Enterprise Finance Design – Director

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Enterprise Finance Design – Director

Company: Genentech

Location: South San Francisco, California, United States

Job Type: Full time

Category: Revenue Operations / Finance Operations / GTM Operations

Date Posted: 2026-05-13

Experience Level: 10+ years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Architect and govern the future-state finance operating model, ensuring scalability, standardization, and technology-enabled process maturity across FP&A, data governance, automation, and enterprise systems integration.

• Lead enterprise-wide modernization from legacy, siloed processes to digitally integrated, automation-ready, and analytics-enabled operating models.

• Drive end-to-end process transformation for planning, reporting, and data to enhance efficiency and consistency within the finance function.

• Establish and maintain clear process standards, controls, and governance frameworks to ensure finance operations quality and scalability.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a critical strategic leadership function within Genentech's finance organization. It's not a typical operational execution role but rather a design and governance leadership position that shapes the entire finance operating model. The emphasis on "Enterprise Finance Design" and "future-state" indicates a high level of strategic influence and responsibility for long-term architecture and process maturity.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Own and maintain the enterprise-wide finance operating model blueprint, ensuring continuous alignment with overarching business objectives and technology strategy.

• Lead comprehensive process redesign initiatives spanning financial planning, forecasting, reporting, and data management to significantly improve efficiency, consistency, and accuracy.

• Establish robust governance structures, including clear process standards, internal controls, and scalable frameworks, to uphold the integrity and quality of finance operations.

• Translate complex business requirements into actionable system capabilities, closely collaborating with IT Architecture and Global Finance teams to ensure seamless integration with enterprise systems like SAP/S4 and data platforms.

• Manage and guide a cross-functional team, including leads for Data, Automation, and Solution Architecture, to ensure the successful delivery of integrated, end-to-end finance solutions.

• Champion the adoption of standardized finance processes and scalable technology solutions across the entire finance organization to foster efficiency and reduce operational silos.

• Oversee and guide digital transformation initiatives, ensuring all efforts are strategically aligned with the long-term finance architecture and roadmap.

• Influence and partner with senior leadership, including the CFO, USFLT, IT Architecture, and Global Finance stakeholders, to shape strategic priorities and drive critical decision-making.

• Govern the overall transformation program, including meticulous budget tracking, resource allocation, and portfolio-level accountability to ensure successful project outcomes.

• Build, mentor, and develop a high-performing team of 3-5 technical leaders, fostering a culture of execution excellence within a complex, matrixed organizational structure.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a dual focus on strategic design and operational oversight. The role requires not only defining the "what" (the operating model, standards) but also managing the "how" (leading teams, influencing stakeholders, governing programs). The mention of "SAP/S4, data platforms" and "automation-ready" indicates a strong leaning towards modernizing finance tech stacks and leveraging data for strategic insights.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Engineering, Information Systems, or a closely related field. An MBA or other advanced degree is strongly preferred and would demonstrate a higher level of strategic business acumen.

Experience: 12–15+ years of progressive finance leadership experience, with a proven track record of managing complex financial operations and strategic initiatives.

Required Skills:

• Transformation Leadership: A minimum of 5 years of dedicated experience leading enterprise-wide transformation initiatives, including large-scale ERP implementations (e.g., SAP/S4) or significant finance operating model redesigns.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: Demonstrated ability to manage and lead teams across diverse departments, particularly Finance and IT, within complex, matrixed organizational structures.

• Finance Process Expertise: Deep understanding of core finance processes, including Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A), financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting, and data management.

• ERP System Knowledge: Strong practical knowledge of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems, with a preference for SAP/S4, including their architecture, implementation, and operational impact.

• Executive Communication & Influence: Exceptional executive presence and the ability to articulate complex financial strategies, process designs, and transformation roadmaps clearly and persuasively to senior leadership and board-level audiences.

