Job Description: EXL (NASDAQ: EXLS) is a global data and artificial intelligence ("AI") company that offers services and solutions to reinvent client business models, drive better outcomes and unlock growth with speed. EXL harnesses the power of data, AI, and deep industry knowledge to transform businesses, including the world’s leading corporations in industries including insurance, healthcare, banking and financial services, media and retail, among others. EXL was founded in 1999 with the core values of innovation, collaboration, excellence, integrity and respect.
We are headquartered in New York and have more than 60,000 employees spanning six continents. For more information, visit www.exlservice.com .
Role Title: Finance Transformation Lead
BU/Segment: EXL Digital and AI
Location: London, United Kingdom (Flexible hybrid working 3 days in the office each week)
Employment Type: Permanent
Summary of the role:
EXL is seeking an experienced Finance Transformation Lead to join our growing UK Consulting & Transformation practice. This is a senior, high-impact leadership role focused on shaping, leading and delivering complex, large-scale Finance Transformation programmes for clients across EXL’s global portfolio.
As a trusted advisor to CFOs, Finance Directors, Controllers and Transformation Leaders, you will help organisations reimagine the finance function by combining finance strategy, operating model transformation, process excellence, digital capabilities, data, automation and AI . You will lead the design and execution of next-generation finance operating models that improve efficiency, strengthen controls, enhance decision-making and deliver measurable business value.
Working at the intersection of Finance, Technology, Data, Operations and AI , you will take ownership of end-to-end transformation initiatives spanning finance process optimisation, target operating model design, ERP modernisation, finance data and reporting, shared services, regulatory reporting and intelligent automation.
You will work closely with EXL’s Finance Transformation, Digital Engineering, Data & Analytics and AI teams to bring together the full breadth of our capabilities, translating complex client challenges into practical, scalable and increasingly AI-enabled finance solutions.
Beyond programme delivery, you will play an important role in the continued growth of EXL’s Finance Transformation practice. This will include building senior client relationships, identifying and shaping new opportunities, developing proposals and solutions, mentoring consulting teams, and contributing to EXL’s thought leadership and market presence.
This role is suited to a hands-on transformation leader who combines deep finance expertise with strong consulting, client advisory and commercial capabilities, and who can move confidently from strategy and solution design through to execution and measurable outcomes.
As part of your duties, you will be responsible for:
Finance Transformation Strategy & Operating Model Design
- Define and lead Finance Transformation strategies for CFO organizations, aligning operating model, process, technology, data, controls, and AI capabilities with business objectives.
- Design future-state Finance Target Operating Models (TOMs) covering service delivery, organization structure, governance, controls, and technology enablement.
- Identify and quantify transformation opportunities across Finance functions, developing transformation roadmaps and business cases with clear value realization targets.
- Lead finance diagnostic assessments, maturity reviews, benchmarking exercises, and transformation strategy engagements.
Finance Process Transformation & Operational Excellence
- Lead end-to-end finance transformation initiatives across: Record-to-Report (R2R), Procure-to-Pay (P2P), Order-to-Cash (O2C), FP&A, Treasury, Tax, Regulatory & Statutory Reporting, Financial Controls & Compliance
- Drive standardization, simplification, harmonization, and optimization of finance processes globally.
- Deploy Lean, Six Sigma, process mining, and continuous improvement methodologies to improve efficiency, control effectiveness, and service quality.
- Identify control gaps, process inefficiencies, and operational risks and develop remediation strategies.
Digital Finance, ERP & AI Enablement
- Lead identification, design, and deployment of Digital Finance, Automation, Analytics, and AI-led transformation solutions.
- Shape business cases and implementation roadmaps for ERP modernization initiatives including SAP, Oracle, Workday, Dynamics, and finance cloud platforms etc..
- Partner with EXL Data, Digital Engineering, and AI teams to embed GenAI, Agentic AI, Intelligent Automation, and advanced analytics within finance processes.
- Define future-state data and reporting architectures that improve decision-making, control, and transparency.
- Drive adoption of AI-driven finance capabilities including Close Automation, Reconciliation, FP&A, Reporting, Controls Monitoring, and Management Insights.
CFO Advisory & Client Leadership
- Act as a trusted advisor to CFOs, Finance Directors, Controllers, and Finance Transformation sponsors.
- Facilitate executive workshops, value discovery sessions, and transformation strategy discussions.
