Record to Report Strategy & Optimization Associate Director

Job Description Are you an experienced   and motivated   accounting or finance professional with a passion for driving process improvements and delivering impactful business outcomes? Vertex is   seeking   a results-oriente d   and collaborative Associate Director   with strong   expertise   in process optimization to join our Global Accounting organization. Reporting to the Senior Director, Record-to-Report (R2R) Strategy & Optimization, the   Associate   Director will   support   the   executi on of   the R2R strategy and roadmap   by   managing key projects,   assisting in process documentation   and   supporting the   successful delivery of   high-priority   improvement   initiatives   that   enhance efficiency, effectiveness, and compliance. This role is ideal for a   hands-on   professional   who thrives in a fast-paced environment and is eager to   deepen   their   process optimization   and   leadership   expertise   while   helping   transform   Vertex’s accounting and reporting processes.   Key Duties and Responsibilities:   Develop and execute the R2R strategy and roadmap in partnership with the Senior Director by translating priorities into plans,   process documentation, analysis,   deliverables , and stakeholder alignment to   drive   measurable improvements in close and reporting outcomes.   Identify   and prioritize R2R optimization opportunities (standardization, simplification, automation) by diagnosing pain points, root causes,   and   gaps   to improve efficiency, accuracy, and compliance.   Lead end-to-end documentation of current-state and future-state R2R processes   (including value stream mapping)   for optimization initiatives   and   NextGen ERP ,   defining   system/process touchpoints to   support   scalable   enterprise growth, accelerated close and reporting cycle ,   and   enhanc ed financial insights .   Drive implementation of approved improvements through process redesign, policy/control updates, and technology enablement to deliver sustainable change and reduce close and reporting cycle time.   Develop and maintain R2R playbooks, toolkits,   and training materials, and support enablement activities to drive consistent adoption of new processes, controls, and tools across stakeholder groups.   Lead assigned R2R initiatives   to   optimize   close and external reporting   by managing scope, timeline, risks, dependencies, and decisions to ensure   successful value   realization   and business adoption.     Collaborate   cross-functionally with Accounting, Finance, IT, Treasury, Tax, and Legal to gather requirements, align   decisions, and remove blockers   so   solutions meet enterprise needs and integrate across the finance ecosystem.   Define success metrics and reporting for R2R initiatives (e.g., cycle time, automation rate, rework, compliance/control performance)   and   translate them into   e xecutive   dashboards   tracking baseline,   status, risks,   key   decisions   and value realization .    Develop business cases and executive-ready materials   (including cost-benefit analyses and resourcing plan s )   to secure sponsorship,   alignment,   funding, and   timely   decisions for R2R transformation efforts .    Foster a culture of continuous improvement and innovation within the R2R   by   staying informed   on   leading practices, innovative solutions, and emerging technologies.   Knowledge and Skills:   Record-to-Report (R2R) and close   expertise , including   a strong   knowledge   of   core accounting concepts   and   processes,   external reporting considerations, enabling technologies and the end-to-end finance process landscape.   Proven   process   optimization   experience , including process documentation,   value stream mapping, standardization/simplification,   performance measurement, and continuous improvement   methods .   Strong analytical and   problem– solving skills   with attention to detail ,   including the ability to quantify opportunities/benefits,   identify   root causes, and translate findings into practical recommendations   and   actionable solutions.    High standards   of integrity, ownership,   and   accountability,   with a   p ositive,   collaborative working   style   and a   growth–oriented / continuous   improvement mindset .   Excellent communication ,   influence   and relationship-building skills, with the ability to engage   stakeholders   across functions and geographies .      Strong   p roject management   s k ills to lead multiple workstreams, manage scope, timeline, risks, and drive decision making   through   implementation and adoption .      Knowledge of   internal controls and   public company   compliance requirements   ( e.g.   SOX) .   Change management and enablement skills ,   including   developing   playbooks, training   materials,   and communications to drive consistent adoption.    Experience   partnering   with solution teams (e.g., PMO,   Technology,   continuous improvement) to driv e transformation   projects .   Education and Experience:   Bachelor's degree in Accounting , Finance, Business, or related field   required .   MBA, MSA, or equivalent advanced degree preferred.   Typically   requires 8 +   years of experience in finance or accounting within large, complex organizations.   Big 4 and life sciences industry experience preferred.   CPA or equivalent certification preferred.   Demonstrated success in leading process improvement initiatives in accounting or finance.   Other Requirements:   Stakeholder interactions will   largely be   in Boston,   MA   or virtual with international colleagues.   Optional travel opportunities may exist to meet other regional stakeholders and oversee implementations   impacting   other regions (e.g., London where certain R2R team members   reside ) or domestically   for   industry conferences.   #LI-AA1 #LI-Hybrid Pay Range: $134,400 - $201,600