• Governance & Risk Management: A strong focus on establishing and maintaining robust governance frameworks, internal controls, and risk mitigation strategies within finance operations.

• Strategic Thinking & Problem Solving: Proven ability to navigate ambiguity, translate high-level business strategy into scalable and actionable finance frameworks, and solve complex operational challenges.

Preferred Skills:

• SAP/S4 Architecture Certification: Possessing a formal certification in SAP/S4 architecture would be a significant advantage, indicating specialized expertise.

• Lean/Six Sigma Certification: Certification in Lean or Six Sigma methodologies demonstrates a commitment to process optimization, continuous improvement, and efficiency gains.

• Data Governance & Management: Experience establishing and implementing enterprise-level data governance policies, standards, and best practices.

• Automation Technologies: Familiarity with and experience in leveraging automation technologies (e.g., RPA, AI/ML in finance) to drive operational efficiency and process maturity.

• Solution Architecture Design: Experience in designing and architecting complex enterprise solutions that integrate various systems and processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The required experience level (12-15+ years) and specific transformation leadership experience (5+ years) clearly position this as a senior leadership role. The emphasis on SAP/S4, coupled with preferred Lean/Six Sigma and specific architecture certifications, points towards a candidate who can blend deep financial process understanding with technical system design and efficiency methodologies.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Finance Operating Model Design: Showcase examples of architected or significantly re-designed finance operating models, detailing the scope, key components, and business impact achieved.

• Process Transformation Case Studies: Present detailed case studies of end-to-end process redesign initiatives (e.g., planning, reporting, data) that led to measurable improvements in efficiency, consistency, or scalability.

• Governance Framework Implementation: Include documentation or descriptions of governance frameworks, standards, and controls established for finance processes, highlighting their effectiveness in ensuring quality and compliance.

• System Integration & Architecture: Provide examples of how business needs were translated into system capabilities, particularly concerning ERP systems (SAP/S4 preferred) and data platforms, demonstrating successful integration strategies.

• Cross-functional Team Leadership: Illustrate leadership of teams comprising technical and finance professionals, showcasing effective collaboration and delivery of integrated outcomes in a matrixed environment.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design & Optimization: Demonstrate the ability to design and document complex financial workflows and identify opportunities for optimization using modern technologies and methodologies.

• Implementation & Automation Methods: Showcase experience in implementing new processes, particularly those involving automation, and the methodologies used to ensure successful adoption and integration.

• Measurement & Performance Analysis: Provide examples of how financial processes were measured for performance, including the key metrics used, analytical techniques applied, and the resulting insights for continuous improvement.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Director-level role focused on design and governance, the portfolio should emphasize strategic thinking, large-scale project leadership, and measurable business impact. Case studies demonstrating successful transformation, governance implementation, and cross-functional team leadership are crucial. The ability to articulate complex processes and system integrations clearly will be key.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: The expected salary range for this position based on the primary location of South San Francisco, CA is $161,000 - $299,000 annually. Actual pay will be determined by factors including experience, qualifications, geographic location, and other job-related criteria.

Benefits:

• Relocation Benefits: Comprehensive relocation assistance is available for candidates who need to move to the South San Francisco area.

• Discretionary Annual Bonus: Eligibility for a discretionary annual bonus, contingent upon both individual performance and overall Company success.

• Comprehensive Health Benefits: Genentech offers a robust benefits package, detailed at <a href="https://roche.ehr.com/default.ashx?CLASSNAME=splash" target="_blank"><u>Benefits</u></a>, likely including medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage.

• Retirement Savings Plans: Typically includes 401(k) plans with company matching contributions.

• Paid Time Off: Generous vacation, sick leave, and holiday pay.

• Professional Development: Opportunities for continued learning, training, and career advancement.

