Job
Description
As our Principal AI Innovation Lead - Finance Solutions, you will lead the end-to-end lifecycle of impactful AI/ML solutions for Workdays internal Finance organization. This encompasses the entire lifecycle, from initial ideation and detailed requirements gathering with internal business function owners, through the documentation of functional specifications and technology solution architecture, to successful implementation and ongoing optimization. This role involves proactively identifying and championing AI opportunities to optimize internal finance operations, enhance strategic insights, and improve efficiency by translating partner needs into innovative AI solutions. We seek a candidate with a solutions consulting attitude, eager to drive tangible business outcomes. Primary Responsibilities: Apply expertise in finance functions (e.g., Accounting, Tax, Treasury, Procurement, FPA) to identify AI opportunities for process enhancement, problem-solving and insights generation. Drive AI Strategy Innovation: Proactively research and apply the latest AI/ML trends relevant to finance, identify strategic opportunities for significant improvement, and articulate the vision with clear implementation plans and quantifiable value. Lead Requirements Design: Facilitate workshops with finance partners to elicit and analyze their needs, translating them into clear functional specifications, user stories, and AI/ML process flows. Critically evaluate existing processes to design optimized, AI-driven future states. Technical Solution Design Collaboration: Conceptualize and architect innovative AI/ML technical solutions tailored to internal finance needs and infrastructure. Collaborate closely with data science, data engineering, and Business Technology teams to ensure alignment, effective implementation of designs, and provide ongoing functional/architectural guidance during execution. Validation Communication: Participate in testing and validation to ensure AI solutions meet partner expectations. Effectively present proposed solutions and their benefits to finance teams and leadership. Impact Measurement: Quantify the financial benefits of internal AI initiatives through rigorous data analysis and ongoing performance monitoring. Stay Ahead Of: Continuously learn about advancements in AI/ML relevant to finance applications. About You You are a highly driven and experienced functional leader with a strong passion for applying AI/ML to solve complex finance challenges and drive innovation. You excel at understanding intricate finance processes, envisioning AI-powered solutions, and effectively collaborating with technical teams to deliver tangible results. You possess excellent communication skills to articulate the value of AI and a focus on achieving measurable improvements in finance operations. You thrive in a dynamic, startup-like environment and are adept at influencing business outcomes through data-backed proposals. Primary Skill Sets: Functional Expertise: Domain knowledge in core finance areas and related business processes (ideally for a SaaS company); proven ability in business analysis, requirements gathering, and process optimization for technology solutions. Ability to conceptualize innovative solutions based on business needs and technical understanding. Technical Proficiency: Solid understanding of software architectures and data management; familiarity with AI architectures and data analysis tools; ability to understand technical implementation and solve issues; awareness of security principles. (Preferred: basic scripting skills (e.g., SQL, Python) or a fundamental understanding of software development methodologies). Soft Skills: Strong critical thinking and financial foresight for identifying and evaluating AI opportunities; exceptional communication, presentation, and collaboration skills; strong critical thinking, decision-making, and intuition for business. Other Qualifications: Masters degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, Information Technology, or a related field with a focus on AI, data science or solution development, or equivalent experience. 8+ years of experience in a functional/technology consulting or solution architect role within the finance domain, with significant exposure to and understanding of AI/ML applications. Experience working in startups, consulting firms, or small enterprises a strong plus. CPA, CFA or equivalent experience, or relevant AI/ML certifications a strong plus
