Guardian Life Insurance

Finance Transformation Lead

Guardian Life Insurance$132K — $217K *
Finance & Insurance
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Business, or related field.
  • 8+ years in Finance, consulting, or program management.
  • 5+ years of leading Finance transformation initiatives.
  • Experience with AI, automation, and digital transformation in Finance.
  • Strong understanding of Finance processes like FP&A and reporting.
  • Proven ability to develop executive-level presentations and transformation roadmaps.
  • Excellent analytical and communication skills.

Responsibilities

  • Develop and execute Finance transformation strategies aligned with business goals.
  • Lead transformation initiatives across Finance processes and operating models.
  • Manage implementation plans and value realization objectives.
  • Identify opportunities to improve Finance efficiency and governance.
  • Drive innovation and continuous improvement in Finance functions.
  • Lead the AI strategy and roadmap for Finance.
  • Collaborate across teams to ensure responsible AI adoption.

Benefits

  • Hybrid work model with 3 days in-office and 2 days remote.
  • Opportunity to lead influential transformation initiatives.
  • Engagement with cutting-edge AI technologies and practices.
  • Collaborative environment with cross-functional teams.
  • Potential for career advancement within Finance and technology fields.
Full Job Description

This role is responsible for driving strategic transformation initiatives across the Finance organization to improve performance, optimize processes, advance AI-enabled capabilities, and strengthen data-driven decision-making. Reporting to the Head of Finance & Risk Transformation, Strategy and Operations, s/he will partner closely with Finance, Technology, Risk, Operations, Data, and business leaders to design and implement future-state operating models, modernize planning and reporting processes, and deliver sustainable business value.

AI enablement is a core accountability

This leader will advance the organization's AI-enabled Finance strategy by embedding Generative AI, intelligent automation, predictive analytics, and agentic AI capabilities into Finance processes, operating models, and ways of working, while ensuring responsible adoption, governance, risk management, and measurable value realization.

You will

Key Responsibilities

Transformation Strategy & Execution

  • Develop and execute Finance transformation strategies aligned with business and enterprise objectives.

  • Lead large-scale transformation initiatives spanning Finance processes, operating models, systems, data, controls, and organizational capabilities.

  • Manage transformation roadmaps, implementation plans, milestones, dependencies, and value realization objectives.

  • Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, effectiveness, decision support, governance, and stakeholder experience.

  • Drive continuous improvement and innovation across Finance functions.

AI Enablement & Digital Innovation

  • Lead the Finance AI strategy and roadmap, identifying opportunities to leverage Generative AI, predictive analytics, intelligent automation, and agentic AI solutions to improve productivity, decision-making, and business outcomes.

  • Partner with Finance leaders to identify, prioritize, and scale high-value AI use cases across FP&A, forecasting, management reporting, expense management, financial close, workforce planning, and decision support.

  • Drive adoption of enterprise AI capabilities, including Microsoft Copilot, Claude, AI agents, and emerging technologies, ensuring alignment with business priorities and governance expectations.

  • Establish frameworks for AI use case intake, evaluation, prioritization, value realization, adoption measurement, and ongoing performance monitoring.

  • Collaborate with Technology, Data, Risk, Legal, Compliance, and Information Security teams to ensure responsible AI adoption and adherence to enterprise governance standards.

  • Lead AI-related change management efforts, including communications, training, stakeholder engagement, and capability-building programs to increase AI literacy across Finance.

  • Measure and track AI adoption, productivity gains, capacity creation, cost savings, decision quality improvements, and other business outcomes.

  • Monitor emerging AI trends, technologies, and industry best practices, translating innovation into actionable opportunities for Finance.

Operating Model & Process Transformation

  • Design and implement future-state Finance operating models, governance structures, and service delivery frameworks.

  • Lead process optimization across FP&A, forecasting and budgeting, management reporting, financial close and consolidation, business performance management, expense management, and capital planning.

  • Promote standardization, automation, simplification, and scalable ways of working across Finance processes.

  • Assess organizational readiness, capability gaps, role impacts, and process changes required to sustain transformation outcomes.

Technology, Data & Analytics Enablement

  • Partner with Technology and Data teams to lead implementation of Finance platforms, reporting solutions, analytics capabilities, and digital tools.

  • Support transformation initiatives involving ERP modernization, Oracle Planning/EPM, enterprise performance management, reporting platforms, AI-enabled workflows, and automation solutions.

  • Translate business requirements into technology-enabled solutions, user stories, process designs, and implementation roadmaps.

  • Strengthen Finance data quality, consistency, transparency, and accessibility to support analytics, forecasting, and AI-enabled insights.

Stakeholder Management, Governance & Change Leadership

  • Serve as a trusted advisor to Finance executives, senior stakeholders, and cross-functional partners.

  • Facilitate executive workshops, strategic planning sessions, use case prioritization discussions, and operating model design conversations.

  • Establish governance structures, reporting mechanisms, risk management routines, and escalation channels for transformation initiatives.

  • Manage vendor, consulting partner, and cross-functional delivery relationships as required.

  • Lead change management, communications, training, and stakeholder engagement activities that support adoption and sustained behavior change.

