Innovation and Automation Expert

The FT has an uncompromising mission: delivering independent, quality information, news and services to individuals and companies around the globe. It’s the cornerstone of our reputation and the heart of our ambitions for the future. But for our people, the FT offers so much more than what we do. FT people come from all kinds of backgrounds and work across a huge range of disciplines and locations, and find empowering, warm and welcoming culture that values curiosity and rewards smart, ambitious thinking. Those who are willing to unite around our mission and live our values will find plenty to challenge, inspire and interest them. Like the audiences we serve, no two FT people are the same; but together we help our audience be better informed and understand the world around them. It’s a job that’s never mattered more, and a career that can take you anywhere you want to go. Our commitment to diversity and inclusion in the workplace: At the FT, we give all employees a voice so that diverse perspectives are heard and valued. We believe that a supportive workplace is one where employees feel they can be themselves at work. We'll continue to remove barriers for all, and in particular barriers facing employees from underrepresented groups. About the role: We are seeking a forward-thinking Innovation Lead to spearhead process transformation within our Finance organization. This role will focus on identifying and executing innovative solutions to improve efficiency, accuracy, and insights through automation, analytics, and digital tools. The ideal candidate brings a strong end-to-end finance background combined with technical expertise in automation (SQL or equivalent tools), data visualization, and project management. Main duties and responsibilities: Lead end-to-end innovation initiatives across Finance (P2P-AP, P2P Ops, R2R, Credit Management, OTC - Billing and OTC - Subscription), from opportunity identification to solution delivery. Design and implement automation solutions using SQL or other tools (e.g., Power Automate, Alteryx, Python, VBA, UiPath). Collaborate with stakeholders to understand pain points and translate them into automated, data-driven solutions. Manage and execute projects using agile or traditional project management frameworks—ensure timely delivery, stakeholder alignment, and measurable outcomes. Build interactive dashboards and visualizations (e.g., in Power BI, Tableau) to drive storytelling and decision-making across finance teams. Analyze financial and operational data to surface trends, risks, and opportunities for continuous improvement. Promote a culture of innovation and experimentation, serving as a change agent across the finance function. Partner with IT, data teams, and cross-functional stakeholders to ensure scalable, sustainable solutions. Monitor industry trends and emerging technologies relevant to finance transformation and automation. Experience/skills you need to be successful in this role: Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Data Science, Analytics, or a related field; advanced degree a plus. 5+ years of experience in Finance, ideally across multiple functions (e.g., P2P-AP, P2P Ops, R2R, Credit Management, OTC - Billing and OTC - Subscription). Proven experience in automation and process improvement, with strong skills in SQL and/or other automation platforms. Experience in data visualization and storytelling using tools like Power BI, Tableau, or similar. Strong project management skills; PMP, Lean Six Sigma, or Agile certification is a plus. Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills. Ability to work independently and influence across different levels of the organization. Passion for innovation, curiosity, and continuous learning. Preferred Skills: Experience in working with ERP systems (e.g., Oracle - Fusion). Knowledge of financial controls, compliance, and business partnering. Familiarity with AI, machine learning, or predictive analytics in a finance context. What’s in it for you? Our Benefits: Our benefits vary depending on location, but we are committed to providing best in class perks across all our offices as well as an inclusive environment to develop your career. Examples of our benefits include; generous annual leave allowances, flexible working (including working from home), health coverage (medical, dental & vision insurance), 401k and company match, enhanced family leave packages, and Giving Back opportunities. Full details of our benefits can be found here . Further Information: The FT is committed to providing an inclusive working environment for all. We are an equal opportunities employer who seeks to recruit and appoint the best talent regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, socio-economic background, religion and/or belief. We also promote flexible working and will consider specific requests around flexibility for all roles where it can be accommodated. Please let us know if you require any adjustments as part of the application process or to enable you to attend an interview. If you would like to discuss your requirements, or have any questions, please contact a member of our HR team who will be happy to help. Create a Job Alert Interested in building your career at Financial Times? Get future opportunities sent straight to your email. 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Do you have hands-on experience with process automation tools or programming languages (e.g., SQL, Python, Power Automate, VBA, Alteryx, UiPath)? * What data visualization tools have you used in a professional setting? * #J-18808-Ljbffr