Working Hours: The standard workweek is 40 hours. While the role is on-site, Genentech typically offers flexibility within the standard workday to accommodate personal needs where feasible, as long as operational demands and team collaboration are met.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided ($161,000 - $299,000) is a significant indicator of the seniority and strategic importance of this Director-level role. The mention of relocation benefits and a discretionary bonus further enhances the compensation package. The benefits link provided is crucial for candidates to explore the full scope of offerings. The note about "40 hours" is standard, but the implicit flexibility for on-site roles is a common perk.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Genentech operates within the Biotechnology and Pharmaceuticals sector, a highly innovative and regulated industry focused on discovering, developing, manufacturing, and commercializing medicines. This context implies a culture driven by scientific rigor, patient focus, and a commitment to long-term research and development. For operations roles, this means a strong emphasis on compliance, quality, data integrity, and strategic planning to support complex, long-lead-time product cycles.

Company Size: Genentech is a large, established organization, part of the Roche Group. This scale suggests a structured environment with established processes, but also opportunities for significant impact due to the breadth of operations. For operations professionals, this means navigating a complex organization, collaborating with numerous departments, and working with sophisticated enterprise systems.

Founded: Genentech was founded in 1976, making it a pioneer in the biotechnology industry. Its history is one of innovation and growth, which likely translates into a culture that values forward-thinking, continuous improvement, and adapting to new scientific and technological advancements.

Team Structure:

• Operations Team Size & Specialization: The Enterprise Finance Design team is described as small and high-performing (3-5 individuals), comprising specialized leads in Data, Automation, and Solution Architecture. This indicates a focused, expert team directing broader transformation efforts.

• Reporting Structure: The Director will likely report to a senior finance executive (e.g., VP of Finance, CFO) and will manage the specialist leads. This structure places the role at a strategic level, influencing broader finance and IT functions.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: The role necessitates extensive collaboration with IT Architecture, Global Finance teams, and potentially business unit leaders. This indicates a highly integrated approach where finance operations are not siloed but are a critical component of the overall enterprise strategy.

Methodology:

• Data Analysis & Insights: The role requires a strong emphasis on data governance and leveraging data platforms to inform strategic decisions and drive process improvements.

• Workflow Planning & Optimization: A core responsibility is the end-to-end redesign and optimization of finance workflows to enhance efficiency, scalability, and technology enablement.

• Automation & Efficiency Practices: The team leads focus on automation, indicating a strategic imperative to implement automation technologies to streamline processes and reduce manual effort across the finance function.

Company Website: <a href="https://careers.gene.com/us/en" target="_blank">https://careers.gene.com/us/en</a>

📝 Enhancement Note: Genentech's position as a leader in biotech means operational roles must align with rigorous scientific and regulatory standards. The "Enterprise Finance Design" aspect suggests a move towards a more modern, tech-enabled finance function, emphasizing data-driven decision-making and automation. The small, specialized team structure for this Director role implies a high degree of autonomy and strategic responsibility.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a Director-level position, signifying a senior leadership role responsible for architecting and governing the finance operating model. It's a strategic position with enterprise-wide impact, focusing on long-term vision, process maturity, and technology enablement rather than day-to-day transactional tasks. The scope includes defining standards, leading transformation, and influencing senior executives.

Reporting Structure: The Director will likely report to a senior finance executive, such as a VP of Finance or the CFO, and will manage a small team of specialized leads. This placement high within the finance organization provides direct access to executive decision-making and significant influence over strategic financial operations.

Operations Impact: The role's impact is substantial, aiming to enhance finance performance, ensure reporting integrity, and drive significant operational efficiencies through modernization and digital integration. By shaping the finance operating model, the Director directly influences the company's ability to make informed, data-driven decisions, manage financial resources effectively, and scale operations in line with business growth.

Growth Opportunities:

• Strategic Leadership Expansion: Potential to expand influence beyond finance into broader enterprise-wide operational or digital transformation initiatives.

• Technology Specialization: Deepen expertise in areas like SAP/S4 architecture, data platforms, and finance automation, becoming a recognized leader in these domains within the company.