- Translate complex finance challenges into actionable transformation programs and measurable business outcomes.
- Lead development of executive-level deliverables including transformation roadmaps, TOMs, business cases, operating model designs, and Steering Committee presentations.
Programme Governance & Change Management
- Lead large-scale Finance Transformation programmes across multiple workstreams, geographies, and stakeholder groups.
- Establish programme governance, PMO structures, RAID management, executive reporting, and benefits realization frameworks.
- Drive stakeholder engagement, change management, communication, training, and business readiness activities.
- Develop and monitor transformation KPIs, value realization metrics, and programme performance dashboards.
Business Development & Practice Growth
- Support client pursuits, proposals, RFP responses, solution design, and commercial discussions.
- Develop finance transformation offerings, methodologies, accelerators, and reusable assets.
- Contribute to thought leadership, market positioning, and growth of EXL's Finance Transformation consulting practice.
- Identify cross-sell and upsell opportunities across existing client relationships.
Team Leadership & Capability Building
- Lead and mentor consulting teams, programme managers, business analysts, and transformation specialists.
- Build Finance Transformation capability across Finance, Data, Digital, and AI domains.
- Attract, develop, and retain high-performing consulting and transformation talent.
- Foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, and delivery excellence.
Qualifications and experience we consider to be essential for the role:
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in Commerce /Economics /Business or related discipline.
- MBA in Finance or CA, ACCA, CPA, CIMA, CFA, or equivalent professional qualification preferred.
Experience
- 15-18+ years of experience in Finance Transformation, Finance Consulting, Finance Operations, Shared Services, or Business Transformation.
- Proven track record leading large-scale Finance Transformation programmes for global organisations.
- Deep experience across Finance Operating Model design, process transformation, governance, and finance technology enablement.
- Strong client-facing consulting experience with CFOs, Finance Directors, Controllers, and Executive Leadership teams.
- Experience across Insurance, Financial Services, Banking, or large global enterprises preferred.
- Demonstrated success in business development, client relationship management, and consulting-led delivery.
- Strong experience across several of the following areas: Finance Operating Model Transformation, Shared Services / Global Business Services, Post-Merger Integration and Finance Integration etc.
Skills and Personal attributes we would like to have:
- ERP Platforms: SAP S/4HANA, Oracle Cloud, Workday Finance, Microsoft Dynamics or equivalent.
- Analytics & Visualization: Power BI, Tableau, Alteryx, Anaplan.
- Automation: UiPath, Automation Anywhere, Power Platform.
- AI & GenAI: Practical experience applying AI, GenAI, Agentic AI, intelligent document processing, and analytics within Finance.
Leadership Competencies
Executive Presence & Stakeholder Management
Strategic Thinking & Problem Solving
Transformation Leadership
Commercial Acumen
Programme & Portfolio Leadership
Influencing & Negotiation
Change Leadership
Team Development & Coaching
Executive Communication & Storytelling
Ability to operate effectively in complex, global, matrixed environments
Preferred Certifications
Lean Six Sigma Black Belt (preferred)
PMP / PRINCE2 / Agile certifications
Any Finance Technology certifications is an added advantage
AI / GenAI related certifications
As part of a leading global Data and AI company, you can look forward to:
A competitive salary with a generous bonus, private healthcare, critical illness life assurance at 4 x your annual salary, income protection insurance, and a rewarding pension.
EXL provides everyday financial well-being solutions, such as cash back cards, in which you can earn cashback while enjoying discounts, promotions, and offers from top retailers. We also offer a Cycle Scheme where you can save money on bikes and cycling accessories.
At EXL , we are committed to providing our employees with the tools and resources they need to succeed and excel in their careers. We offer a wide range of professional and personal development opportunities. We also support a range of learning initiatives that allow our employees to build on their existing skills and knowledge. From online courses to seminars and workshops, our employees have the opportunity to enhance their skills and stay up to date with the latest trends and technologies.
As an Equal Opportunity Employer, EXL is committed to diversity. Our company does not discriminate based on race, religion, colour, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, age, or disability status.
EXL employees are eligible to purchase stock as part of our Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP).
At EXL , we offer a flexible hybrid working model that allows employees to live a balanced, healthy lifestyle while strengthening our culture of collaboration.
To be considered for this role, you must already be eligible to work in the United Kingdom.