You have

Required Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Business, Economics, Engineering, Information Systems, Data Analytics, or a related field.

  • 8+ years of Finance, consulting, transformation, strategy, technology enablement, or program management experience.

  • 5+ years leading large-scale Finance transformation initiatives or enterprise change programs.

  • Experience leading AI, Generative AI, automation, digital transformation, or advanced analytics initiatives within Finance or related business functions.

  • Demonstrated ability to identify, prioritize, and implement AI use cases that deliver measurable business value.

  • Strong understanding of Finance operating models, planning, forecasting, reporting, expense management, and performance management processes.

  • Experience developing transformation roadmaps, business cases, benefits realization plans, and executive-level presentations.

  • Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and influence senior stakeholders across business, technology, data, risk, and operations.

  • Strong analytical, facilitation, problem-solving, communication, and executive storytelling skills.

Preferred Qualifications

  • MBA, CPA, CFA, PMP, Lean Six Sigma, Agile, SAFe, or other relevant advanced degree or certification.

  • Experience within Financial Services, Insurance, Banking, Risk Management, or other highly regulated industries.

  • Experience implementing Oracle Planning, Oracle EPM Cloud, Hyperion, SAP, Workday, Anaplan, or similar Finance platforms.

  • Experience with Microsoft Copilot, Copilot Studio, Azure AI, Anthropic Claude, OpenAI, agent-based AI solutions, workflow automation, or similar platforms.

  • Knowledge of Responsible AI, AI governance, model risk management, data governance, privacy, information security, and adoption frameworks.

  • Consulting experience with a leading management consulting firm or enterprise transformation practice.

Key Competencies

Strategic Leadership

Enterprise mindset, strategic planning, business acumen, vision-setting, prioritization, and decision-making.

Transformation Delivery

Program leadership, portfolio management, roadmap execution, risk management, change leadership, and benefits realization.

AI & Digital Enablement

Generative AI adoption, AI use case identification, intelligent automation, analytics, responsible AI practices, and innovation management.

Finance Expertise

FP&A, forecasting, reporting, performance management, expense management, operating model design, and process optimization.

Relationship Management

Executive presence, stakeholder influence, facilitation, cross-functional partnership, and communication.

Location

  • Hybrid: 3 days a week in office - NYC, Hudson Yards; or Stamford CT. 2 days WFH

Salary Range:

$132,420.00 - $217,545.00

The salary range reflected above is a good faith estimate of base pay for the primary location of the position. The salary for this position ultimately will be determined based on the education, experience, knowledge, and abilities of the successful candidate. In addition to salary, this role may also be eligible for annual, sales, or other incentive compensation.

About Guardian Life Insurance

Guardian Life Insurance Careers

Join the Guardian Life Insurance team today and be part of a company that values growth, leadership, and innovation. As a leading provider in the insurance industry, Guardian Life Insurance offers a wealth of job opportunities that empower you to shape your future and strengthen your professional skills. Work You’ll Do At Guardian Life Insurance, you’ll collaborate with a diverse team of experts dedicated to providing exceptional service and innovative solutions to our clients. Our culture thrives on inclusivity and the shared ambition of our team members to drive positive change in the insurance sector. Explore a variety of career paths in areas ranging from customer service to financial advisement, each offering the potential to engage with transformative projects that impact lives. Our commitment to professional growth is evident in our robust training programs, including leadership development and diversity training, designed to enhance your skills and advance your career. Innovative Work Guardian Life Insurance is at the forefront of integrating cutting-edge technology and personalized service. Join us and contribute to initiatives that redefine industry standards and lead to more predictive and personalized customer experiences. Be Part of a Great Team Our team at Guardian Life Insurance is our strongest asset. We foster an environment where creativity and effectiveness are encouraged, making it a perfect place for those who seek to innovate and excel in their careers. With a focus on nurturing talent, we offer comprehensive benefits, competitive salaries, and a supportive atmosphere that advocates work-life balance. Future-Proof Your Career With Guardian Life Insurance, your career is future-proof. Dive into a range of employment opportunities that not only align with your current skills but also challenge you to grow and expand your capabilities. Whether you’re looking for a full-time position, an internship, or even leadership roles, Guardian Life Insurance is committed to helping you find the right path. Stay Connected Join Our Team Discover the job opportunities waiting for you at Guardian Life Insurance. We are continuously hiring and looking for individuals who are passionate, driven, and ready to contribute to our mission. Search open positions that match your skills and interests, and take the first step towards a rewarding career with us. Keep Up to Date Stay informed with the latest career tips, industry insights, and company news—all from the professionals who make Guardian Life Insurance a leader in the insurance industry. Our careers blog provides valuable information to help you prepare for your next interview, polish your resume, and enhance your networking abilities. Job Alert Emails Customize your experience by subscribing to job alerts and insider tips tailored to your preferences. Discover exciting and rewarding opportunities that await at Guardian Life Insurance, and see how you can contribute to our legacy of excellence and innovation. Join Guardian Life Insurance today and be part of a company that’s dedicated to your career growth and professional development.
Learn more about Guardian Life Insurance
Size
9,000 employees
Industry
Founded
1860

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