• Executive Mentorship: Opportunities to be mentored by and collaborate closely with C-suite executives, enhancing visibility and strategic acumen for future leadership roles.

• Talent Development: Experience in building and leading a high-performing team, developing future leaders in finance operations and technology.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a clear path for career progression into higher-level strategic finance leadership or broader operational transformation roles. The focus on modernizing the finance function and leveraging technology provides opportunities to develop in-demand skills relevant to the future of finance operations.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The position is based in South San Francisco, CA, and is an on-site role. Genentech, as a large biopharmaceutical company, likely offers a modern, professional office environment designed to foster collaboration and innovation. This would include dedicated workspaces, meeting rooms, and common areas.

Office Location(s): The primary location is South San Francisco, California. This area is a hub for biotechnology and life sciences, offering a dynamic professional ecosystem. Accessibility via public transport and proximity to local amenities would be typical for such a location.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The workspace is expected to facilitate interaction with a dedicated team of specialists (Data, Automation, Solution Architecture) and frequent engagement with senior finance and IT leaders.

• Operations Tools & Technology: Access to Genentech's enterprise systems, including SAP/S4, data platforms, and relevant collaboration tools, will be essential for performing duties. The role itself is about defining and improving these systems.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities for regular team meetings, strategic planning sessions, and cross-functional workshops to drive the finance operating model forward.

Work Schedule: The role is designated as full-time with standard working hours. As an on-site position, adherence to a typical office schedule is expected, with flexibility potentially available within the workday to manage project timelines and operational demands effectively.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement in South San Francisco suggests a commitment to a physical presence within a major biotech hub, facilitating direct collaboration and access to company resources. The environment is likely professional, technologically advanced, and conducive to strategic work.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process: The interview process for a Director-level role at a company like Genentech is typically multi-stage and rigorous, focusing on strategic thinking, leadership capabilities, and technical/process expertise.

• Initial Screening: HR or a recruiter will conduct an initial screening to assess basic qualifications, experience alignment, and cultural fit.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A detailed discussion with the hiring manager (likely a senior finance executive) focusing on operational experience, leadership style, and strategic vision for the finance operating model.

• Team/Peer Interviews: Meetings with key stakeholders, including direct reports (Data, Automation, Solution Architecture leads), IT counterparts, and other finance leaders. This stage assesses collaboration skills, technical depth, and ability to influence peers.

• Case Study/Presentation: Candidates may be asked to prepare and present a strategic proposal or analyze a complex finance operations challenge, demonstrating their problem-solving skills, strategic thinking, and communication abilities. This would heavily involve portfolio elements.

• Executive Interview: A final interview with a senior executive (e.g., CFO) to evaluate strategic alignment, leadership potential, and overall fit for the organization.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Focus on Impact: Prioritize case studies that clearly demonstrate quantifiable business outcomes and ROI from process transformation and operating model design.

• Strategic Depth: Showcase your ability to think holistically about the finance function, linking operational improvements to broader business objectives and technology roadmaps.

• System Integration Examples: Clearly articulate how you have bridged the gap between business needs and IT solutions, particularly concerning ERP systems like SAP/S4.

• Governance & Standardization: Highlight your experience in establishing and enforcing standards and governance, demonstrating your commitment to quality and scalability.

• Leadership & Collaboration: Include examples of how you have led cross-functional teams, managed stakeholders at various levels, and fostered a collaborative environment.

Challenge Preparation:

• Operating Model Design: Be prepared to discuss your philosophy and approach to designing scalable, future-state finance operating models, including key considerations for FP&A, data governance, and automation.

• Process Transformation Scenarios: Anticipate scenarios requiring you to outline a strategy for transforming a specific finance process (e.g., forecasting, reporting) from its current state to a desired future state.

• Stakeholder Management: Prepare examples of how you have managed complex stakeholder relationships, resolved conflicts, and influenced decision-making among senior leaders.

