SAP Head of Finance COE - UK&I

About NTT DATA Business Solutions:

NTT DATA Business Solutions Group is part of the NTT DATA Corporate Group a top 10 global IT services provider, headquartered in Tokyo, operating in more than 50 countries. We combine a global reach with local intimacy to provide premier professional SAP services from deep industry expertise consulting to applied innovations in digital, cloud, automation, and system development to business IT outsourcing.

As a global SAP Platinum Partner, NTT DATA Business Solutions Group leverages its global expertise to deliver quality outcomes whether you are a multi-national or operate in a single country. With over 15,000 SAP experts across 31 countries, we have the capability and reach to help you solve real problems and seize the next opportunity for growth around your SAP strategy and operations.

Our global award-winning SAP practice, differentiated by innovation is the undisputed leader in SAP S/4HANA. With about 500 SAP HANA clients and more than 300 SAP S/4HANA clients.

Our clients trust our deep experience and proven approaches - all around the world.

Job Summary

The Head of Finance COE is a strategic leader tasked with building and advancing delivery capability in the S/4 Finance Practice. This role focuses on solution excellence, adopting emerging finance technologies (Public and Private Cloud), and integrating tools like SAP embedded AI and SAP Joule. The successful candidate will lead a high-performing team, manage client relationships, and ensure our SAP Finance solutions are innovative, scalable, and aligned with business strategy.

Duties/Responsibilities:

Driving Solution Excellence:

• Lead the UK&I Finance consulting team as mentor and subject matter expert
• Drive design and continuous improvement of SAP Finance solutions
• Build capability in areas like AI-driven finance analytics and cloud transformation
• Implement training programs to keep skills current with market trends
• Adopt agile and digital-first delivery methods for faster outcomes
• Shift COE towards a strategic advisory role that anticipates future market needs
• Champion innovation while maintaining risk and compliance standards
• Stay updated on SAP developments and apply them in delivery strategy
• Support knowledge sharing and consultant development
• Maintain billable utilisation via hands-on project delivery as needed
• Contribute to pre-sales and solution scoping
• Align delivery with business goals and collaborate across teams

Enabling Wide Adoption & Use of AI:

• Promote adoption of SAP embedded AI and Joule
• Develop training to ensure effective use across teams and clients

Supporting the Delivery Management Team:

• Collaborate closely with the Delivery Management team to ensure that finance projects are planned, executed, and delivered with precision.
• Provide specialised expertise on SAP Finance transformation and cloud-based finance solutions.

Customer Relationship:

• Partner with Delivery Management for precision execution
• Provide deep expertise on SAP Finance and cloud transformation
• Act as primary finance liaison for clients, aligning solutions with goals

Functional Oversight:

• Ensure solutions meet business requirements and best practices
• Monitor solution performance and drive ongoing enhancements

Strategic Contribution:

• Create long-term capability roadmaps
• Contribute to thought leadership and pre-sales efforts

Key Accountabilities:

• Ensure high-quality, timely SAP Finance delivery
• Develop and maintain a professional, collaborative consulting team
• Handle escalations quickly and effectively
• Deliver value and measurable outcomes to clients
• Achieve operational targets including revenue, utilisation, and margin
• Enforce compliance and manage project risks

Education

• Bachelor’s or Master’s in Business, IT, Computer Science, or related

Technical & Functional Expertise:

• Significant experience delivering SAP Finance projects (Private & Public Cloud)
• Deep knowledge of digital transformation in finance

Leadership & Management:

• Experience setting up and leading COEs or similar capability teams
• Skilled in mentoring and developing SAP professionals

Innovative Approach:

• Familiar with SAP AI, Joule, and agile/digital delivery methods
• Effective in fast-paced, high-stakes finance programs

Client & Stakeholder Engagement:

• Strong communicator with C-level stakeholder experience
• Able to simplify complex finance solutions into strategic value

Certifications:

• Relevant SAP certifications (e.g., SAP Finance & Controlling)

Consulting & Soft Skills:

• Strong facilitation, decision-making, and communication skills
• Leadership capability for coaching and resolving complex issues

Personal Attributes:

• Self-driven, analytical, and detail-oriented
• Collaborative with strong multitasking and organisational skills
• Commercially aware and client-focused
• Resilient, decisive, and emotionally intelligent
• Innovative mindset with a focus on results and transformation
• Strong influencing, change management, and global collaboration skills
• High integrity and understanding of regulatory environments

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• Line management responsibility for SAP Finance consultants in the UK&I.
• Responsible for performance reviews, goal setting, and development.
• Act as a mentor and escalation point for complex delivery and client challenges.

