Primary Architect of Financial Systems

Job Posting Organization:
The Wikimedia Foundation is a nonprofit organization that operates Wikipedia and other Wikimedia free knowledge projects. Established to promote free access to knowledge, the Foundation believes in the potential of every individual to contribute to shared knowledge. It operates globally, receiving donations from millions of individuals and institutional grants, and is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization based in the United States, with offices in San Francisco, California. The Foundation values diversity and inclusivity in its workforce, encouraging applicants from various backgrounds to apply.

Job Overview:
The role of the Primary Architect of Financial Systems is pivotal in bridging technical design with global business strategy to create a cutting-edge digital ecosystem. This position is tasked with leading the evolution of the finance tech stack, ensuring that data and infrastructure support the Wikimedia Foundation's mission of enabling free knowledge sharing. The architect will shape and champion the finance systems strategy, develop a strategic roadmap for finance system transformation, and drive digital transformation initiatives. This includes collaborating with various teams to enhance workflows, improve automation, and ensure compliance with financial operations. The architect will also manage risks related to ERP architecture and data integrity, influence senior leadership, and define success metrics for financial systems.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Primary Architect of Financial Systems will be responsible for several key duties: shaping and evolving the core finance systems strategy to enhance operational workflows; developing a strategic 3-year transformation roadmap; driving end-to-end digital transformation in collaboration with various teams; leading cross-functional initiatives as both a strategist and project leader; serving as the finance systems product owner; managing risks associated with ERP architecture; ensuring compliance with internal controls; influencing organizational shifts; defining success metrics; managing budgets for ERP systems; acting as the lead for finance automation and AI; and effectively leading a small ERP systems team to meet goals and drive improvements.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong leadership background with over 10 years of progressive experience in finance transformation, ERP implementation, and systems improvement. A solid understanding of accounting and finance concepts, including US GAAP principles, is essential. The ability to work effectively in a collaborative environment, lead workshops, and communicate technical decisions to diverse audiences is crucial. Experience in delivering transformation initiatives in both waterfall and agile environments, managing cross-functional teams, and defining roadmaps is required. Candidates should also have experience with multi-tenant cloud enterprise architectures and data pipeline design.

Educational Background:
A relevant educational background is essential for this role, typically including a degree in finance, accounting, information technology, or a related field. Advanced degrees or certifications in finance or technology may be advantageous, as they demonstrate a deeper understanding of the complexities involved in financial systems and technology integration.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 10 years of experience in finance transformation and ERP systems, with a proven track record of managing complex, multi-system changes. Candidates should have experience in leading cross-functional teams and delivering major transformation initiatives, showcasing their ability to navigate and influence organizational dynamics effectively.

Languages:
While the primary language for communication is English, proficiency in additional languages may be beneficial, especially given the global nature of the Wikimedia Foundation's operations. Candidates should be able to communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders across various regions.

Additional Notes:
This position is remote-first, allowing for flexibility in work location. The Wikimedia Foundation is committed to equitable compensation, with salaries adjusted based on location and experience. The anticipated annual pay range for applicants within the United States is between US$136,760 and US$210,76

• The Foundation is open to hiring in multiple countries, with specific hiring requirements based on local regulations. The organization values diversity and encourages applicants from all backgrounds to apply, ensuring an inclusive hiring process.