• Technology Integration Strategy: Be ready to discuss how you would approach integrating new technologies (e.g., AI, advanced analytics) into an existing ERP landscape like SAP/S4.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is designed to test strategic leadership, consultative skills, and the ability to drive large-scale change. A strong portfolio showcasing past successes in finance transformation, operating model design, and system integration will be critical for success.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• SAP/S4: Deep understanding and experience with SAP S/4HANA is a critical requirement, likely involving its architecture, modules relevant to finance (FI/CO), and integration capabilities.

• ERP Systems: Broad knowledge of other major ERP systems beyond SAP would be beneficial, demonstrating adaptability and understanding of core ERP functionalities.

• Data Warehousing & BI Platforms: Experience with enterprise data warehousing solutions and Business Intelligence (BI) tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI, Qlik) for data governance and reporting.

• Automation Tools: Familiarity with Robotic Process Automation (RPA) tools (e.g., UiPath, Automation Anywhere) and potentially AI/ML platforms for finance process automation.

Analytics & Reporting:

• FP&A Software: Experience with specialized FP&A tools (e.g., Anaplan, Oracle EPM, SAP BPC) for planning, budgeting, and forecasting processes.

• Financial Reporting Tools: Proficiency in tools used for generating financial statements, management reports, and regulatory filings.

• Dashboarding Tools: Ability to design and interpret dashboards created in BI tools to monitor key finance performance indicators (KPIs).

CRM & Automation:

• CRM Systems (Indirectly): While not a direct CRM role, understanding how finance integrates with CRM data (e.g., Salesforce) for revenue forecasting and sales performance analysis is valuable.

• Workflow Automation: Experience with workflow management tools to design and automate financial processes.

• Integration Platforms: Knowledge of integration platforms (e.g., MuleSoft, Dell Boomi) used to connect disparate systems within the enterprise.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on SAP/S4 and enterprise systems integration is paramount. The role requires a leader who understands how to leverage these core technologies and integrate them with modern analytics, automation, and data governance frameworks to modernize the finance function.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Scientific Rigor & Accuracy: Reflecting Genentech's core industry, operations must be grounded in precision, data integrity, and adherence to strict quality standards.

• Innovation & Continuous Improvement: A drive to explore new technologies, methodologies, and process enhancements to stay at the forefront of finance operations and support scientific discovery.

• Collaboration & Partnership: A strong emphasis on working effectively across finance, IT, and business units to achieve shared goals and drive holistic solutions.

• Efficiency & Scalability: A commitment to designing and implementing processes and systems that are not only effective today but can scale to meet future business demands.

• Accountability & Ownership: Taking full responsibility for the design, governance, and impact of the finance operating model and transformation initiatives.

Collaboration Style:

• Consultative & Strategic: Engaging with stakeholders as a strategic partner, providing expert guidance on operating model design and transformation.

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Encouraging the use of data and analytics to inform decisions and measure the impact of process changes.

• Proactive Communication: Maintaining open and transparent communication channels with senior leadership, team members, and cross-functional partners.

• Process-Oriented Approach: Fostering a culture where process excellence and standardization are valued, leading to predictable and reliable outcomes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture at Genentech, deeply rooted in science and innovation, will likely translate into an operations environment that values precision, data integrity, and forward-thinking solutions. Collaboration across departments, especially with IT, will be key to successfully implementing the finance operating model.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Navigating Complex Systems: Integrating new designs and automation into a large, established ERP landscape like SAP/S4 can be complex and require careful planning and execution.

• Driving Change Management: Implementing enterprise-wide process transformations requires significant effort in change management, stakeholder alignment, and overcoming resistance to new ways of working.

• Balancing Standardization with Flexibility: Ensuring processes are standardized for efficiency while allowing for necessary business unit-specific adaptations requires a nuanced approach.