Technical:

• Deep functional knowledge across core SAP Finance modules, including:
• Financial Accounting (FI): General Ledger, AP/AR, Asset Accounting, Bank Accounting
• Management Accounting (CO): Cost Centers, Profitability Analysis, Product Costing
• Project Systems (PS): Project Accounting and Reporting
• S/4HANA Public Cloud experience
• Understanding of integration points with other modules (MM, SD, etc.)

Non-Technical:

• Demonstrated experience leading or managing a team of consultants.
• Strong people leadership and coaching skills.
• Passion for process improvement and creating scalable, high-quality delivery models.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Strong commercial awareness and understanding of utilisation/revenue models.
• Results-driven and delivery-focused.
• Comfortable engaging with stakeholders at all levels.
• Highly organised with the ability to manage multiple workstream.

Required Skills/Abilities:

• 10+ years of experience in SAP Finance consulting.
• 4+ years of experience in a leadership or management role.
• Professional accounting qualification desirable (e.g. ACCA, CIMA, ACA)
• Experience in S/4HANA Public Cloud delivery and Activate methodology.
• Exposure to SAP Treasury, Group Reporting, or Planning tools (BPC/BW) is a plus.
• Experience working in a consulting or professional services environment.

Benefits:

Join our award-winning team at NTT DATA Business Solutions Group and be part of a thriving, innovative culture. With recognition such as the 2024 SAP® Pinnacle Awards and the Top Employer Award 2024, we offer you the chance to make a significant impact while growing your career. Here, you’ll work alongside industry experts on cutting-edge projects, contributing to transformative solutions for our clients. Interested in shaping the future with us? We’d love to hear from you.

We offer a range of benefits designed to support your well-being, career growth, and work-life balance:

• Home-Based Contract: Enjoy the flexibility of a working from home contract subject to operational and project requirements, allowing you to manage your work environment effectively.
• Generous Holiday Allowance: Benefit from 28 days of paid holiday annually (pro-rated for part time employees), providing ample time for relaxation and rejuvenation.
• "Free Fridays" Initiative: Experience the unique perk of "Free Fridays," granting you an additional 12 days off each year. With one Free Friday granted per month, you'll have more time to pursue personal interests, spend quality time with loved ones, or simply recharge. (pro-rated for part time employees)
• Financial Security: Rest assured with our Group Life Assurance offering, providing coverage of 4 times your base salary, ensuring financial protection for you and your loved ones.
• Pension Scheme: Secure your future with our employer pension contribution at a competitive rate of 5%. You have the flexibility to contribute a minimum of 4%, with the option to increase your contribution for added retirement benefits.
• Income Protection: Gain peace of mind with our Group Income Protection plan, safeguarding your income in the event of unexpected circumstances.
• Health and Well-being: Prioritise your health with our comprehensive Private Medical Insurance plan. This coverage extends to you, with favorable rates available for family members at the L3 level and above. Additional benefits provided include: 24/7 helpline, 1-2-1 Lifestyle coaching, financial and legal support etc.
• Technology and Tools: Receive essential tools for success, including a laptop and mobile phone for both business and personal use, ensuring seamless connectivity and productivity.
• Wellness Initiatives: Take advantage of our cycle to work scheme, promoting active commuting and supporting your well-being with sustainable transportation options.
• Environmental Responsibility: Embrace sustainability with the option to join our Electric Car Leasing scheme, contributing to a greener future while enjoying the benefits of eco-friendly transportation.