SAP Central Finance – Data Lead

Wolters Kluwer is a global leader in professional information services, providing software and content solutions for legal, business, tax, accounting, finance, audit, risk, compliance, and healthcare professionals. Serving clients in over 180 countries with operations in 40+, the company helps professionals make confident decisions and drive results. Headquartered in Alphen aan den Rijn, the Netherlands, it employs around 21,000 people worldwide.

The Global Finance Shared Services (FSS) is a finance function designed to bring together finance and accounting professionals to streamline and enhance processes and tools. Within FSS, the Finance Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Pune, India, provides centralized financial and analytical support across all Wolters Kluwer divisions. The team, comprising finance professionals and data scientists, focuses on finance reporting harmonization, technology enablement, and reporting and analytics enhancements.

The SAP Central Finance Data Lead will be responsible for driving and coordinating all data-related aspects of the SAP Central Finance (CFIN) program. The role requires a strong combination of strategic leadership and hands-on execution, ensuring that financial data, master data governance, and data migration are delivered to the highest quality.

This position will define and embed a sustainable Finance Master Data Governance (MDG) process and support the transition of data management capabilities from the program phase into a standing FSS organization for ongoing operations.

JOB QUALIFICATIONS

Education : Master’s degree in finance or data science/analytics.

Experience : At least 7,5 - 10 years of experience in the field of Data Management.

Technical Skills :

• Strong knowledge of SAP Central Finance and/or S/4HANA with a focus on financial data objects (GL, CO, AP, AR, FA, master data).
• Deep understanding of finance processes and accounting principles (record-to-report, procure-to-pay, order-to-cash).
• Proven experience in finance master data governance, ideally with Informatica or similar MDG tools.
• Demonstrated track record in data migration, governance, and management within large-scale ERP transformations.
• Experience collaborating with external implementation partners.
• Strong stakeholder management, with the ability to bridge between Finance, IT, and Operations.

Soft Skills :

• Strategic thinker with the ability to design sustainable processes and governance frameworks.
• Hands-on executor with a detail-oriented and structured working style.
• Strong problem solver, able to balance program demands with long-term sustainability.
• Effective communicator across all levels of the organization.
• Collaborative leader who can influence without direct authority.
• Strong analytical skills; capable of multi-tasking in fast-paced, dynamic environment
• Strong written and verbal communication, including report writing and data storytelling

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

Data Strategy & Governance

• Define and implement the Finance Master Data Governance process across entities and functions.
• Collaborate with Global Business Services (GBS) on the design, rollout, and adoption of the MDG tool and processes (e.g., Informatica).
• Ensure compliance with corporate data standards and policies while tailoring governance for finance-specific needs.
• Propose and establish the standing organization model for data management post-program (ownership, processes, roles, and tools).

Program & Execution

• Act as the central coordinator for all data-related activities in the SAP Central Finance program.
• Work closely with the implementation partner to align on methodology, deliverables, and issue resolution.
• Manage end-to-end data migration processes including extraction, transformation, loading, reconciliation, and validation.
• Support test cycles (integration, UAT) and cutover rehearsals by ensuring timely provision and readiness of financial and master data.
• Monitor and drive resolution of data-related issues and risks.

Finance & Data Integration:

• Translate finance and accounting requirements into data structures and governance rules.
• Ensure data processes enable accurate, timely, and compliant financial reporting and analysis.
• Partner with Finance stakeholders to embed controls, workflows, and accountability into the master data lifecycle.

Stakeholder Management & Communication:

• Collaborate with GBS, Finance, and external partners to align on data requirements, priorities, and governance.
• Provide regular status reports, metrics, and dashboards to program leadership and finance executives.
• Facilitate workshops and training to embed data governance in finance operations.

CAREER PATH

This role will evolve from a program-focused role into a permanent standing organization role, responsible for the ongoing governance, stewardship, and continuous improvement of financial master data and data processes in SAP Central Finance.

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS

Minimal travel might be required.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Our Interview Practices

To maintain a fair and genuine hiring process, we kindly ask that all candidates participate in interviews without the assistance of AI tools or external prompts. Our interview process is designed to assess your individual skills, experiences, and communication style. We value authenticity and want to ensure we’re getting to know you—not a digital assistant. To help maintain this integrity, we ask to remove virtual backgrounds and include in-person interviews in our hiring process. Please note that use of AI-generated responses or third-party support during interviews will be grounds for disqualification from the recruitment process.

Applicants may be required to appear onsite at a Wolters Kluwer office as part of the recruitment process.