• Keeping Pace with Technology: The rapid evolution of finance technology (AI, advanced analytics) necessitates continuous learning and strategic adaptation of the operating model.

• Matrixed Environment: Effectively leading and influencing teams and stakeholders across different departments and reporting lines requires strong interpersonal and political navigation skills.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Deep SAP/S4 Expertise: Opportunity to become a recognized expert in SAP S/4HANA architecture and its application in finance transformation.

• Emerging Technology Adoption: Exposure to and leadership in implementing cutting-edge automation and analytics technologies within finance.

• Executive Leadership Development: Direct engagement with senior leadership provides invaluable experience in strategic decision-making and C-suite collaboration.

• Industry Best Practices: Staying abreast of and implementing best-in-class finance operating models and digital transformation strategies within the biopharmaceutical sector.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents significant challenges in terms of managing complex change and technology integration, but these challenges are directly tied to substantial growth opportunities in strategic leadership and specialized technology expertise within a leading biotech company.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your philosophy for designing a scalable, future-state finance operating model. What are the key components you would prioritize and why?" (Prepare to discuss FP&A, data governance, automation, reporting, and enterprise systems integration.)

• "Walk me through a complex enterprise-wide finance transformation initiative you led. What were the biggest challenges, how did you overcome them, and what was the measurable business impact?" (Focus on your portfolio case studies, emphasizing your role, methodology, and results.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "Based on your understanding of Genentech and the biopharmaceutical industry, what do you see as the biggest opportunities and challenges for our finance operating model?" (Research Genentech's strategic priorities, recent news, and industry trends.)

• "How do you foster a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement within a specialized technical team and across cross-functional partners?" (Prepare examples of your leadership style and team-building strategies.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your portfolio by project type (e.g., Operating Model Design, Process Transformation, System Integration) or by impact area (e.g., Efficiency Gains, Cost Reduction, Revenue Enablement).

• Storytelling: For each case study, clearly articulate the problem, your solution/approach, your specific role and contributions, the challenges encountered, and the quantifiable results achieved.

• Visuals: Use diagrams, flowcharts, and data visualizations where appropriate to illustrate complex processes, system architectures, and impact metrics.

• Conciseness: Be prepared to present key highlights efficiently, focusing on the strategic relevance and impact of your work. Anticipate questions for deeper dives.

• Company Alignment: Tailor your presentation to emphasize aspects most relevant to Genentech's industry, scale, and strategic goals (e.g., scientific rigor, innovation, scalability).

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on demonstrating strategic thinking, leadership in complex transformations, and a deep understanding of finance operations and enterprise systems. The portfolio is a critical tool for showcasing these capabilities, so practicing its presentation is key.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Enterprise Finance Design – Director position:

• Submit your application through the Genentech careers portal: <a href="https://careers.gene.com/us/en/job/202604-108484/Enterprise-Finance-Design-Director" target="_blank">Link to Application</a>.

• Portfolio Customization: Curate your professional portfolio to prominently feature projects demonstrating enterprise-wide finance operating model design, large-scale process transformation (especially in FP&A, reporting, or data governance), and successful ERP integration (SAP/S4 preferred). Highlight your strategic approach and quantifiable business impact.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly articulates 12-15+ years of progressive finance leadership experience, with a specific emphasis on 5+ years of leading enterprise transformation initiatives. Use keywords such as "Finance Operating Model," "Process Transformation," "ERP Architecture," "SAP/S4," "Governance," and "Cross-functional Leadership." Quantify achievements wherever possible.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your strategic vision for finance operations and your approach to leading complex transformations. Prepare detailed narratives for your portfolio case studies, focusing on problem, solution, your role, challenges, and measurable outcomes. Be ready to discuss your leadership style and how you foster collaboration.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research Genentech's mission, values, recent achievements, and strategic priorities within the biotechnology sector. Understand their commitment to innovation and how finance operations supports these goals. Familiarize yourself with their approach to technology and data.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.