minimum Qualifications:

• Degree in Business Administration or IT or related areas, or equivalent combinations of educations
• Minimum of 3-5 years of relevant work experience in finance functions
• Understanding of accounting processes
• Experience in data management
• Ideally experiences in shared service center organizations
• Understanding & knowledge of regional and global market landscape and the respective customer 
• Project management experiences