Advisor, Product Data

General Overview

Functional Area:  FIN - Finance
Career Stream:  ARC - System Support/Process Architecture
Role:  Advisory
SAP Short Name:  ADV
Job Title:  Financial Systems Advisor
Job Code:  ADV-FIN-SYS
Job Level:  Band 09
Direct/Indirect Indicator:  Indirect

Summary

Primary purpose of the position is to provide system maintenance and system support on exiting financial applications. Support deployment of new systems. First full level of specialization; applies expertise in more than one area of specialization. Work is performed within established professional standards, established policy, and/or established objectives. Works on problems of diverse scope where analysis of data requires evaluation of identifiable factors. Incumbents are accountable for quality of work delivered by external suppliers as applicable. May influence others outside of team to ensure goals are met and resolves conflicts in an effective manner. Sound decisions are required to achieve the sites / major function's operations, schedules, and/or performance goals. Receives guidance primarily on unique, unusual, or controversial problems or questions. Will lead a work group or project team consisting of one or more support staff and/or tech/professional staff with some coaching from own supervisor, or will provide advice and guidance in area of specialty as required. Seeks out new avenues for building internal and external relationships as appropriate; maintains contacts with existing relationships. Implements process improvements. Can negotiate and persuade. Conducts negotiations and manages a desired outcome. Chairs meetings with adequate presentation material. Mentors, motivates and influences others to work toward and achieve team objectives. . May be responsible for planning and prioritizing work for other people. Makes a decision based on analysis. Anticipates and initiates changes and make recommendations. Is Able to handle difficult situations in a tactful and diplomatic manner. Can effectively resolve conflict.

Detailed Description

Performs tasks such as, but not limited to, the following:

• Provides guidance on system improvements were necessary.
• Facilitates rollout of enhancements to other regions if beneficial.
• Financial support for system conversion.
• Lead finance team through the process of converting existing systems to new systems.
• Providing team with support to plan, train, test and convert as quickly as possible.
• Work with other function leads to ensure the functional plans are in alignment.
• Involvement in benchmarking exercises with other sites, external companies and consultants.
• Support sites as needed to deal with accounting issues and questions.
• Provides additional training where required.
• Provide query writing support if requirements are complex.
• Make recommendations on financial systems strategy.

Knowledge/Skills/Competencies

• Working knowledge of Celestica’s finances organization including strategic policies and objectives.
• Strong knowledge of basic computer applications and the ability to learn and use multiple applications specific to this department including ERP and office systems.
• Strong communication, negotiation and presentation skills.
• Ability to evaluate, prioritize and problem solve a variety of tasks to ensure their timely and accurate completion.
• Ability to recommend accounting process changes based on intimate knowledge of accounting processes, policies and procedures.
• Ability to direct others on accounting practices.
• Ability to recommend creative accounting solutions that is in accordance with U.S. GAAP or GAAP of the relevant country.
• Ability to manage large-scale budgeting/forecasting process.
• Ability to analyze and summarize key highlights and makes recommendations to management for plan/forecast savings.
• Perform financial sensitivity analysis against all key factors (pricing, operating and costing) and provide management with recommendations/solutions.
• Makes recommendations based on interpretation of results.
• Understands MRP configurations/processes.
• Creates basic spreadsheet macros.
• Ability to design custom queries in job-related software.
• Understanding of the relationships between the various tools.
• Understands how to use the political structure in the organization and how to get things done using that structure.
• Obtain and maintain business knowledge of all functions and critical processes.
• Strong knowledge of ERP system
• Extensive knowledge on controls and audibility practices/requirements.

Physical Demands

• Duties of this position are performed in a normal office environment
• Duties may require extended periods of sitting and sustained visual concentration on a computer monitor or on numbers and other detailed data
• Repetitive manual movements are frequently required (e.g. data entry, using a computer mouse, using a calculator, etc)
• Occasional overnight travel may be required

Typical Experience

• Six to eight years of relevant experience

Typical Education

• Bachelor degree in related field (Accounting or IT), or consideration of an equivalent combination of education and experience
• Strongly recommend combination of accounting and IT education
• Education experience may vary by geography.

Notes

This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities of the position. Employees are held accountable for all financial related duties of the job. Job duties and the % of time identified for any function are subject to change at any time.