Finance Transformation, Lead, Amer Sports

Amer Sports is a dynamic, global sports company offering passionate achievement-oriented professionals the chance to succeed and flourish in an international environment. Our globally recognized brands include Salomon, Wilson, Atomic, Arc’teryx, and ENVE.  We are a company where ambitious, competent and motivated people can make their mark. All our team members are ready to strive for the best of the company and to win together. Just like our customers, we are dedicated to an active lifestyle and sports.

Amer Sports is evolving globally.  We have strong operations in North America, EMEA, APAC and Greater China, and are looking to further transform to meet current and future business needs.  We are looking for a highly skilled and motivated Transformation Lead to play a key role in our digital transformation journey and provide value-added financial & business insights into current and future operational and strategic actions.  The role will require an individual with skills related to SAP S/4 as we begin a global implementation across the various Brands. 

The Finance Transformation Lead will be responsible for leading the business finance team through a successful SAP S/4 HANA implementation. You will drive the creation of business requirements and processes for the organization. You will collaborate with cross-functional teams, ensuring the successful integration of finance processes into the SAP S/4HANA platform through design, testing and deployment. This role requires deep expertise in Finance, strong leadership skills, and a strategic mindset to drive efficiency, accuracy, and innovation in financial processes.

Reporting to the VP, Finance Transformation, you will lead finance business team through the implementation of SAP S/4 to deliver streamlined finance business processes for Amer Sports and our Brands. This role will lead a team of finance functional experts and partner cross-functionally to design, communicate and implement a harmonized processes fit for our evolving business.

This role will be a change management leader that drives transformation in Group Finance creating enhanced enablement to better service the organization.  As a forward-thinker, this role will design the finance processes for the organization and lead the efforts to transform the ERP solution.  Specific responsibilities may include:

Financial Process Optimization:

• Develop and execute comprehensive finance requirements aligned with the SAP S/4HANA implementation goals and the broader business objectives.
• Lead the assessment, design, and optimization of finance-related business processes within the SAP S/4HANA in support of the finance business requirements.
• Identify opportunities for process improvements, automation, and efficiency gains in financial processes.
• Collaborate with the IT project team to ensure seamless integration of financial processes within the SAP S/4HANA framework.

Team Leadership:

• Build and lead a high-performing Finance team, providing guidance, mentorship, and development opportunities.
• Foster a collaborative team culture that encourages innovation and continuous improvement.

Stakeholder Collaboration:

• Work closely with finance, IT, and other business functions to understand their needs and provide effective solutions.
• Act as a liaison between finance and technology teams, ensuring clear communication and alignment.

Compliance and Controls:

• Ensure that finance processes within SAP S/4HANA adhere to regulatory requirements and internal controls.
• Collaborate with internal audit teams to conduct assessments and ensure compliance.

Change Management:

• Develop and execute change management strategies to ensure the finances changes are adopted and embed for the organization.

This role requires an undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline and a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) certification.  A master’s degree in related function (MBA, Accounting, etc.) is strongly preferred.  We are seeking a candidate with a minimum of 10 years of experience in progressively larger financial leadership roles, along with significant experience implementing ERP solutions in complex global environments.

• Strong understanding of financial processes, accounting principles, and SAP S/4HANA Finance modules
• Extensive experience in finance leadership roles with a focus on ERP implementations, preferably SAP S/4HANA
• Demonstrated experience in driving transformation and successfully implementing change management initiatives
• Experience working for a global, distributed organization
• Proven ability to lead through organizational changes in a fast-paced global environment
• Demonstrated experience in driving transformation and successfully implementing change management initiatives
• Must demonstrate a high degree of self-confidence while being a natural leader to be recognized both within and outside the Group Finance Function
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

What We’ll Provide

This role is ideally based in the Chicagoland area, though remote based candidates are encouraged to apply as we are prioritizing candidate fit over physical location.  In Chicago, this role will work a flexible hybrid model based at Wilson Sporting Goods Co. global headquarters.  Located in the vibrant, sports-centric city of Chicago, the Wilson headquarters sits along the lakefront with first-class access to a burgeoning creative, innovative, energetic and active professional community. We offer an open, collaborative, high tech work environment with best-in-class amenities and perks, including:

• Medical, dental and vision
• 401k with company match
• Life insurance
• Pre-tax transit discounts
• Paid maternity/paternity leave
• Professional development opportunities
• Discounts on Wilson and Amer Sports products
• Smart casual dress (yes, jeans every day!)
• On-site health club
• Summer hours

Amer Sports is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, protected veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected characteristics.