Director IT - Financial Transformation

Thermo Fisher Scientific Allentown, Pennsylvania, USA Updated 29 September 2026
Pharma

Job description

Work Schedule Standard (Mon-Fri) Environmental Conditions Office Job Description As part of the Thermo Fisher Scientific team, you’ll discover meaningful work that makes a positive impact on a global scale. Join our colleagues in bringing our Mission to life every single day to enable our customers to make the world healthier, cleaner and safer. We provide our global teams with the resources needed to achieve individual career goals while helping to take science a step beyond by developing solutions for some of the world’s toughest challenges, like protecting the environment, making sure our food is safe or helping find cures for cancer. DESCRIPTION: The IT Director – Global Finance Systems is responsible for defining and executing the technology strategy supporting the organization's global Finance function within the Clinical Trials Division. This role partners closely with Finance leadership to deliver scalable, standardized, and compliant business processes through enterprise technologies, with primary ownership of the Oracle Cloud Financials platform and related financial systems. The Director leads the team responsible for finance system strategy, finance applications, and business process transformation. Success in this role requires balancing business partnership, technology leadership, governance, and operational excellence while driving simplification, standardization, and automation across global finance operations. DESCRIPTION Key Responsibilities Finance Technology Strategy Develop and execute the multi-year technology roadmap supporting the Finance organization within CTD. Align IT investments with Finance strategic priorities including digital transformation, compliance, operational efficiency, and scalability. Serve as the trusted technology advisor to VP Finance, Finance process owners, and regional finance leaders across clinical trial sites. Lead evaluation and implementation of emerging technologies including AI, automation, analytics, and cloud-based finance solutions that support clinical research financial operations. ERP Leadership Own the system and platforms supporting Finance operations (SAP S/4HANA, Oracle Cloud ERP,etc.). Drive ERP modernization, optimization, and continuous improvement initiatives aligned with clinical research business needs. Lead Finance system upgrades, releases, migrations, and transformation programs. Establish governance for ERP configuration and enhancements specific to CTD requirements. Global Process Standardization Lead enterprise-wide efforts to standardize finance business processes across regions and business units within the clinical trials division. Partner with Global Process Owners to define global process templates and eliminate unnecessary customization while supporting clinical trial-specific financial requirements. Promote adoption of best practices and common operating models across clinical research sites globally. Drive simplification through process harmonization while balancing regulatory and regional requirements critical to clinical research operations. Champion process documentation, governance, and continuous improvement methodologies. Key process areas include: Record-to-Report Procure-to-Pay Order-to-Cash Fixed Assets Financial Close Treasury Tax Consolidation Planning & Forecasting Master Data Management Business Partnership Build strong relationships with Finance executives and business stakeholders across the Clinical Trials Division. Translate business strategy into technology capabilities that support clinical trial financial management. Lead steering committees and governance forums. Transformation & Program Leadership Lead global finance transformation initiatives from strategy through implementation within CTD. Oversee cross-functional programs involving Finance, IT, Clinical Operations, Quality, Regulatory, and external partners. Manage project portfolios, budgets, risks, and executive communications. Drive organizational change management and user adoption across global teams. Application Portfolio Management Responsible for the global Finance application ecosystem including: ERP Consolidation Financial Planning & Analysis Accounts Payable Automation Treasury Management Tax Systems Revenue Recognition Expense Management Financial Reporting Data Integration Analytics & Business Intelligence Governance & Compliance Ensure systems support SOX, internal controls, audit, and regulatory requirements. Establish application governance standards aligned with clinical trial industry requirements. Ensure appropriate segregation of duties within financial systems supporting clinical trial operations. Leadership Develop talent and succession plans. Foster a culture of accountability, innovation, and continuous improvement. Manage strategic vendor relationships and outsourced service providers supporting clinical trial finance operations. REQUIREMENTS Required Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Business, Finance, or related field. 12&#43; years of progressive IT leadership experience. 7&#43; years supporting enterprise Finance organizations. 5&#43; years leading global ERP implementations or support organizations. Experience leading and working with geographically distributed teams. Understanding of clinical trial or life sciences industry financial operations. Preferred Experience Oracle Cloud ERP, SAP, or other enterprise systems. Finance transformation initiatives within clinical trials or life sciences environments. Shared Services organizations supporting global operations. Global process ownership models. System or cloud migrations. Mergers & acquisitions integration in the life sciences sector. Pharmaceutical, biotechnology, or life sciences industry experience. Familiarity with clinical trial financial management and passthrough cost models. Technical Expertise Strong knowledge of: ERP Finance modules General Ledger Accounts Payable Accounts Receivable Fixed Assets Cost Accounting Treasury Tax Consolidation Financial Planning & Analysis Master Data Management Integration platforms Financial systems supporting clinical trial operations Leadership Competencies Strategic thinking Executive communication Business acumen Financial management Organizational leadership Influence without authority Change leadership Talent development Customer focus Results orientation Cross-functional collaboration Global mindset Understanding of clinical research business models Success Measures Success in this role will be measured by: Increased global finance process standardization across CRG operations.</l

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